Chamber Connection February 2023

DEMYSTIFYING THE EDC

SBA. SBDC. EDC. SMVCC. It is easy to get lost in all the wonderful abbreviations that are at the forefront and peripheries in the business, economic, and goverment world. For many, the first thing that comes to mind with the abbreviated 'EDC' isn't necessarily business related, but nevertheless, the Economic Development Collaborative, 'EDC,' is here for just that.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE:

• BUSINESS MODEL PIVOT

• START-UP ASSISTANCE

• STRATEGIC PLANNING

• MARKETING & BRANDING

• E-COMMERCE & SOCIAL MEDIA

• LEGAL COMPLIANCE

• HUMAN RESOURCES

• OPERATIONAL ASSISTANCE

• INTERNATIONAL TRADE

• MANUFACTURING ASSISTANCE

Assistance is available in English & Spanish. Set up a virtual intake appointment at www. calendly.com/edc-sbdc

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to work closely with the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to provide Santa Barbara County business owners and entrepreneurs with resources and advice to succeed in an ever-changing and competitive marketplace. Continuedonp.2

SANTA MARIA VALLEY CHAMBER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2023 Catalyst. Convener. Champion.

LSMV: Exploring Santa Maria Valley's Government p. 3 Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter p. 4 Month in Review p. 5

2022-2023

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN: SANDRA DICKERSON, YOUR PEOPLE PROFESSIONALS

CHAIRMAN-ELECT: PAUL COOK, COAST HILLS CREDIT UNION

VICE CHAIRMAN: SHANNON SEIFERT, SANTA MARIA VALLEY YMCA

VICE CHAIRMAN: LAURIE TAMURA, URBAN PLANNING CONCEPTS

PAST CHAIRMAN: DANNY DEVERAUX, CALPORTLAND

BOARD MEMBERS

SUE ANDERSEN, PRESIDENT AND CEO, MARIAN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

DOMINICK BARRY, QUINTRON SYSTEMS, INC.

MICHAEL BOYER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MID CENTRAL COAST

RON COSSA, TOLMAN & WIKER INSURANCE

DONNA DENHAM, SANTA MARIA COUNTRY CLUB

KAREN FOTHERGILL, ANDRE, MORRIS & BUTTERY

GINA GLUYAS, REALTOR, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE HAVEN PROPERTIES

EMILY KITTS, NAUGHTY OAK BREWING COMPANY

DAVID LEROY, TOYOTA OF SANTA MARIA

DAVID MERLO, GLENN BURDETTE

LUKE ONTIVEROS, SANTA MARIA BONITA SCHOOL DISTRICT

TERE PAREDES, MAYA RESTAURANT

ERA POLLY, ERA POLLY REAL ESTATE

MAX TUCKER, BEST WESTERN PLUS BIG AMERICA

KEVIN G. WALTHERS, PH.D., SUPERINTENDENT/PRESIDENT, ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE

TIM WILLIAMS, DIGITAL WEST

DEMYSTIFYING THE EDC

Continuedfromp.1

The EDC hosts the Small Business Development Center and is partially funded through an mutual agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with additional grant funds from the Governor's Office of Economic Development. Since its inception in 1996, the EDC has been an essential resource, providing businesses, community partners and local leaders with resources at no cost--in an effort to boost economic vitality in the region.

In the Santa Maria Valley, David Hernandez, Hispanic Business Representative for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber also doubles as our local EDC representative. David is available to assist any business, whether or not they are a part of the Chamber, in getting them connected to the resources necessary in order for their business to succeed. This joint position was initially began on a trial-basis, but the Santa Maria Valley Chamber is excited to announce that the partnership between the Chamber and the EDC has been so impactful, that the partnership will continue through the joint collaboration inherent in David Hernandez's role.

The Economic Development Collaborative also works closely with other organizations locally and regionally such as:

• Score, a national non-profit that seeks to support small business communities through mentoring and

education opportunities. The local chapter is based in San Luis Obispo (SLO).

• Women's Economic Ventures (WEV), a 501(c)3 that serves Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Their focus is womenled entrepreunership and economic ventures, along with diversity and inclusion.

