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 | J ULY 202 2
Chamber Welcomes 2022-2023 Board of Directors With the start of the new fiscal year, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber is excited to introduce new members to its Board of Directors. The Chamber, Visitor Bureau, and Economic Development Commission are led by a unified Board of Directors, made up of senior executives from member companies and partner organizations. The Board provides strategic and policy guidance to ensure the Chamber’s program of work serves the best interest of our members and the Santa Maria Valley community. “We are thankful to have a great group of local leaders serving on our Chamber Board,” said Glenn Morris, President/CEO for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. “These individuals have chosen to volunteer time in their already busy schedules to serve our organization and in term, help us champion our business community. We are thankful for their commitment to making the Santa Maria Valley a great place to live, work and do business.” The Chambers’ Executive Committee for the 2022-2023 fiscal year is as follows: • Chair: Sandra Dickerson, Your People Professionals • Chair-Elect: Paul Cook, CoastHills Credit Union • Vice Chair: Shannon Seifert, Santa Maria Valley YMCA • Vice Chair: Laurie Tamura, Urban Planning Concepts/Rural Planning Services • Past Chair: Danny Deveraux,
The Chamber is excited to welcome these new board members joining the board for the 20222023 fiscal year, or returning for a second term. CalPortland The following individuals are new members of the board and have been elected to serve their first three-year term: • Sue Andersen, President and CEO,
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Marian Regional Medical Center Michael Boyer, Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast Continued on p. 2
WHAT ' S INSIDE : JULY 2022 ISSUE
Month in Review p.3
Chamber Welcomes Yuliana Nelson p. 4
Monthly Featured Business p. 5
Chamber Board of Directors: 2022-2023 Executive Committee Chairman: Sandra Dickerson, Your People Professionals Chairman-Elect: Paul Cook, CoastHills 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 Chris Hastert, Santa Maria Public Airport District 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
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger Santa Maria Valley. Learn more about the Chamber by visiting www.santamaria.com.
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Continued - Chamber Welcomes New Board Members Continued from p.1 •
Gina Gluyas, Realtor, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Haven Properties • Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D., Superintendent/President, Allan Hancock College Additionally, the following board members have been re-elected to serve their second three-year term: • Dominick Barry, President, Quintron Systems, Inc. • Chris Hastert, General Manager, Santa Maria Public Airport District • Emily Kitts, Owner/Operator, Naughty Oak Brewing Company • Max Tucker, General Manager, Best Western Plus Big America These individuals will join 14 other existing board members. A full list of Chamber board members can be found on page 3. Incoming Chair Sandra Dickerson says as a local business owner, she has a longterm interest in the community and its businesses, and serving on the Chamber Board provides another opportunity to engage in the work that supports her small business clients. “As a local resident of Santa Maria, I also wanted to continue a long history of volunteering for organizations that help enhance life here,” Dickerson explained. “Additionally, I have watched the high quality of work of our Chamber staff, and wanted to also support that work.” Dickerson says as board chair, she hopes to bring more awareness to what is happening in the local community that may affect local business. “My primary goal for this next year is to increase the opportunities for our board members to know what is happening in our community and how those things will or may impact our members’ businesses. From there, we can identify actions or policies to help members address those where possible. Another goal is to continue to look for ways for members to help and support other members.” Additionally, Dickerson says that following two years where COVID has prevented our ability to get together, it’s important to remind members re-engage with the Chamber and the many networking opportunities the organization provides.
It’s also a time for us to work together to share information about our “new normal” and other business changes the pandemic has brought. New Chamber Board member Sue Andersen agrees that assisting local businesses with the challenges brought on by COVID should continue to be a priority of the Chamber. “I think continuing to help businesses to rebound from the pandemic while dealing with the challenge of rising prices and staffing shortages is an important role the Chamber should continue to play locally,” Andersen said. “As a local leader, It is so important to be a part of the community and volunteer to help make it the best it can be. I look forward to working with the other leaders in our community.” The new Chamber board members began their term July 1st, and will be formally inducted to the Board of Directors at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala later this summer. The Chamber is thankful for the dedication these individuals have to serving and bettering the Santa Maria Valley community. “I believe business owners and others in leadership roles should share their knowledge and expertise to help their community,” Chamber Board Chair Santa Dickerson said. “Volunteering for these positions is a great way to do that. Also, there has been a lot of focus on what drives employee retention lately, and a company’s community involvement is regularly identified as something that attracts employees!” If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with the Chamber, contact Molly Schiff, Director of Member & Community Engagement, at molly@santamaria.com.
