22 Things the Chamber Did in 2022

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 an overview of what we’ve been up to this past year.

1. Highlighted Women Owned/Operated & Manufacturing businesses in Santa Maria City in the Business of the Month program, with recognition provided during monthly city council meetings.

2. Assisted 96 business with inquiries, permits, and successfully supported seven businesses in their launch or growth in 2022.

3. The Chamber invested in the future workforce by through programs including a new Teacher Tours program of local industries, a Paid Student Internship partnership with the SB County Education Office, online workshops for high school students, and convening local education leaders and VSFB representatives to talk about collaborating around STEM career training, etc.

4. Welcomed and on-boarded four new employees:

• David Hernandez, Hispanic Business Representative

• Yuliana Nelson, Strategic Initiatives Manager

• Paulina Leang, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

• Madison Grimnes, Administrative Assistant

5. We welcomed 120 businesses to the Chamber and celebrated many business openings and significant milestones with ribbon cuttings. Held 28 ribbon cuttings.

6. Played a leadership role in the City’s ongoing development efforts including support for projects like the Skyway Collective, Enos Ranch, and several housing or mixed used developments in downtown and other areas of the city.

7. Hosted a variety of workshops on topics ranging from How to Import Products from Mexico to Launching a Small Business.

8. Celebrated the return of the 2022 Restaurant Month promotion and Craft Cocktail Contest, with over 15 participating venues.

9. The Chamber’s Annual Business Expo returned in 2022 with over 70 businesses and over 400 attendees. Fellow business members and members of the community had a chance to engage with one another and re-connect/rebuild relationships.

10. Supported many local events, including BBQ Festival, Central Coast AirFest, SEEAg’s Farm Day, Model A Ford Show, and Day in the Park, etc.

11. The Chamber hosted six mixers--providing opportunities for the local business community to network and create new connections, including a Hispanic Business Mixer.

12. Coordinated 49 BYB (Build Your Business) breakfast meetings in 2022, and moved to a new more central Santa Maria venue, Roscoe’s Kitchen.

13. Convened business and community leaders for annual events including the State of Vandenberg, State of the City, State of Education, Annual Strawberry Dinner, and the 2022 Annual Awards Gala.

14. Launched the new Visitors Bureau Website along with a “Spice Campaign” digital advertising initiative.

15. Facilitated the 27th Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class, and launched the 2023 cohort. Leadership Santa Maria Valley has had over 330 people graduate from the program since it began in 1995.

16. Published 12 Local Business Spotlight Videos in partnership with the Santa Maria Times.

17. Hosted ten community familiarization visits for media representatives and digital tourism influencers.

18. Introduced 109 youth to the process of creating a business through two cohorts of Junior CEO. 32 new business ideas were launched...

19. Facilitated the Santa Maria Wine Trolley, hosting 2521 riders; service was so popular that service was extended through Thanksgiving weekend.

20. Published a 2022 Local Election Guide and hosted a 2022 City Council Candidate Forum.

21. Launched a Hispanic Business Committee to coordinate outreach and inclusion programs supporting all businesses in the community.

22. Coordinated the publication of 1301 articles in national and regional publications promoting the Santa Maria Valley as a tourism destination in 2022. Top stories include:

• California's top-ranked barbecue shows off Santa Maria Style during National Barbecue Month, Associated Press, May 4, 2022

• The Calif. destination that paid people to visit has a new promo, SFGate, May 19, 2022

• California Central Coast Road Trip Itinerary: castles, wine and more, MSN Travel, Aug. 8, 2022

• Bust Out the Binoculars for This Wildlife-Fueled California Adventure, Thrillist, Sept. 13, 2022

• Santa Maria Weekend Romp, RoadRUNNER Magazine, Nov. 13, 2022