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.

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

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.

Dr. Arensdorf presenting a business showcase during a recent BYB (Build Your Business) Breakfast meeting.

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.

David Hernandez, Hispanic Business Representative, and Ray Bowman, SBDC EDC Executive Director, at the SBA Disaster Assistance Center at Allan Hancock.