Catalyst. Convener. Champion.
Chamber Connection
SA NTA M A RIA VA LLE Y CH A MB E R MO NTHLY NE WS LE T TE R | DECE MB E R 2020
To support shopping local this holiday season, the Chamber is holding a number of contests and giveaways to encourage the community to continue supporting our local businesses.
Holiday Cheer, #SantaMariaStyle: Chamber Encourages Shopping Local This Holiday Season The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is looking to make the holiday season a little brighter for both community members and local businesses through their shop local holiday campaigns. The Chamber is launching two contests for Santa Maria Valley residents to participate in. The first is a “Shop Local Selfie Contest”, where people can submit their selfies while out supporting local businesses for their chance to win weekly prize packages. People can enter the “Shop Local Selfie Contest” at santamaria.com/shop-local-win. Second, the Chamber is holding a “Shop
on Us!” receipt reimbursement opportunity. Residents of the Santa Maria Valley simply submit their receipts from local businesses they support during their holiday shopping for a chance to be reimbursed up to $200. Winners will be drawn the week of December 21st. Additional details, including how to submit your receipts, can be found at santamaria.com/shop-local-win. Both contests will run through December 21st. Winners for the Shop Local Selfie Contest will be selected weekly and will win exciting local prize packages. The winners will be announced on the Chamber's
facebook page and notified via phone or email. Winners of the "Shop on Us" receipt refund will be drawn on Facebook live the week of December 21st. Need ideas for where to find great local gifts? The Chamber has created a Shop Local Holiday Gift Guide, and will also be highlighting businesses from the guide on Facebook and Instagram throughout December. “We really encourage the community to support our local businesses when doing their holiday shopping,” explained Glenn Continued on p. 2
WHAT ' S INSIDE : DECEMBE R 2020 ISSUE
Chamber Encourages Shopping Local p. 2
Leadership Santa Maria Valley p. 3
Cal/OSHA New Requirements p. 9
Continued - Holiday Cheer, #SantaMariaStyle Continued from p.1
Local holiday events and activities, as well as local holiday gift ideas, can all be found at the Chamber's website www.santamaria.com. Morris, President/CEO of the Santa Maria Chamber. “Many of our local businesses have created new ways to engage with their customers, from direct online ordering to curb-side delivery, in order to provide safe and convenient options for shopping local. Supporting our local businesses not only helps those who have been hit hard by the pandemic this year, it also means we’re keeping money local to support our own community.” If you're looking for fun, festive holiday
activities, the Chamber has a page set up on their website highlighting different local holiday events you can enjoy. Information can be found at santamaria.com/holidayevents-and-activities. While the holidays look different this year, the Chamber hopes the community will continue to shop at our local businesses at a time where they need the support more than ever. Details on the “Shop Local Selfie Contest” and “Shop on Us!” campaigns, including
how to enter, can be found at santamaria. com/shop-local-win. For holiday gift ideas, check out the Chamber’s Holiday Gift Guide at santamaria.com/SMV-Holiday-GiftGuide. Be sure to follow the Chamber on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SMVCC) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/ santamariachamberofcommerce/ ) for contest updates and winner announcements.
Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter: Naomi Altergott Congratulations to Naomi Altergott, independent agent/associate for World Financial Group, who is our Ambassador of the Quarter for the 3rd Quarter of 2020! Here is a little about Naomi: "My name is Naomi Altergott. I am an independent agent/associate with World Financial Group. I am licensed in both CA & AZ, providing insurance and financial products that help protect and provide for a family’s financial goals. I am part of a campaign to educate 30 million families on financial literacy by the year 2030, by offering free financial literacy workshops. I am passionate about teaching people about how money works and how they can achieve financial independence by making small changes with how they spend or save their money. I believe that everyone should be able to have the opportunity to live a happy, healthy & wealthy lifestyle. I am also a SCORE Certified Mentor and volunteer. SCORE helps people who wish to start a new business or grow an existing business by providing free mentoring, tools, and workshops. SCORE exists to help our 2
business community grow and be successful. I love being a member of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and serving a as a member of the ambassador committee for the Chamber. I have been married to my husband Randy for 24 years. We enjoy living on the central coast. We have two puppies, Yodie & Mykonos. In my off time I enjoy playing golf, gardening & photography." Thank you Naomi for your commitment to helping our community by serving on our Ambassador Committee for the Chamber! If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador, you can learn more at santamaria.com/Chamber-AmbassadorCommittee, or by contacting Membership Manager Cara Martinez at (805) 925-2403 x 852 or cara@santamaria.com.
Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders Today: Leadership Santa Maria Valley Accepting Applications for 2021 Class Leadership Santa Maria Valley is currently accepting applications for the Class of 2021. This will be our 26th year serving our Community and preparing future Community Leaders! To date, we have over 400 graduates from our program which began in 1995. Interviews will be held in February and March with our Candidate Orientation and Kick-Off Retreat scheduled for March 2021. Why should you consider Leadership Santa Maria Valley? Are you looking for a way to get more involved in the community? Do you want to expand your circle of influence within the Santa Maria Valley? Would you like to be able to network/connect with the decision makers and key leaders in our area as well as further develop your leadership skills? Leadership Santa Maria Valley can give you these connections and more. “LSMV not only allowed me to expand my network and gain new friendships, but also increased my knowledge of the history and offerings of our generous community. I’ve been able to recognize my strengths and weaknesses, while further developing my skills to become a leader with a vision that inspires and motivates people to achieve personal and professional success”. Lacy Litten, Class of 2018, Innovative Produce LSMV is a 10-month leadership program designed to foster and create
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2020 poses for a group photo at their kick-off retreat least year. future community leaders. The program allows participants to increase their understanding of local issues, challenges, and solutions while expanding their personal and professional networks and refining their leadership skills. Each Class gives back to the community with their own unique Legacy Project. Founded in 1995, LSMV has over 400 graduates serving in a variety of leadership roles in the government, service and business sectors today.
Successful communities and businesses require strong leadership. If you are ready to be part of the solution and leadership of the community, please consider joining Leadership Santa Maria Valley. Applications for LSMV Class of 2021 are now available! Please contact Leadership Santa Maria Valley Program Director, Terri Oneschuck, at terrio@ santamaria.com or at 805.925.2403 x824 to request an application.
Grow Your Network: Chamber Now Accepting Applications for Various Committees Interested in building your professional network, buidling your leadership skills and getting involved in the community? The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce has openings available for 2021 on a number of their committees including the Chamber Ambassador Committee, Business & Government Roundtable, and Santa Maria Connect! Young professionals Group. Learn more and apply santamaria. c o m /c o m m i t t e e -i nt e r e s t-f o r m . Questions? Contact Glenn Morris, President/CEO at glenn@santamaria. com.
The Santa Maria Connect! Young Professionals Group is a great way for local young professionals to connect with other emerging leaders in the community.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | December 2020
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Working Hard on Your Behalf: Chamber Month in Review The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is here for business. We are a catalyst for business growth, convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger Santa Maria Valley. We continue to work hard to serve our members, local businesses and the Santa Maria Valley community. Here’s a glimpse at what we’ve been up to lately.
Catalyst for Business Growth • •
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The Chamber launched their “Shop Local & Win!” contests to encourage the community to support local businesses this holiday season. These include a shop local selfie contest and opportunity to get holiday shopping receipts reimbursed. The Chamber Ambassador Welcoming Committee continues to reach out to welcome new Chamber members to guide them in maximizing their member benefits, connect them with fellow member business and non-profit professionals while also demonstrating the best methods to remain engage with the Chamber. The Chamber launched their “Shop Local Holiday Gift Guide” as a resource for community members to find local businesses to support this holiday season. The Chamber's Shop Local & Win contests encourage community members to support local businesses.
