Chamber Connection - April 2024

CHAMBER CONNECTION

THE VITAL ROLE OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY’S LODGING INDUSTRY: A BEACON OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND COMMUNITY VITALITY

In the heart of Santa Maria Valley, the lodging industry exists as a symbol of economic resilience and community vitality. The hospitality industry, with its multifaceted contributions, has proven to be a significant contributor to the community’s economic well-being.

Recently, the Avanti Hotel (formally Laura Lodge) has begun a full transformation, and serves as a testament to the industry’s resilience and commitment to progress. This renovation not only revitalizes physical spaces but also rejuvenates the spirit of hospitality; ensuring guests experience comfort and satisfaction. Such endeavors underscore the industry’s dedication to excellence, setting the stage for elevated guest experiences and heightened economic impact.

Looking ahead, the imminent renovations at the Holiday

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SANTA MARIA VALLEY CHAMBER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

CHAMBER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee

Chairman: Paul Cook, CoastHills Credit Union

Chairman-Elect: Emily Kitts, Naughty Oak Brewing Company

Vice Chairman: Shannon Seifert, Santa Maria Valley YMCA

Vice Chairman: Dominick Barry, Quintron Systems, Inc.

Past Chairman: Sandra Dickerson, Your People Professionals

Board Members

Sue Andersen, Marian Regional Medical Center

Michael Boyer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast

Jeff Buckingham, Astound Business Solutions Powered by Digital West

Donna Denham, Santa Maria Country Club

Kelsi Fitzgerald, Veritas Innovative Pest & Termite Solutions

Karen Fothergill, Andre, Morris & Buttery

Antonio Garcia, Santa Maria Joint High School District

Gina Gluyas, Realtor, Better Homes And Gardens Real Estate Haven Properties

David Leroy, Toyota Of Santa Maria

David Merlo, Glenn Burdette

Tere Paredes, Maya Restaurant

Joshua Sahagun, Luttrell Staffing Group

Ryan Swack, Best Western Big America

Laurie Tamura, Urban Planning Concepts

Kevin G. Walthers, Allan Hancock College

Interested in Chamber volunteer leadership opportunities? Contact Molly Schiff, Director of Member & Community Engagement, at molly@santamaria.com to learn more about open positions on our committees.

CONTINUED - SANTA MARIA VALLEY’S LODGING INDUSTRY

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Inn and Radisson Hotel herald a new era of service excellence. These plans not only exemplify the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement but also signal Santa Maria Valley’s unwavering dedication to providing top-notch accommodations for visitors and locals alike. Through these efforts, the lodging industry reaffirms its role as a catalyst for economic growth and community development. However, the significance of the lodging industry extends beyond its aesthetic appeal and economic potential. It serves as an essential asset in the local economy, generating vital revenue streams through transient occupancy taxes. These funds, collected by the city and routed into the general fund, play a crucial role in financing essential services such as road repairs, public safety initiatives, and infrastructure development. The relationship between the lodging industry and city and county offices underscores the industry’s pivotal role in driving community growth and prosperity.

The community has also seen an uptick in developers interested in building additional lodging properties in Santa Maria Valley. This is a testament to the strength, affordability, and attractiveness the community exudes to those outside the community. New development bring quality jobs along with additional tax revenue to the city. A win-win for the community as a

As we stand on the cusp of summer, with families eagerly embarking on journeys near and far, it is imperative to underscore the importance of supporting our local hotels. Amidst the allure of exotic destinations and distant adventures, let us not overlook the unparalleled hospitality and warmth offered by our own backyard. Encouraging family and friends to patronize local hotels not only fosters economic vitality but also fosters a sense of community pride and solidarity. Scan to read the complete article.

KEEP UP WITH OUR OTHER RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Take a look at some of our other recent Chamber publications including our new Local Business Spotlight and editorials.

Business, #SantaMariaStyle is the Chamber’s quarterly digital magazine publication. The magazine is another way we highlight local businesses, share tips from local experts, celebrate our members and more!

Check out our Winter 2023 edition discussing the Santa Maria Valley Chamber’s committees and ways to get involved. This issue also includes our 2024 Visitor Guide!

Scan to read the new Winter 2023 Magazine and 2024 Visitor Guide.

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: IDLER’S HOME

Each month the Santa Maria Valley Chamber partners with the Santa Maria Times to showcase a local business in the Santa Maria Valley through the “Local Business Spotlight Series”.

CHECK OUT OUR MOST RECENT SHOWCASE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IDLER’S HOME OF SANTA MARIA! For more information, please reach out to Nathan Tausch, Marketing Coordinator via email at nathan@santamaria.com

Scan to view this month’s spotlight.

Pictured: Vice President of Idler’s Homes, Bryan Idler, recently joined us for our Local Business Spotlight series with the Santa Maria Times. Bryan spoke to the value of community and a trusted tradition of trusted customer service

On a rainy Friday, a LSMV class of 2023-2024 met to discover some of the facilities offering health and human services in the Santa Maria Valley. Traversing across the city, the group discovered layers of services available to our local area, many focusing on inviduals experiencing mental illness, all aimed at improving the lives of Santa Maria residents in need.

To begin, the group headed to Marian Medical Center, where they enjoyed breakfast sponsored by Dignity Health and met with Dr. Dave Ketelaar to learn about challenges faced by those needing longer term mental health care.

LEADERSHIP SANTA MARIA VALLEY MEETS WITH HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Crystal Davis, an RN with Marian, introduced the group to SOAR, a standardized orientation and residency program which she created after realizing that there was no program to help bridge the gap between school and residency. SOAR, which originated in Santa Maria, is now used as a nationwide training model. The group was then able to fully tour Mission Hope Cancer Center and learn about the services offered to local cancer patients.