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 Chamber highlighted local gift shop Company’s Coming in their Local Business Spotlight video series, done in partnership with the Santa Maria Times. The Chamber held a number of ribbon cuttings for local businesses celebrating opening, membership to the Chamber and other significant milestones. A full list of these businesses can be found on page 7. The Chamber provided Hispanic Business assistance in areas including grants, loans, marketing and startup assistance.
The Chamber interviews Company's Coming for their "Local Business Spotlight" video series, done in partnership with the Santa Maria Times.
Convener of Leaders and Influencers •
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The Chamber continues to hold their weekly “Build Your Business” breakfast meetings, an opportunity for local businesses to network and provide leads and testimonials. Starting July 1st, the weekly networking meeting is now held at Me-N-Eds in Santa Maria. The Chamber partnered with the Santa Maria Fairpark for their monthly Mixer networking event. The Fairpark used the event to promote the upcoming County Fair, with the theme “A Salute to Agriculture” The Chamber continues to meet monthly with the Santa Barbara County Education Office Partners in Education program to connect businesses with their Paid Student Internship Program. The Chamber’s Business & Government Roundtable heard presentations from those looking to get the Ambulatory Services Contract from the The Chamber's weekly Build Your Business (BYB) County. networking event is now held at Me-N-Eds in Santa The Chamber’s Hispanic Business Committee partnered with Friends Maria every Friday at 8am. of Santa Maria of Santa Maria Public Library to assist with Spanish book donations. The Chamber is working with W.E.V (Woman’s Economic Ventures) on outreach efforts with the Hispanic community in Santa Maria.
Champion for a Stronger Santa Maria Valley • • • • • • • •
The Chamber and City of Santa Maria recognized Flower Carriage by Mrs. Cardel and Hardy Diagnostics as their monthly featured businesses. The Chamber’s Visitor Bureau hosted a number of social media influencers to help promote the Santa Maria Valley as a tourism destination. The Santa Maria Valley Wine Trolley continues its 2022 season! The Trolley runs in a loop visiting a handful of the Santa Maria Valley’s most popular wineries every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October 16, 2022. The Chamber’s Economic Development Commission assisted a number of businesses with permitting, start-up and food product and signage issues. The Chamber’s Economic Development Commission continues to work with Allan Hancock College on local student housing projects. The Chamber’s tourism team traveled to the Temecula Wine & Balloon Festival to get a real time logistical perspective as to whether an event would be possible for the Santa Maria Community. The Chamber’s Visitor Bureau hosted familiarization tours including writers from Roadrunner Magazine and influencers who attended the Rodeo and barbecue Festival. The Chamber’s Visitors Bureau launched the Beat Inflation Vacation campaign.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | June 2022
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Santa Maria Valley Chamber Welcomes New Strategic Initiatives Manager Yuliana Nelson The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is excited to welcome Yuliana Nelson as their new Strategic Initiatives Manager. As the Strategic Initiatives Manager for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber, Yuliana plays a key role in managing projects and implementing programs designed to support the growth and health of the local business environment. Yuliana also provides planning and implementation leadership for a wide range of events, partnership programs, and business engagement activities. Here’s a little more about Yuliana: Tell us a bit about your background: My family and I moved to the Central Coast in 2017, we sold our home in Bakersfield and purchase in Guadalupe. My husband of 11 years Craig Nelson works in SLO as a Correction Officer for the State Of California. I have 2 Boys ages 6 & 13 they both attend Catholic school in Orcutt. I have 7 brothers and sisters. I started my career in banking in 2007 with most of my years at Chase bank. I’m also a part time Loan Partner for My sisterin-law, and I have a passion for helping people in any way possible. What made you interested in the job at the Chamber? The reputation of local Chambers is what really made me interested in the job. I enjoy working for organizations that help the community, and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber seemed like it could be a great fit. What are you most excited about in this position, and what do you hope to accomplish? I’m excited to make a difference in the community. I hope to one day say “I was a part of that.”, and “because of my involvement we accomplished this.”. I want to make a difference in people’s lives, and it’s exciting to have a job opportunity where I can do that locally. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I love working around the house (cleaning, organizing, gardening). I also enjoy weight lifting – I consider it ”my me-time”. I also really enjoy the outdoors, and hiking is a common weekly activity with my family. My husband and I love to visit breweries in the area, and I enjoy watching baseball and 4
As Strategic Initiatives Manager, Yuliana will play a key role in managing projects and planning events. visiting my family in Bakersfield. What is your favorite thing about Santa Maria? I enjoy all the different cultures and variety of foods available to us here in Santa Maria, and am excited to learn about and explore even more of what the community has to offer.
Maria and I want to be part of that growth and change. I’m excited to be a part of the team at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber, and look forward to what we’ll accomplish! Yuliana Nelson can be reached at yuliana@santamaria.com, or by calling (805) 925-2403 x 814.