• REACH, a central coast based non-profit organization with a focus on regional prosperity, spearheaded by a variety of private sector stakeholders.

That's just the tip of the iceberg. If you are looking for a business resource, chances are the EDC or the Santa Maria Valley Chamber can point you in the right direction.

David Hernandez, HispanicBusinessRepresentative/ EDCRepresentativecanbereachedat david@santamaria.com

SANTA MARIA VALLEY CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LEADERSHIP SANTA MARIA VALLEY: EXPLORING

SANTA MARIA VALLEY’S GOVERNMENT

Leadership Speaker, Cary Gray, President and CEO of Profiles International, Inc.spoke to the group about different Team Styles as well as handling different Management approach.

At the end of our day, we heard from the cities’ Economic Development Director, Suzanne Singh as well as newly elected city council member, Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez. Suzanne spoke about our cities’ limited land growth and the difficulty to do business in this state. Suzanne also mentioned that we need higher-paying employment along with housing that she’d mention the chamber is working on. Maribel ended the day stating that we need younger advocates in our city. We need our younger population to start getting involved if we want our city to make improvements. When asked about voting, Maribel mentioned that voting matters no matter how small the election can be. “If they didn’t vote for me, and least they voted which is what matters.”

Leadership Santa Maria Valley had the opportunity to meet various officials who make up the greatest influence on our communities’ government. Committee organizers included: Nancy Crawford (CEO, CareConnect), Roberto Rodriguez (COO, Boys & Girls Club of the Mid Central Coast), Joyce Melena (Corporate Trainer, Community Health Centers), along with advisors Michael Nash, and Hugh Rafferty. The goal was to not only learn about our local government, but to break down how government decisions are made.

The day began with an illuminating City Hall Tour with Mark Van De Kamp, Public Information Manager with the city. The tour consisted of capturing the beautiful history of the building while getting an in-depth review of our Santa Maria Valley heritage. The palm trees aligned outside the hall measurably outlines that of where the original Carnegie Library stood. Mark emphasized the importance of the building, noting that “thousands of decisions get made” [right in this hall].

We then heard from Chuen Ng, Director of Community Development. Mr. Ng spoke to the group about the city’s population growth, and the current plans to plan for the future. The city of Santa Maria is expected to grow an estimated 30 to 35 thousand in the next 20 years, and we discussed the infrastructure of this potential growth. Steve Lavagino, 5th District Supervisor, came in afterwards and discussed government and how his role plays into city decisions. Mr. Lavagino presented the class with his ideas and propositions on how the city of Santa Maria can thrive more vividly.

City Manager, Jason Stilwell along with Principle Planner, Laurie Tamura came in and discussed the City of Santa Maria’s development in a much in-depth prospective.

Laurie addressed the population growth and how there are so many factors besides just building housing on a plot of land. Factors like employer growth, thoughts of more schools, should we expand east/west, should we expand up?

Laurie also mentioned that she hopes for more representation and input from the Hispanic community in regards to our city planning than in years past. As the Hispanic community makes up about 78% of our cities’ population, more input to city planning would be beneficial.

The planning committee would like to give a final thank you to the following: Hugh Rafferty, and Michael Nash for being excellent advisors; CareConnect for providing breakfast and printing numerous paper copies for our Agendas; Community Health Centers for sponsoring lunch from local business, The Homestead; The Paz Family for donating Wine; and special shout out to the various officials who came out to speak to our class.

Contributedby:JoyceMelena, CCMA-C CorporateTraineratCommunityHealth Centers of the Central Coast, Inc.

LSMVClassof2023infrontofthe“MotherandSon”, byinternationallyknownsculptor,Clement Renzi,installedinfrontofCityHallonAugust10,1985.

HughRaffertyandCaryGraydiscussingdifferentManagementStyles.

CHAMBER AMBASSADOR OF THE QUARTER (Q4 2022): NAOMI ALTERGOTT

The Chamber is pleased to announce that Naomi Altergott of World Financial Group/Altergott Strategic Focus Team has been recognized as the Q4 2022 Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter.

Naomi is an independent agent/associate with World Financial Group, licensed in both California and Arizona, providing insurance and financial products that help families meet their finacial goals and ensure protection in the future.