The focus on human services continued at The Residences at Depot Street and met with Maria Ayala, the Lead Resident Services Specialist at Department for Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara. Ayala shared her personal experience with the department and spoke about their high-demand services to low-income residents. The group was able to view the only vacant unit in the building.

Pictured above: Leadership Santa Maria Valley class learning about health and human services while getting in touch with nature.

The next destination was A.T. Still University, where the group ate lunch from Tortilleria Mexico, and learned about leadership from Chief of Santa Maria Police Marc Schneider. Following this, the group met with Dr. Eric Sauers, the dean for CHC at A.T. Still University. A.T. Still University focuses on training Physician Assistants who will graduate and work locally at CHC facilities. The group then traveled to Growing Grounds Farms for a tour with Sterling Snow. Growing Grounds Enterprises is an organization ran by Transitions Mental Health and provides horticultural therapy and vocational training

to individuals with mental illness through employment and a supportive environment.

The last stop was La Casa de Flores, a home for veterans experiencing homelessness run by Band of Brothers. Founder Steve Baird shared his inspiring personal story, gave a tour of the beautiful home, and left everyone feeling inspired and humbled. Band of Brothers helps veterans renew the close bonds with others who have served our country and gives them the support they need in their transition to lives as civilians. Health and Human Services day was an excellent opportunity for LSMV members to explore a wide array of organizations focused on helping residents of Santa Maria. The class found new insight into the services needed by their community, and met amazing people working hard to meet these needs.

CHAMBER IN ACTION

1. The Santa Maria Valley is proud to be a part of the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.). At their recent annual conference, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber’s Teacher Tours Program was recognized with an outstanding program award.

2. Local high school teachers learn more about jobs in pet medicine from PETS Hospital during a recent Teacher Tour. Teacher Tours is a program the Chamber does in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Education office to connect local teachers with local employers

3. CEO Glenn Morris (left) and Military Affairs Chair Jim Bray (right) at the Vandenberg Space Force Base Annual Awards.

4. Some unexpected visitors horsing around the Chamber!

Here’s a look at what our Chamber & our member businesses have been up to recently. 5 1 3 4 6 2 APRIL 2024 5

5. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is a proud member of the Tri-County Chamber Alliance. The Alliance recently held their annual update with presenters California State Assembly member Jacqui Irwin, District 42 (Thousand Oaks) and Chris Collier, Founder/President of Rincon Strategies.

6. Local high school teachers learn about training and jobs available in the healthcare industry during a tour and discussion at A.T. Still University. You can learn more about Teacher Tours and the Chamber’s other workforce development programming at www.santamaria.com/ education-workforce/.

GROWING MEMBERSHIP: CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

As champions for a stronger Santa Maria Valley, the Chamber welcomes more businesses/ organizations to our growing organization. Please join us in welcoming the following new Chamber members, who joined in the months of January and February 2024!

Corporate: Root One - Guadalupe (805) 439-1496 www.slocalroots.com

SLO CAL Roots - San Luis Obispo (805) 439-1496 www.slocalroots.com

SLO CAL Roots - Grover Beach (805) 439-1496 www.slocalroots.com

Premium:

Dan Williams Floor Covering (805) 714-2886 www.integrityrestorations805.com

Premium:

Huckleberry’s Breakfast and Lunch

- Atascadero (805) 250-8190 www.huckleberrys.com

Huckleberry’s Breakfast and Lunch

- Santa Maria (805) 250-4116 www.huckleberrys.com

Integrity Restorations and Floor Coverings (805) 354-0005 www.integrityrestorations805.com

ProTac Security (805) 938-9100 www.protacsecurity.com

Member: Colors Lath and Plastering, LLC (805) 714-1382 https://www.facebook.com/ colorslathandplastering

Full Draw Strategies, LLC (805) 801-7032 www.fulldrawstrategies.com

How has being a Chamber member supported the growth of your business? Let us know by emailing romina@santamaria.com.

Member: K-Rimes, LLC (805) 886-4505 https://www.facebook.com/ tepeandtacos/

Luisa’s Tax Pro Accounting (805) 345-9640

Orcutt Ice Cream Kitchen (516) 297-3202 www.orcutticecreamkitchen.com

Spotless Janitorial (805) 503-3272

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church/ Iglesia Episcopal De San Pedro (805) 922-3575 www.stpeterssm.org

Join the Chamber today by contacting Membership Manager, Cara Martinez at (805) 925-2403 ext. 852 or email cara@santamaria.com.

CHAMBER MEMBER TESTIMONIAL

“The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has been a game-changer... Being a Chamber member is more than just self-promotion. It’s about giving back to our community via leadership, building a successful business network, and contributing to Santa Maria’s journey. If you want increased visibility, community impact, and credibility, make the investment to join the Chamber as I have and hundreds of other businesses and organizations have!”

-Vanessa Grossman, Owner of That One Photobooth & Vanessa Rae Media

CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESS: CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTINGS

These Chamber member businesses recently celebrated joining the Chamber or a major business milestone with a ribbon cutting. Join us in congratulating them!

Huckleberry’s Breakfast and LunchSanta Maria

335 Betteravia Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 250-4116 www.huckleberrys.com

Guadalupe Social Club

945 Guadalupe St, Guadalupe, CA 93434 (805) 356-6018 www.guadalupesocialclub.com

WE LOVE CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS!

If you are a new member or celebrating a business milestone (anniversary, grand opening, etc.), let us know and schedule a ribbon cutting by emailing patricia@santamaria.com.