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 | JANUARY 202 2
Local Leaders Predict Competitive Labor Market, Flexible Work Environments on the Horizon for 2022 2021 was another challenging year, but we once again saw our community rise to the occasion. We applaud our local businesses and organizations for their continued resiliency and support for one another as we navigate the "new normal" brought on by the pandemic. As we wrap up the year, we asked some local leaders to weigh in on what they feel is in store for 2022. We asked, " What do you see as the greatest opportunity, challenge or trend that will impact businesses in Northern Santa Barbara County over the next 12 months?" Here's what our local leaders had to say: “Public works construction will remain strong with new funds coming from the recently passed federal infrastructure bill. There is a large project slated for the Santa Maria Airport along with numerous highway and roads projects in the area. Commercial construction may decline a little as postCOVID trends are realized concerning office utilization and the ever increasing percentage of on-line shopping versus brick and mortar stores. The biggest issues we see in the new year are labor force availability and supply chain consistency. Like we see across the nation, there is a shortage of commercial truck drivers. This is critical for our company where half our employees drive trucks to move our products. Several local companies are working with Allan Hancock College and other entities to provide training opportunities.”
Local leaders predict the competitive workforce and labor shortage will be one of the biggest challenges in 2022. - Danny Deveraux, Vice President & General Manager, CalPortland Construction “I think we are learning and will excel at adapting to the "new normal" which will include a tight labor market, masking, vaccinations and social distancing, but businesses will stay open and can thrive if they are creative. COVID may be here to stay, but treatments will soon be available and COVID will be like other flu or virus and we will learn to live with it and live well
with it.” - Sue Anderson, President & CEO, Dignity Health/Marian Regional Medical Center "Allan Hancock College will further expand access for adult students through a variety of industry-specific training while also creating flexible, short term programs designed to help working adults to complete an associate degree." - Kevin Walthers, Superintendent/ President, Allan Hancock College
WHAT ' S INSIDE : JANUARY 2022 ISSUE
Chamber Month in Review p.3
Leadership Santa Maria Valley p. 6
Ribbon Cuttings p. 7
Local Leaders Predict Competitive Labor Market, Flexible Work Environments on the Horizon for 2022 “Low unemployment, increasing salaries, government stimulus and supply shortages are causing inflation and increasing the cost of living. This puts pressure on families and businesses. We need to be aware of the competition and the markets as they shift and realize the value a business can add for employees and customers through avenues other than simple costs. Offering more services to customers and providing greater options for employees will allow us to think outside of the simple numeration of wages.” - Paul Cook, President/CEO, CoastHills Credit Union
to compete with the highly competitive market.” - Sandra Dickerson, CEO, Your People Professionals
“The greatest challenge I see for 2022 is managing increasing employee costs. We have seen that to just retain employees can mean a 6% raise, and then more to attempt
"The greatest opportunity for small businesses will be to utilize new methods of delivering products and services to their customers. Curb side pick-up and
“I feel my agency is in the best possible position to grow, as we have learned and adapted to our new normal and embraced change over the past year. Like many other businesses, the biggest challenge for us in 2022 will be hiring in this competitive job market.” - Donna Randolph, Agent/Owner, State Farm Insurance - Donna Randolph
deliveries have been successful for the large companies. If small businesses are not offering these services, it will be crucial to remain open. The trend will continue to be online shopping, local businesses will need to look at incorporating or growing their e-commerce." - Angelica Guiterrez, L & G Farms / DL Farms While 2022 will bring its own challenges, it will also being opportunities for businesses to adapt and continue to be inventive in ways that will benefit their business longterm. As always, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber will continue to be here for business as a champion for a strong Santa Maria Valley community into 2022 and beyond.
Santa Maria Valley Next November 2021: Agriculture & Natural Resources Santa Maria Valley Next highlights the career readiness training offered in high school career pathways and recognizes students who are excelling in these various pathways. This month, we are highlighting youth excelling in the Agriculture and Natural Resources pathways. Eric Ceja 12th Grade, Santa Maria High School Eric is a well-rounded individual that has extensive knowledge in the Agriscience Pathway. He is currently in the Advanced Interdisciplinary Agriculture Science class where he has excelled in every unit the class offers in Food Science, Plant Science, and Animal Science. According to his Agriculture Science teacher Marc DeBernardi, Eric is a student who is always willing to participate, first to volunteer in class, and really enjoys the numerous labs the class offers. Idalis Gil 12th Grade, Santa Maria High School was nominated by her agriculture teacher, Marc DeBernardi. Marc expressed that Idalis is a really intelligent, hardworking young lady that just gets her class projects done in the greenhouse, garden, and at the school farm. Idalis has been one of Santa Maria High Schools project leaders at the new CTE Center Pumpkin/Corn/Vegetable Project this year. 2
Angela Acevedo, a 12th grade student at Santa Maria High School, was nominated to be highlighted for excelling in agri-science, plant science, and leadership development. Angela Acevedo 12th Grade, Santa Maria High School Angela is a multitalented senior who enjoys staying busy within a wide range of interests. Angela is a scholar-athlete that has a passion for the agriculture industry. She is a four-year member of the agriculture education program where she has excelled in agri-science, plant science, and leadership development. Jada Sanchez 11th Grade, Righetti High School Jada has excelled in all 3 parts of the Agriculture Education model; classroom,
SAE, and FFA. Her involvement in FFA and CTE opportunities have continued to be consistent over the past year despite the restrictions and challenges among our school activities. Jada is the Chapter FFA Reporter and the Sectional Historian and keeps the public upated about the activities and achievements of theFFA program. Congratulations to these local students for being highlighted in this month's "Santa Maria Next" spotlight. The future looks bright for Santa Maria because of leaders like you!