Convener of Leaders and Influencers • • • • • •
The Visitors Bureau held their Tourism Development Partners meeting. Checked in with local tourism partners on how business is doing and how the Chamber and Visitors Bureau can assist during this challenging time. Santa Maria Connect Young Professionals held a webinar on Work-Life Balance, which included speakers on the importance of mental health and achieving worklife balance during a time that is stressful and challenging for many. The Chamber Ambassador Committee continues to meet monthly via zoom. Ambassadors serve as the public relations arm of the Chamber while also assisting the Chamber during virtual networking meetings and events. The Chamber continues to hold weekly Build Your Business (BYB) Networking events every Friday at 8:30am, where local professionals get a chance to network and trade leads and referrals. • The Chamber continued their FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Speaker Series with a presentation on Tips on Work in Today’s Virtual Environment. • The Chamber is now accepting applications for Leadership Santa Maria Valley class of 2021. The 2021 program will be a hybrid of in person and virtual events.
The Chamber continues its Build Your Business (BYB) weekly networking meetings via zoom.
Champion for a Stronger Santa Maria Valley • • • •
The Chamber helped local businesses celebrate Small Business Saturday by offering free promotional materials for the event. The Santa Maria City Council finalized the process to renew the Santa Maria Valley Tourism Marketing District with expanded boundaries that now include the City of Guadalupe and Orcutt Chamber Ambassador Naomi Altergott of World Financial Group, The Altergott Strategic Focus Team was announced Ambassador of the Quarter-Q3, 2020! The Chamber continues to offer discounts on required harassment prevention training and 2021 employment notices for businesses.
The Chamber helped businesses celebrate Small Business Saturday with free promotional materials. 4
HOW TO Choose in………..
T h e N ew Ye a r !
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Santa Maria Times Thursday, December 31
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Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | December 2020
Publish Date:
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Chamber Membership Corner Thank You Chamber Investor Program Sponsors:
New Members: September & October 2020 The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome these new members joining the Chamber. We appreciate their vote of confidence in our ability to add value to their business and to create a strong local economy together. We highly encourage individuals and businesses to support Chamber member businesses. Investor Level Innovative Produce 1615 West Main Street, Santa Maria (805) 349-2714 www.innovativeproduce.com Orkin Central Coast 2320 Thompson Way, Suite G, Santa Maria (805) 541-3455 www.orkin.com Veritas Innovative Pest & Termite Solutions 2520 Skyway Dr. Unit A, Santa Maria (805) 608-3847 www.vippestsolutions.com Member
American General Media Armando’s Autobody & Paint Inc. BBSI Babe Farms, Inc. Black Bear Diner - Santa Maria Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast CALM Cat Canyon Resources, LLC Certified Freight Logistics College and Career Readiness, Santa Barbara County Education Office Comcast Community Bank of Santa Maria Community Carpenters Diani Companies Family Care Network, Inc. Golden State Water Company Innovative Produce J. Wilkes Wines Jack's All American Plumbing Mega 97.1/La Buena Morris & Garritano Insurance Moxie Cafe New Life Painting/Bath & Kitchen/Restoration NKT Commercial I, LLC Orkin Central Coast PCPA - Pacific Conservatory Theatre Phillips 66 Pipeline LLC Phoenix Property Inspections/ Veritas Innovative Pest & Termite Solutions Plantel Nurseries Safran Cabin Santa Maria Safran Seats Santa Maria Santa Barbara Foundation Santa Maria Bonita School District Santa Maria Country Club Santa Maria Joint Union High School District SCORE San Luis Obispo SESLOC Federal Credit Union Smith’s Alarms & Electronics, Inc. SM Tire SunOpta Testa Catering Tileco Distributors, Inc. The Towbes Group, Inc. Trojan Petroleum, Inc. Urban Planning Concepts/ Rural Planning Services VTC Enterprises Walmart #2507 Wave Business Wells Fargo Bank Wine & Design Orcutt WSPA Xtreme Electronics The Y
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Azure Apartment Homes 703 E. Meehan Street, Santa Maria (805) 346-2001 www.liveatazure.com Cookies Retail (831) 206-6460 www.cookies.co