Naomi is active in giving back to the community, and is currently part of an initiative to educate 30 million families on financial literacy by the year 2030, through offering and leading free financial literacy workshops. She is 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. She believes that everyone should be able to have the opportunity to live a happy, healthy & wealthy lifestyle.

She is also a SCORE Certified Mentor and volunteer. SCORE is a non-profit that helps people who wish to start a new business or grow an existing business by providing free mentoring, tools, and workshops.

CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESS: JANUARY 2022 RIBBON CUTTINGS

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is a champion for our local business community. We are thankful for the support from our local businesses, and excited to celebrate new members and major business milestones with the following local businesses in January.

Alchepharma Naturals

1140 E. Clark Ave #120

Santa Maria CA 93454 (805) 938-5657

alchepharma.com

Alchepharma Naturals is a local purveyor of high-quality supplements vetted by thirdparty testing. They also function as a healthfood store, and offer natural beauty products.

Farmers Insurance |

Agency 1140 E. Clark Ave #120B Santa Maria CA 93455 (805) 354-4435

herrerainsurance.net

Herrera Insurance Agency group has been offering insurance services for over 7 years throughout California.

Herrera

Chief Ambassador, Paula Fuller (right), presenting Naomi Altergott (left) of World Financial Group/ Altergott Strategic Focus Team with the Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter recognition during the Ambassador Luncheon at Straw Hat Pizza on January 24, 2023.

WORKING HARD ON YOUR BEHALF: CHAMBER MONTH IN REVIEW

CATALYST FOR BUSINESS GROWTH

• The Chamber filmed our latest Local Business Spotlight Video, done in partnership with the Santa Maria Times. For January, we highlighted That's FETCH! Bowtique & Grooming Spaw and interviewed owner Linda Greco. The full video can be viewed at https://santamaria.com/local-business-spotlight.

• Dine Out #SantaMariaStyle 2023 Restaurant Month kicked off in January, with 15 restaurant participants and 8 craft cocktail contest submissions.

• The Economic Development Comission (EDC) assisted over five businesses including: Shred 2 You, Solomon Hills, Cnagy Wines, Maxco, and 805 Solar. The EDC also connected with prospective businesses looking to start up in the Santa Maria Valley.

• Joined the Green Business Program's recruitment challenge - an effort to recruit more businesses to get "Green Certified" before Earth Day. The Chamber is a proud Certified Green Business and is excited to partner with the Green Business Program on this effort.

CONVENER OF LEADERS AND INFLUENCERS

• The Chamber’s Ambassador Committee continues to meet monthly to stay connected in supporting new members as well as to play an active role in attending upcoming ribbon cuttings and events.

• The Chamber’s weekly BYB, (Build Your Business) continues to meet every Friday morning at 8AM at Roscoe's Kitchen.

• Held the first Business & Government Roundtable meeting of 2023. Santa Barbara County District Supervisor Bob Nelson gave an update on the county's storm response efforts, challenges with jobs and housing, and a project to help house the homeless in Santa Maria.

• Planning continues for the 2023 events schedule. Upcoming events include: Expo 2023, 2023 State of Vandenberg Space Force Base and more to come.

CHAMPION FOR A STRONGER SANTA MARIA VALLEY

• The LSMV class had their December topic day featuring Government. The class toured City Hall with Mark van de Kamp and had presentations from officials with the City of Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County and the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the LSMV Board held their annual strategic meeting to set goals for the upcoming year.

• The team met with SBDC EDC Executive leadership on disaster assistance outreach strategies for small businesses impacted by the recent series of devastating storms.

• Discussion has began with different lodging properties and other hospitality managers to bring back Tourism Manager Meetings, with the first anticipated meeting to be held on March 22.

• Molly Schiff, Director of Member & Community Engagement was accepted into Leading From Within's "Leading for Community Impact" 2023 cohort, a leadership development program for those working in the public and non-profit sectors.

Linda Greco, owner, That's FETCH! Bowtique &GroomingSpaw.

Dr.Arensdorfpresentingabusinessshowcase during a recent BYB (Build Your Business) Breakfastmeeting.