Any additional thoughts you would like to add? I see so much potential in the city of Santa
Get Involved: Join a Chamber Committee! If you are looking to get involved in the local community, learn more about Santa Maria Valley businesses, and connect with other local professionals, consider joining a Chamber Committee! The Chamber has volunteer positions available on a number of committees including: • Business & Government Roundtable • Chamber Ambassador Committee • Education Committee • Military Affairs Committee • ..and more! If you are interested in learning more
about how you can get involved, contact Molly Schiff, Director of Member & Community Engagement, at (805) 9252403x 815 or molly@santamaria.com.
Monthly Featured Businesses: June 2022 The City of Santa Maria and Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce are partnering to highlight different businesses in the City of Santa Maria through their Santa Maria Featured Businesses program. This program gives recognition to businesses who have been in the community for a significant amount of time, and/or providing unique or significant contributions to our community. Not only does this give valuable exposure to these local businesses, it also reminds our community of the unique, diverse and longstanding businesses we are fortunate to have in Santa Maria. The focus for 12 months, since December 2021, is on major manufacturers and women-owned businesses in the City. Each month, one business from each of these two categories is recognized during the City Council meeting and publicized by the City and the Chamber. June 2022 Featured Businesses • Women-Owned Business: Flower Carriage by Ms. Cardel • Manufacturing Business: Hardy Diagnostics
Flower Carriage by Ms. Cardel was established in 1977, and Susana Naranjo became the owner in 2008. The business has grown, mostly due its dedicated customers in the community. The five-employee company provides wedding services, and event planning and services, and is adding a flower and/or plant service to businesses. Flower Carriage does many donations to local high schools and to businesses for silent auctions and fund-raisers. Hardy Diagnostics is a 100 percent employee-owned company that is licensed by the FDA as a medical device manufacturer. Its microbiology products are used all over the world to diagnose and prevent disease. During the pandemic it produced 30 million viral transport media tubes, by working six days a week, two shifts, for more than a year to meet the needs of America. Formed in 1980, the company now has 430 employees. It is looking to expand production in both Santa Maria and its Springboro, OH facilities. Businesses are chosen by the Chamber of Commerce. To nominate a business
Susana Naranjo, Owner of Flower Carriage by Ms. Cardel (Center) accepts the Featured Business of the Month certificate from Glenn Morris, President/CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber (left) and Mike Cordero, City Council Member for the City of Santa Maria (right). or ask about the program, contact Glenn Morris at the Chamber via email at glenn@ santamaria.com or by phone at (805) 9252403 extension 825.
Celebrating New Chamber Members & Business Anniversaries: Chamber Ribbon Cuttings for May 2022 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 May 2022. Opening a new business or new location? Celebrating a major milestone or anniversary? Host a ribbon cutting!
Sky River RV 700 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria (805) 556-7655 www. skyriverrv.com
Turner's Outdoorsman 2004 Preisker Ln., Suite 1m Santa Maria (805) 346-2501 www. turners.com
Sky River RV's simple, straightforward approach combined with their renowned commitment to service has helped them become the fastest growing RV Dealer in California. Now with 4 locations on the Central Coast: Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, Santa Maria, and Atascasdero!
Turner's Outdoorsman has been California's fishing, hunting, and shooting headquarters since 1971. They have 32 locations throughout California and are ready to meet all of your hunting, shooting, and fishing needs.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | June 2022
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. 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 Cara to join today! 5
Chamber Membership Corner Thank You to Our Chamber Investor Program Sponsors:
New Members: May 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. Executive
Premium
Benedict Canyon Equities 10100 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 420 Los Angeles, CA www.bceproperties.com
Guitar Center, Inc. 443 E. Betteravia, Santa Maria www.guitarcenter.com
Canfield Development, Inc.4554 Broad 10474 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 403 Los Angeles, CA (310) 446-8276 www.canfield-development.com Westside Contractors Inc. 10474 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 402 Los Angeles, CA (310) 362-6143 www.westside-contractors.com