Cresco Labs 207 Orcutt Road, Orcutt (805) 755-9717 www.www.crescolabs.com FoodTrip (Opening Soon!) 230 E. Betteravia Road Unit F, Santa Maria (805) 361-0299 www.foodtripcentral.com Huf Floral (805) 249-3661 www.huffloral.com Outdoor Supply Hardware 1950 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 357-5020 www.outdoorsupplyhardware.com League of Women Voters 2252 Fallen Leaf Drive, Santa Maria my.lwv.org/California/Santa-maria-valley.com Tara's Mobile Footcare Santa Maria, CA (805) 264-5141 www.tarasfootcare.wixsite.com/1995
Member Upgrades: September & October 2020 The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce thanks the following companies for upgrading their membership by stepping up their commitment to our Chamber Investor Program and to the communities of the Santa Maria Valley. Director Level Laurus College 421 E. Betteravia, Suite 100, Santa Maria (805) 267-1690 www.lauruscollege.edu Investor Level Santa Barbara Foundation 2625 S. Miller St., Ste 101 (805) 346-6123 www.sbfoundation.org
Phoenix Property Inspections/Veritas Innovative Pest & Termite Solutions 2520 Skyway Dr. Unit A, Santa Maria (805) 314-7873 (Phoenix Property) (805) 608-3847 (Innovative Pest) www.phoenixpi.com www.vippestsolutions.com
Renewing Members: October 2020 The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to recognize these partners who strive each day to create jobs, boost our local economy and build a community of which we can all be proud. Thank you for your loyalty and continued support in renewing your commitment to the Chamber and to the communities of Santa Maria Valley. 71 Years: Tunnell Roofing Co., Inc. 54 Years: Kentucky Fried Chicken 48 Years: HUB International Insurance Services 40 Years: Elks Lodge #1538 Health Sanitation Service 37 Years: Workforce Resource Center 36 Years: Straw Hat Pizza 30 Years: Boomer's St. Joseph High School 29 Years: Next Day Signs 26 Years: Foxen Vineyard, Inc. 25 Years: Betty S Tibbs, MD Kiwanis Club Of S M - Noontimers Santa Maria Valley Historical Society and Museum 23 Years: Farm Credit West Laurel Labor Services Santa Barbara Foundation
22 Years: Ross Realty Santa Maria Swim Club 20 Years: David Alford, O.D. Pacific Coast Business Times, Inc. 18 Years: C J J Farming Central Coast Tennis Perry's Electric Motors & Controls 17 Years: Community Auto Group Edgewater Inn & Suites 16 Years: Santa Maria A's Model A Ford Club 15 Years: All American Screen Printing & Embroidery 14 Years: Central Coast Visionary Insurance & Financial Services LLC Hardy Diagnostics Knollwood Meadows Apartments 13 Years: Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Kevin's Computer Help 11 Years: Tailwinds Bicycle Club of Santa Maria 8 Years: Laurus College
7 Years: Santa Barbara County Labor Management (LMCC) SearchLight Properties University of La Verne Vernon Edwards Constructors 6 Years: Calstar/AirMedCare Network Jaime Flores Insurance Services, Inc. 5 Years: Hacienda Realty 4 Years: American Garage Door & Openers BBSI Old Town Quilt Shop Tartaglia Engineering Xtreme Backyards 3 Years: HomeBridge Financial Services Trader Joe's 2 Years: Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara County Operation WEBS OPWEBS Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau Xtreme Electronics 1 Year: Arrow Plumbing Drain & Repair Services College and Career Readiness, Santa Barbara County Education Office Crosby Investment Group Plantel Nurseries Premier Real Estate Group The Broadway Salon & Barber Shop
Add Your Name to the List...Join the Chamber Today! Join our growing organization of over 800+ local businesses! More information about the benefits of joining the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce can be found at santamaria.com. Or, contact Membership Manager Cara Martinez at (805) 925-2403 x 852 or cara@santamaria.com.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | December 2020
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CalSavers is open and ready to support employers and savers. Learn about your state mandated deadline. State law now requires all businesses with five or more employees to participate in CalSavers if they do not already offer a retirement savings plan from the private market. The registration deadline for employers with more than 100 employees passed on September 30, 2020 (extended from June 30, 2020). Eligible employers who have not yet registered should do so as soon as possible to avoid penalties. The deadline for employers with more than 50 employees is June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2022 for employers with five or more employees. Eligible employers can register any