David Hernandez, Hispanic Business Representative, and Ray Bowman, SBDC EDCExecutiveDirector,attheSBADisaster Assistance Center at Allan Hancock.

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP CORNER

NEW MEMBERS: DECEMBER 2022

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is proud to welcome these new members joining the Chamber. We highly encourage you to support Chamber member businesses.

Member

Carmel & Naccasha LLP

694 Santa Rosa St, San Luis Obispo (805) 546-8785 carnaclaw.com

The Joint Chiropractic 560 E. Betteravia, Ste. C, Santa Maria (805) 600-63875 thejoint.com

TrusPro Structural Components 695 Obispo St, Guadalupe (805) 343-2555 truspro.com

MEMBER DIRECTORY

Interestedinseeingyourbusiness namedisplayedononeofournext issues?

JointheChambertodaybycalling MembershipManagerCara Martinez at (805)925-2403, ext. 852 or email cara@santamaria. com

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

AMERICAN GENERAL MEDIA

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS

AUTO WORLD 805

BABE FARMS, INC.

BBSI

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MID

CENTRAL COAST

CALM

CARE CONNECTION TRANSPORT

SERVICES

CAT CANYON RESOURCES, LLC

CENCAL HEALTH

CERTIFIED FREIGHT LOGISTICS

C.L.A. BUSINESS SOLUTIONS/SANTA

MARIA BOOKKEEPING

COMCAST

COMMUNIFY

COMMUNITY BANK OF SANTA

MARIA

COMMUNITY CARPENTERS

CORAZÓN DEL PUEBLO: THE

CULTURAL AND CREATIVE ARTS

CENTER OF THE SANTA MARIA

VALLEY

DANA ADOBE & CULTURAL CENTER

DARENSBERRIES, LLC

DIANI COMPANIES

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SOLUTIONS

FARM SUPPLY COMPANY

FOODBANK OF SANTA BARBARA

COUNTY

FUEGO 97.1 HOT HITS/LA BUENA

HARDY DIAGNOSTICS

INNOVATIVE PRODUCE

INSPARATIONS FULL SERVICE

SALON & SPA

J'S KITCHEN

J. WILKES WINES

JACK'S ALL AMERICAN PLUMBING

JR BOOKKEEPING

MORRIS & GARRITANO INSURANCE

NEW LIFE PAINTING/BATH & KITCHEN/RESTORATION

NKT COMMERCIAL I, LLC

OAK & IRON GYM

ONE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC

PCPA - PACIFIC CONSERVATORY

THEATRE

PETS HOSPITAL/PISMO BEACH

VETERINARY CLINIC

PHOENIX PROPERTY INSPECTIONS/

VERITAS INNOVATIVE PEST & TERMITE

SOLUTIONS

PLANTEL NURSERIES

PRUDENTIAL OVERALL SUPPLY

SAFRAN CABIN SANTA MARIA

SANTA BARBARA FOUNDATION

SANTA MARIA BONITA SCHOOL

DISTRICT

SANTA MARIA COUNTRY CLUB

SANTA MARIA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

SEEAG (STUDENTS FOR ECO-

EDUCATION & AGRICULTURE)/SANTA

BARBARA COUNTY FARM DAY

SESLOC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

SMITH’S ALARMS & ELECTRONICS, INC.

SPOTON SM TIRE

ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION

SCHOOL

STARPHYRE DIGITAL SECURITY SERVICE

TESTA CATERING

TILECO DISTRIBUTORS, INC.

THE TOWBES GROUP, INC.

TROJAN PETROLEUM, INC.

TURNER'S OUTDOORSMAN

UNITED RENTALS URBAN PLANNING CONCEPTS/ RURAL PLANNING SERVICES

OPENING A NEW BUSINESS OR LOCATION? CELEBRATING A MAJOR MILESTONE? HOST A RIBBON CUTTING!

As a Chamber member, we are happy to partner with your business and help you celebrate a new business opening or major milestone with a ribbon cutting!

To learn more and reserve your space on our calendar, contact Membership Manager Cara Martinez at (805) 925-2403 x 852 or cara@ santamaria.com.