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 Economic Development Commission assisted 7 potential small businesses, with permitting, business licenses, business set up, contractors board info, seller’s permit, SBA loan assistance, and other items. The Chamber launched its “Support Local & Win Big!” campaign to encourage community members to support local businesses and nonprofits this holiday season. Participants enter by taking selfies at local businesses and submitting receipts for a chance to win $3,000 in cash prizes. The Chamber published the Winter Issue of their “Business, #SantaMariaStyle” quarterly digital magazine. This issue also included the updated Santa Maria Valley Visitors Guide. The Chamber highlighted the Santa Maria Town Center in their "Local Business Spotlight" series, done in partnership with the Santa Maria Times The Chamber recognized Mob Armor and The VegBoss as their December featured businesses. The program is done in partnership with the City of Santa Maria to highlight local manufacturing and women-owned businesses in the community.
Mob Armor and The VegBoss were recognized during a City Council meeting as the December featured businesses, a program done as a partnership between the Chamber and the City of Santa Maria.
Convener of Leaders and Influencers • • • • •
The Chamber continues to hold their weekly “Build Your Business” breakfast meetings, an opportunity for local businesses to network and provide leads and testimonials. The Economic Development Commission spoke at Leadership Santa Maria Valley’s Topic Day. The Chamber celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Freedom Monument Veteran’s Memorial with an event honoring the fallen Veterans in our community. The Chamber held another virtual session of their FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Forum Series for local high school students on “The Future of Santa Barbara County: Up and Coming Job Opportunities”. Leadership Santa Maria Valley had their last topic day, a tour of Vandenberg Space Force Base. Leadership Santa Maria Valley held their 2021 class graduation on December 10th.
Champion for a Stronger Santa Maria Valley • • • • •
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The Chamber held a number of ribbon cuttings celebrating new Chamber member businesses. A full list can be found on p. 5 The Economic Development Commission continues to work with the City on followup and discussions regarding Downtown Revitalization project. The Economic Development Commission connected with a local broker regarding potential tenants and assistance. The Visitors Bureau launched the new tourism site The Chamber’s Fall Session of the Junior CEO program held their business launch day, where participants opened their businesses to the public at the Town Center Mall. The program wrapped up with a graduation and celebration event, where awards were presented to those who completed the program. The Visitors Bureau partnered with Glocally to provide 6 gift baskets to influencers as a kick off to the upcoming Restaurant Month and Craft Cocktail Campaign, which will launch mid-January. Four local high school students excelling in the Agriculture career pathway were recognized as part of the Chamber’s “Santa Maria Valley Next” program. The Economic Development Commission continues to support the Airport in its pursuit of expanded air service.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | January 2022
Junior CEO participants had the opportunity to open their business to the public at the Junior CEO Business Launch day, which took place at the Town Center Mall.