time before their deadline. For more information on the deadlines click here. The State of California created CalSavers to ensure all Californians can save for their futures with the ease of automatic payroll contributions and portability that allows them to keep saving as they move from job to job. Now more than ever, we see how vital it is for all individuals to have financial resiliency in the short- and long-term, and CalSavers was designed for that purpose. For more information on their flexibility during this difficult time, please visit www.calsavers.com/COVID. For employers, CalSavers will eliminate the three major concerns that some small business owners cite as reasons for not offering a retirement plan: fees, liability, and complex administration. Instead, CalSavers provides employers a program with: •
Zero fees for employers to facilitate.
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No employer fiduciary liability because CalSavers is not an employer sponsored plan.
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Simple facilitation. All employers have to do is maintain an employee roster, and deduct and remit contributions. There are no forms for employers to collect or distribute and employees manage their accounts directly with CalSavers.
A simple way to facilitate retirement savings for your employees, with no fees for your business.
For employees, CalSavers is a voluntary workplace Individual Retirement Account (IRA) program designed to be simple, low-fee, and portable from job to job. Employees will be automatically enrolled, but can choose to opt-out at any time. Eligible employers don’t have to wait for their deadline and can sign up at any time! Individuals who don’t work for a participating employer and self-employed entrepreneurs can sign up on their own. For more information, please visit CalSavers.com. To follow CalSavers’ progress follow them on Twitter @CalSavers, like them on Facebook, or connect with them on LinkedIn. 8
New CAL/OSHA Emergency COVID Regulations Sandra Dickerson, CEO, Your People Professionals Yesterday afternoon the Department of Industrial Relations issued an announcement of the adoption of cal/ OSHA’s emergency COVID regulations. The temporary standards apply to most workers in California not covered by Cal/OSHA’s Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard. Under the new regulations, employers must have a written COVID-19 Prevention Plan that addresses the following: • System for communicating information to employees about COVID-19 prevention procedures, testing, symptoms and illnesses, including a system for employees to report exposures without fear of retaliation. • Identification and evaluation of hazards – screening employees for symptoms, identifying workplace conditions and practices that could result in potential exposure. • Investigating and responding to cases in the workplace – responding immediately to potential exposures by following steps to determine who may have been exposed, providing notice within one business day about potential exposures, and offering testing to workers who may have been exposed. • Correcting COVID-19 hazards – including correcting unsafe conditions and work practices as well as providing effective training and instruction. • Physical distancing – implementing procedures to ensure workers stay at least six feet apart from other people if possible. • Face coverings – providing face coverings and ensuring they are worn. • Adopting site-specific strategies such as changes to the workplace and work schedules and providing personal protective equipment to reduce exposure to the virus. • Positive COVID-19 case and illness recording requirements and making the COVID-19 Prevention Plan accessible to employees and employee representatives. • Removal of COVID-19 exposed
New Cal/OSH Standards requie employes to have a written COVID-19 prevention plan. workers and COVID-19 positive workers from the workplace with measures to protect pay and benefits. • Criteria for employees to return to work after recovering from COVID-19. • Requirements for testing and notifying public health departments of workplace outbreaks (three or more cases in a workplace in a 14-day period) and major outbreaks (20 or more cases within a 30-day period). • Specific requirements for infection prevention in employer-provided housing and transportation to and from work. In addition, it includes a very controversial requirement to continue pay and benefits. It is expected there will be litigation over this, since it is not believed cal/OSHA has the authority to direct either of those.
