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

• 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.

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

• 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.