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Chamber Membership Corner New Members: October & November 2021 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. Director
Member
Member
Road to Recovery Navigation Center 801 E. Chapel Street, Santa Maria (805) 332-4568 http://lagsrecovery.com
Me-n-Eds Pizzeria and Craft House – Santa Maria 560 E. Betteravia Rd, Ste. A, Santa Maria (805) 925-7992 www.facebook.com/Meneds.sm/
Tours & Tasting by Eat, Drink & Be Merry Nipomo, CA 93455 (805) 608-0792 www.eatdrinkandbemerry.online/
Investor Collaboration Business Consulting 3220 S. Higuera Street, Suite 231, San Luis Obispo (805) 541-9040 https://collaboration-llc.com/
Orcutt Board and Brush 117 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt (805) 332-3348 www.boardandbrush.com/orcutt/
Member
Revive Salon and Spa 2530 S. Broadway, Ste. C, Santa Maria (805) 862-4697
Ambiance Realty 1111 S. Broadway #101, Santa Maria (909) 478-2322
Santa Maria Gourmet Mushrooms Santa Maria, CA (760) 793-5857
Blue Cloud Cleaning Co., LLC Santa Maria, CA 93454 (443) 240-7353 http://bluecloudcleaning.com
Sisquoc Baking Company Sisquoc, CA 93454 (916) 538-9793
Ca' Del Grevino Los Olivos Tasting Room 2933 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, (805) 621-5889 www.grevino.com/tasting-rooms/
The Maker's Son 346 Bell Street, Los Alamos, (805) 344-1926 www.themakersson.com
County of Santa Barbara Sustainability Division 123 E Anapamu Street, 2nd Floor, Santa Barbara http://www.countyofsb.org/sustainability
The Roots Dispensary 805 W. Laurel Ave., Lompoc (805) 757-0031 http://visittheroots.com
Cups & Crumbs Santa Maria (Opening Soon) 1414 S. Miller, Santa Maria (805) 862-4920
www.facebook.com/cupsandcrumbssantamaria
Leading From Within 1117 State Street, Santa Barbara (805) 770-3232 www.leading-from-within.org Me-n-Eds Pizzeria and Craft House – Nipomo 110 Mary Ave, Nipomo (805) 929-2915
www.facebook.com/NipomoMeNEdsPizzeria/
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www.theangryeater.blog/the-sisquoc-baking-company/
TREAD Wines 6905 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos (805) 688-9339 http://www.treadwines.com Women's Council of Realtors Central Coast San Luis Obispo, CA (909) 478-2322 http://www.ccwcr.org Whiskey 'N Rye American BBQ (Opening early 2022) 442 Atterdag Road, Solvang (805) 688-4227 www.whiskeynryebbq.com Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos (805) 688-9339 http://zacamesa.com
Renewing Members: November 2021 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. 73 Years: Engel & Gray, Inc. 60 Years: MIDI INC. dba Valley Glass & Mirror 49 Years: Charter Brokerage & Investments Company 41 Years: Chevron Exxon Mobil Corp SM Tire 36 Years: Santa Maria Museum Of Flight 34 Years: Richard J. Healy, DDS 29 Years: Law Offices of Kim Mistretta 26 Years: Betty S Tibbs, MD
8 Years: Cary Gray Gray Electrical Consulting + Engineering, Corp Olivera Properties, LLC Radiology Associates-Digital Medical Imaging 7 Years: Safran Cabin Santa Maria SCORE 6 Years: Hacienda Realty North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center 5 Years: MINDBODY Xtreme Backyards 4 Years: Law Office of Philip F. Sinco Winn Hyundai of Santa Maria
24 Years: St. Andrew United Methodist Church Westar Associates
3 Years: Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara County Xtreme Electronics
23 Years: Ross Realty Santa Maria Swim Club
2 Years: Flooring 101 Innovation Retail Home Design Center
17 Years: Plus Property Management
1 Years: Orkin Central Coast Taft Electric Company
16 Years: Coastal Community Builders Pacific Eye Surgeons 14 Years: Riverbench Vineyard & Winery 10 Years: Adam Bros. Farming, Inc. The Towbes Group 9 Years: Laurus College
Thank You to Our Chamber Investor Program Sponsors:
Interested in seeing your business name displayed on one of our next issues? Join the Chamber today by calling Membership Manager Cara Martinez at 925-2403, ext. 852 or email cara@santamaria.com.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | January 2022
American General Media Auto World 805 BBSI Babe Farms, Inc. Black Bear Diner - Santa Maria Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast CALM CA Real Estate Co., Inc. Care Connection Transport Services Cat Canyon Resources, LLC CenCal Health Certified Freight Logistics Collaboration Business Consulting Comcast CommUnify Community Bank of Santa Maria Darensberries, LLC Diani Companies Family Care Network, Inc. FUEGO 97.1 Hot Hits/La Buena Golden State Water Company Innovative Produce InSPArations Full Service Salon & Spa J. Wilkes Wines Jack's All American Plumbing JR Bookkeeping Morris & Garritano Insurance Moxie Cafe New Life Painting/Bath & Kitchen/Restoration NKT Commercial I, LLC One Capital Management, LLC Orkin Central Coast 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 SCORE San Luis Obispo SESLOC Federal Credit Union Smith’s Alarms & Electronics, Inc. SpotOn SM Tire Testa Catering Tileco Distributors, Inc. The Salty Brigade Kitchen The Towbes Group, Inc. Trojan Petroleum, Inc. Urban Planning Concepts/ Rural Planning Services VTC Enterprises Wave Business Wells Fargo Bank Wilshire Health & Community Services Wine & Design Orcutt World Financial Group, The Altergott Strategic Focus Team WSPA Xtreme Electronics The Y
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Leadership Santa Maria Valley: A day at Vandenberg Space Force Base