It is important to review the release here: https://www.dir.ca.gov/ DIRNews/2020/2020-99.html. It contains links to FAQ’s, and most importantly, a model prevention program. Clients should initiate work right away to complete the program. Much of the information needed should have already been developed for your Reopening Plan, so copy that into the new WCPP plan. We have attached the model program for you. Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | December 2020
You will note the FAQ’s are completely silent about the pay and benefits requirement, so copied in below is the relevant section from the regulation. What is unclear so far is how this will be integrated with workers’ compensation temporary disability benefits. We will be watching for any guidance on that from carriers and others, since positive cases are already required to be reported to the carriers. Note, however, that would only apply to work related exposures, so FFCRA paid sick leave would be applied to employees with non work-related exposures and, if that has already been used or is not sufficient, this regulation indicates an obligation to continue pay and benefits for those employees. (10) Exclusion of COVID-19 cases. The purpose of this subsection is to limit transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace. Employers shall ensure that COVID-19 cases are excluded from the workplace until the return to work requirements of subsection (c)(11) are met. (B) Employers shall exclude employees with COVID-19 exposure from the workplace for 14 days after the last known COVID-19 exposure to a COVID-19 case. (C) For employees excluded from work under subsection (c)(10) and otherwise able and available to work, employers shall continue and maintain an employee’s earnings, seniority, and Continued on p. 10 9
Continued - New CAL/OSHA Emergency COVID Regulations
Chamber Board of Directors: 2020-2021
Continued from p.9 all other employee rights and benefits, including the employee's right to their former job status, as if the employee had not been removed from their job. Employers may use employer-provided employee sick leave benefits for this purpose and consider benefit payments from public sources in determining how to maintain earnings, rights and benefits, where permitted by law and when not covered by workers’ compensation. EXCEPTION 1: Subsection (c)(10)(C) does not apply to any period of time during which the employee is unable to work for reasons other than protecting persons at the workplace from possible COVID-19 transmission. EXCEPTION 2: Subsection (c)(10) (C) does not apply where the employer demonstrates that the COVID-19 exposure is not work related. (D) Subsection (c)(10) does not limit any other applicable law, employer policy, or collective bargaining agreement that provides for greater protections. (E) At the time of exclusion, the employer shall provide the employee the information on benefits described in subsections (c)(5)(B) and (c)(10)(C). EXCEPTION to subsection (c)(10):
Employees who have not been excluded or isolated by the local health department need not be excluded by the employer, if they are temporarily reassigned to work where they do not have contact with other persons until the return to work requirements of subsection (c)(11) are met. I have refrained from editorial comments in all of the Updates prepared this year, but I will divert from that this time to note that I realize how frustrating it is for cal/OSHA to just now issue this “emergency” regulation. Cal/OSHA has been significantly silent during most of this year, other than to provide some initial guidance for COVID. So to issue this with virtually no notice to employers, require businesses to stop and develop a whole new program is really unconscionable, and retain what they know are sections that are controversial and likely to be challenged is very disturbing, particularly since so much of this has already been directed by the state Health Department and/or county reopening plans. However, they have stated they are in the midst of hiring a lot of new staff, with the intent to increase workplace inspections, so it is important to pay attention to this and work on our program.