Ribbon cuttings are open to the public and we encourage all to attend and celebrate local business with us! Upcoming ribbon cutting events can be found on our Chamber

Events Calendar at santamaria. com, and by viewing our events on our Facebook page (facebook.com/ santamariavalleychamber).

Not yet a Chamber member? Now is an excellent time to join! Being a member of the Chamber will connect you with other local professionals and help grow your business.

Be a part of our growing community of over 800 local businesses who are members of the Chamber - Contact Membership Manager Cara Martinez to join today, and the next ribbon cutting we celebrate could be yours!

RENEWING MEMBERS: DECEMBER 2022

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber 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.

75 Years:

Stowasser Buick GMC

55 Years: The Okonite Company

53 Years: Rancho Maria Golf Club

43 Years: Chevron

42 Years:

KCOY KKFX/NPG (News Press Gazette)

CBS12

Santa Maria Ford Lincoln

28 Years: Aloha Family Chiropractic Altrusa International of Santa Maria, CA

27 Years:

KTAS TV Telemundo

Wells Fargo Bank

25 Years: CenCal Health Momentum WORK, Inc.

24 Years: Community Partners in Caring

22 Years: Ogden Wealth Management People for Leisure & Youth

19 Years: New Life Painting, Inc.

Tyler Wilson DDS

18 Years: Santa Maria Energy LLC

13 Years:

Fix Auto Santa Maria (formerly Premier Auto Body)

12 Years: Children's Resource & Referral

11 Years: The Towbes Group

10 Years: Santa Maria Town Center

9 Years: Gray Electrical Consulting + Engineering, Corp

8 Years: Advanced Wireless AMF Media Group SCORE

7 Years: BBSI

6 Years: Moats Laser & Skin Care

5 Years: Dunkin' Donuts

Law Office of Philip F. Sinco

PB & Associates Real Estate and Home Loan Services

Rockin' Jump - The Ultimate Trampoline Park Santa Maria Properties, Inc. The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant & Cafe

4 Years: Blosser Urban Garden

3 Years: Sunrise Security

2 Years: Weddings by Roberta Central Coast

1 Year: Jason Francia Realtor Pro-Tec Coatings Industries Inc.

MEMBER TESTIMONIAL

“We are thrilled to share our experience as a member of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. As a member of theChamber,theYhashadtheprivilegeof networking with other local organizations and community leaders, which has been instrumental in expanding our area of serviceandbuildingcrucialrelationships. The Chamber has also provided us with an array of resources and services to support the growth and promotion of our organization. From marketing and advertising opportunities to educational seminarsandworkshops,wehavebeenable to take full advantage of the Chamber's offerings and see tangible results in our business. Furthermore, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is a vocal advocate for the business community and wegreatlyappreciatetheireffortstocreate a supportive and thriving environment for businesses in our area.

As a proud member of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Y wholeheartedly recommends it to businesses looking to grow and succeed in the area. The benefits and opportunities that we have received as a member have been instrumental in the growth and successofourorganization."

— MichaelSpecht, Director of Membership,PR,andFundDevelopment Santa Maria YMCA

Visit: 614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria

Call: (805) 925-2403

Email: info@santamaria.com

Website: santamaria.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ santamariavalleychamber/

Instagram: santamariavalleychamber

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ santamariavalleychamber

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.

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE? SUBMIT AN ARTICLE

Chamber Members in good standing are welcome to submit articles to our Santa Maria Valley Chamber News platform as a member benefit. Your article will be published to our site within 1-3 business days, and a link to your article will be included in our Chamber News e-blast, the Wednesday following our approved submission.

Article Submission Guidelines: Chamber news submissions should be emailed to paulina@santamaria.com

Please include your article as a word document attachment, or embed the text within your email. You are welcome

to include up to three images with your article, which should be .jpg format and also sent as attachments in your email.

Your article should include a catchy title and has no grammar or spelling errors. Article topics can include things like industry news, upcoming events or promotions, or industry information you believe other business professionals will find valuable. Articles may be submitted as often as you would like (with different content), and will be posted within 1-3 business days. Chamber News submissions are only open to Chamber Members in good standing.