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 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-Gift- Guide.

Be sure to follow the Chamber on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SMVCC) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/ santamariachamberofcommerce/ ) for contest updates and winner announcements.