Join us for the State of Santa Barbara County & Other Upcoming Chamber Events
Executive Committee Chairman: Edgar Gascon, Hacienda Realty Chairman-Elect: Danny Deveraux, CalPortland Vice Chairman: Janet Silveria, Community Bank of Santa Maria Vice Chairman: Laurie Tamura, Urban Planning Concepts Past Chairman: Jean-Luc Garon, Radisson Hotel Santa Maria Board Members Mark Allen, Marian Regional Medical Center Ron Cossa, Tolman & Wiker Insurance Sandra Dickerson, Your People Professionals Donna Farrell, Santa Maria Town Center Karen Fothergill, Andre, Morris & Buttry Doug Janzen, The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center Emily Kitts, Naughty Oak Brewing Company David LeRoy, Toyota of Santa Maria Butch Lopez, V Lopez Jr. & Sons General Engineering Contractors David Merlo, Glenn Burdette Tere Paredes, Maya Restaurant Era Polly, Era Polly Real Estate Shannon Seifert, Santa Maria Valley YMCA Michelle Shipman, Searchlight Properties Kevin Walthers, Allan Hancock College Tim Williams, Digital West
Upcoming Events: •
December 10th at 1:00 p.m.: Tri County Chamber Alliance Annual Meeting (A look ahead at 2021 and what businesses can expect as a result of the 2020 elections)
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December 11th at 9:00 a.m: State of the County - Santa Barbara
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December 16th at 5:30 Chamber Regional Mixer
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Every Friday at 8:30 a.m: Build Your Business (BYB) Networking Event Learn more and register at santamaria.com/events.
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p.m.:
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger Santa Maria Valley. Learn more about the Chamber by visiting www.santamaria.com.
Governor Newsom Announces Assistance for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 SACRAMENTO – As the federal that 44% of small businesses are at risk government fails to provide additional of shutting down. Data released through financial stimulus support to main street the Census Current Population Survey businesses, Governor Gavin Newsom today found that minority-owned businesses are announced that California will provide disproportionately impacted: the number temporary tax relief for eligible businesses of active businesses owned by Africanimpacted by COVID-19 restrictions. The Americans dropped by 41%, Latinx by 32%, temporary tax relief entails an automatic Asians by 25%, and immigrants by 36%. three-month income tax extension for “California’s small businesses continue taxpayers filing less than $1 million to struggle as a result of COVID-19, and in sales tax, extends the availability of this latest round of action at the state level existing interest and penalty-free payment will help bridge the financial gaps that are agreements to companies with up to $5 vexing our state’s mom-and-pop business million in taxable sales and provides owners and nonprofits while we wait for expanded interest free payment options for congressional action, and as we prepare for larger businesses particularly affected by additional legislative action at the start of significant restrictions on operations based the year,” said Senate President pro Tempore on COVID-19 transmissions. The total tax Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego). “From relief, if fully utilized, is estimated to have widening access to grants, low-interest billions in impact. loans, and tax deferrals, to modifying fees The state would build on its ongoing incurred by restaurants and bars, these are support for businesses impacted by critical supports for the small businesses COVID-19 by providing immediate, and services that keep our communities temporary tax relief potentially worth going. Now, we need our federal partners to billions and a new $500 million COVID do their part and pass a federal stimulus so Relief Grant program. The Governor also these businesses and nonprofits can survive announced that the state would expand 2020 and the year to come.” the California Rebuilding Fund by $12.5 “While we wait for Congress and the million, bringing the total investment to White House to approve an economic relief $37.5 million. These efforts are informed by package that responds to the current surge, recommendations made by the Governor's California has a chance to help nonprofits, Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery. small businesses, and communities now,” “California’s small businesses embody said Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon the best of the California Dream and we (D-Lakewood). “I thank the Governor and can’t let this pandemic take that away,” the Senate for their partnership.” said Governor Newsom. “We have to lead Today’s announcements build on the with health to reopen our economy safely state’s ongoing business support throughout and sustainably while doing all we can to the pandemic, including the Main Street keep our small businesses afloat. With this Hiring Tax Credit, which authorizes $100 financial assistance and tax relief, California million in hiring tax credit for qualified is stepping up where the federal government small businesses. The credit is equal to