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2021 received a briefing from Colonel Kris Barcomb on the operations and launches that occurred in 2021, and a look ahead at plans for the base in 2022. On Friday, December 3rd, the Leadership class got to tour Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB). Our guide was Lieutenant Darras and he put together a wonderful day. We started with a briefing given to us by Colonel Kris Barcomb, a Vice Commander on the Base. We learned that VSFB hosts both military and civilian operations. Col. Barcomb shared with us about the operations and launches that have happened during 2021 and a glimpse into what is to come in 2022. He also joined us at lunch to share more about the Base and answer any questions that we had. From there we were bussed over to the Western Range Operation Control Center. This is the center of all launch operations. We learned what happens from preparing for the launch, making sure that the public will be safe throughout launch, what happens during the countdown and after the launch. Next on the agenda was a demonstration of the military working dogs. These welltrained, beautiful dogs are used for security around the Base. They, along with their handlers, are also occasionally deployed oversees to support the work of the USAF. After lunch, the class went to the Heritage 6
Museum at the north end of the Base. There Jay Prichard, Space and Missile Technology Center director, taught us the history of missiles and the Base. His enthusiasm was contagious and we all were amazed at how much has happened in Space Technology over the years. We ended the day by traveling to the south end of the Base to tour Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC 6). This is the launch pad for
the heavy rockets and is currently used by United Launch Alliance. At one time SLC 6 was adapted to launch the Space Shuttle, but that program was cancelled for Vandenberg after the Challenger explosion in 1986. It is always fascinating to be a guest and tour the Base. Leadership Santa Maria Valley is truly honored to be able to visit each year. Thank you again to Col. Barcomb and Lt. Darras for a great day!
The military working dogs provide a demonstration during LSMV's Topic Day at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Celebrating New Chamber Members & Business Anniversaries: Chamber Ribbon Cuttings October & November 2021 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 October & November 2021.
Dog's Life Coffee 801 S. Broadway, Suite 1, Santa Maria (805) 680-5016 www.dogslifecoffee.com Dog's Life Coffee is a local coffee company who believes "every human deserves the perfect cup of coffee". A portion of proceeds from Dog's Life Coffee support the Humane Society and Service Dogs for Veterans and First Responders
Me-n-Eds Pizzeria and Craft House 560 E. Betteravia Rd, Ste. A, Santa Maria (805) 925-7992 110 Mary Ave, Nipomo (805) 929-2915 www.smvadvisor.com Since 1958 Me-N-Ed's has been serving up good quality pizza, family fun and some ice cold beer. Visit either of their two locations on the Central Coast, conveniently located in Santa Maria and Nipomo!
One Capital Management, LLC 124 Carmen Lane, Suite D, Santa Maria (805) 346-2615 www.thementornetwork.com Founded in 2001, One Capital Management brings together a diverse group of founding partners. At the forefront of their core values is a commitment to honesty, integrity and always putting their clients’ interests first. Over the years, their firm has grown to 51 professionals who are dedicated to serving roughly 1,500 clients–consisting of individuals, families, institutions, and foundations.
Road to Recovery Navigation Center 801 E. Chapel Street, Santa Maria (805) 332-4568 www.lagsrecovery.com
Santa Maria Country Club 505 W Waller Ln, Santa Maria (805) 937-2025 www.santamariacc.com
Toyota 1643 S Bradley Rd, Santa Maria, CA (805) 928-3881 www.Toyotasm.com
LAGS Recovery Centers, Inc. (LRC) is dedicated to providing an individualized and holistic form of treatment for all those with substance use problems and mental health issues.
California's outstanding Central Coast climate, superior facilities, and warm, hospitable membership make the Santa Maria Country Club one of the finest familyoriented private country clubs in the area.
Toyota of Santa Maria's goal is to consistently exceed the expectations of their customers and associates so that their business is recognized as the dealership and employer of choice on the Central Coast.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | January 2022
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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: www.facebook.com/ santamariavalleychamber/ Twitter: twitter.com/SMVChamber 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.
Join the Chamber for a trip to Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast! Join us for an unforgettable trip to Southern Italy! Discover and explore Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast with Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce! Join us November 1, 2022 to November 9, 2022 for an unforgettable 8-day trip, where you'll experience everything Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast have to offer! EARLY BIRD PRICING AVAILABLE! Book your trip before February 1st for a $600 savings! Learn more and book your trip today by visiting santamaria.com/chambertravel-2022.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau 614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria | (805) 925-2403 | santamaria.com | info@santamaria.com 8