American General Media Advance Auto Parts Auto World 805 Babe Farms, Inc. BALANCE7 BBSI 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 C.L.A. Business Solutions/Santa Maria Bookkeeping Collaboration Business Consulting 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 Family Care Network, Inc. FUEGO 97.1 Hot Hits/La Buena Hardy Diagnostics Innovative Produce InSPArations Full Service Salon & Spa J. Wilkes Wines Jack's All American Plumbing JR Bookkeeping Morris & Garritano Insurance 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 SEEAG (Students for ECO-Education & Agriculture) SESLOC Federal Credit Union Smith’s Alarms & Electronics, Inc. SpotOn SM Tire Starphyre Digital Security Service Testa Catering Tileco Distributors, Inc. The Towbes Group, Inc. Trojan Petroleum, Inc. Turner's Outdoorsman Urban Planning Concepts/ Rural Planning Services VTC Enterprises 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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Natural Stone Source, Inc. 1315 S. Bradley, Santa Maria (805) 540-7171 www.nssgranite.com New Beginnings 3769 Constellation Rd., Suite B, Lompoc (805) 430-8636 www.sbnbcc.org
Investor
New Beginnings 324 E. Carrillo St., Suite C, Santa Barbara (805) 963-7777 www.sbnbcc.org
C.L.A. Business Solutions 204 E. Enos Dr., Ste. D, Santa Maria (805) 332-3425 www.CLABizSolutions.com
San Joaquin Valley College 303 Plaza Drive, Santa Maria (559) 679-8937 www.sjvc.edu
Clean Slate Real Estate 204 E. Enos Dr., Suite D, Santa Maria (805) 623-8767 www.CleanSlateRE.com
Member
Santa Maria Bookkeeping 204 E. Enos Dr., Ste D, Santa Maria (805) 332-3425 www.santamariabookkeeper.com
El Viñero 130-A N. Broadway, Orcutt (805) 354-0260 www.elvinero.com
Starphyre Digital Security Service 755 Santa Rosa St, Suite 200 San Luis Obispo (805) 458-2024 www.starphyre-secure.com Turner's Outdoorsman 2004 Preisker Ln., Suite 1, Santa Maria (805) 346-2501 www.turners.com Premium Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) 526 Chapel St., Santa Maria (805) 925-8860 www.cadasb.org
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.
Renewing Members: May 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. 62 Years: Century Tax and Bookkeeping Services 42 Years: Akeso Occupational Health Earth Systems Pacific Galloway & Associates Jiffy Lube Quintron Systems, Inc.
14 Years: Alzheimer's Association Fund for Santa Barbara Star Physical Therapy of Santa Maria 13 Years: Mike Cordero
38 Years: Your People Professionals
10 Years: CALM Edward Jones - Jefferson Ledgerwood Nipomo Swapmeet & Mini Storage
32 Years: California Giant Berry Farms
9 Years: SearchLight Properties
30 Years: Center for Employment Training Law Offices of Kim Mistretta SBCAG/Traffic Solutions Rideshare
7 Years: Santa Maria Tool, Inc. Shred 2 You, Inc
29 Years: Leachman Home Loans 28 Years: Shaklee Distributors - J & J Colegrove 27 Years: American Medical Response, Inc.
5 Years: Amara Apartments Care Connection Transport Services Santa Barbara Co. Animal Care Foundation That's FETCH! Tony Cravello Insurance & Financial Solutions UnitedAg V. Lopez Jr. & Sons General Eng. Cont. Inc.
4 Years: Comcast Community Carpenters Luttrell Staffing Group Quality Wine Barrels 3 Years: Central Coast Truck Center - Santa Maria Great Business Marketing LAGS Recovery Centers, Inc. Old Town Cups & Crumbs Coffee Shop and Homestyle Bakery 2 Years: Evolve Retirement Plan Solutions Nature'sRepair 1 Years: Ellen Thermos Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Santa Barbara Hope for Santa Maria Pacific Employers Prudential Overall Supply The Homestead Villa Care Homes
26 Years: Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling 24 Years: R W Scott Construction Co., Inc. 20 Years: Streator Pipe & Supply 17 Years: American GI Forum 16 Years: Costa De Oro Winery Pacific Realty - Esther Acosta PODS, Moving and Storage Solved 15 Years: Magnolia & Primrose Subway The Cloud Company Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | June 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.
California Paid Family Leave Grant: Money Available for Small Businesses California Paid Family Leave (PFL) Grant Program awards grants to assist California's small businesses impacted by the Paid Family Leave (PFL) Program. Businesses impacted by California's Paid Family Leave program will have: • Increased costs such as training and upskilling existing staff to cover the duties of the employee on California's Paid Family Leave; • Hiring and training additional staff to cover the duties of the employee on California's Paid Family Leave; and marketing, recruitment, and • Other reasonably foreseeable
training costs The PFL Grant Program allows eligible small businesses in California with 1-100 employees with at least one (1) employee utilizing California's Paid Family Leave program to apply for grants up to $2,000 per employee to offset the increased costs associated with the employee out on leave. Learn more about the Californai Paid Family Leave Grant and apply today by visitng www.californiapfl.com. For promotional materials related to the California PFL program, contact Molly Schiff at molly@santamaria.com.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau 614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria | (805) 925-2403 | santamaria.com | info@santamaria.com 8