isn’t. By providing potentially billions in $1,000 per qualified employee, up to immediate relief and support, our small $100,000 for each small business employer. businesses can weather the next month as we The application opens tomorrow, December continue partnering with the Legislature to 1. A full list of existing state support for secure additional funding and investments businesses can be found here. in small businesses in the new year.” Building on the state’s ongoing support Small businesses are drivers of economic throughout the pandemic, which can be growth – creating two-thirds of new jobs and found here, the Governor announced the employing nearly half of all private sector following immediate support and relief: employees. California is home to 4.1 million small businesses, representing 99.8 percent Tax Relief for Businesses Impacted by of all businesses in the state and employing COVID-19 7.2 million workers in California, or 48.5 In April 2020, the Governor, through percent of the state’s total workforce. Executive Order, allowed taxpayers to apply The COVID-19 pandemic has presented for penalty and interest relief for 90 days a significant challenge to small businesses, for any taxpayer reporting less than $1 employers and employees. An August million in sales on their tax return. Through Small Business Majority survey data found November 22nd, some 9,287 plans with Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | December 2020
almost $149 million in tax relief have taken advantage of this program. The Governor will direct the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to do the following: Provide an automatic three-month extension for taxpayers filing less than $1 million in sales tax on the return and extend the availability existing interest and penalty free payment agreements to companies (with up to $5 million in taxable sales) Broaden opportunities for more businesses to enter into interest-free payment arrangements. Expand interest-free payment options for larger businesses particularly affected by significant restrictions on operations based on COVID-19 transmissions. $500 Million for New COVID Relief Grant for Small Business The Governor announced the creation of a $500 million COVID Relief Grant administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development for small businesses that have been impacted by COVID and the health and safety restrictions. Funds would be awarded to selected intermediaries with established networks of Community Development Financial Institutions to distribute relief through grants of up to $25,000 to underserved micro and small businesses throughout the state by early 2021. Non-profits would also be eligible for these grants. CalOSBA is establishing the program and will make it available to small businesses as soon as possible - for updates on availability visit here. Increase Funding for the California Rebuilding Fund by $12.5 million. Last week, the Governor announced the opening of the California Rebuilding Fund which makes available $25 million to help impacted small businesses rebuild from the economic crisis and keep local economies strong. This program is built to be a resource in the market for the next year as businesses pivot and recover. An increase of $12.5 million would allow the Fund to be fully capitalized. The additional funding will help the 3rd party administrator of the fund raise $125 million to make more low-interest loans to small businesses with less access to loans from traditional banking institutions. 11
Stay Connected with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber Visit: 614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria Call: (805) 925-2403 Email: info@santamaria.com
614 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454
Website: santamaria.com Facebook: facebook.com/SMVCC Twitter: twitter.com/SMVCC Instagram: santamariachamberofcommerce Email List: bit.ly/SMVCCMailingList Text Message Alerts: Text "CHAMBER" to 33222 Chamber Connection is the official monthly publication of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. For questions about this publication or to be added to our monthly mailing distribution list, email molly@santamaria.com.
Chamber offering 20% Discount on Required California Harassment Prevention Training California employers with five or more employees must provide harassment prevention training to all employees by January 1, 2021. That’s two hours of training to California supervisors, and one hour of training to nonsupervisory employees in California. Training must take place within six months of hire or promotion and every two years thereafter. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with CalChamber and offer our local businesses a 20% discount on harassment prevention training for employees and supervisors. Details available at bit.ly/ HarassmentPreventionTrainingSMVCC. We encourage all businesses who have not yet done harassment prevention training to take advantage of this expert training before the January 1st deadline.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau 614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria | (805) 925-2403 | santamaria.com | info@santamaria.com 12
