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 Santa Maria Valley Chamber was recognized with the 2021 CalChamber Presidents Circle Award, which is given to Chambers who exhibit excellence in business advocacy and helping their members comply with California employment laws.

• The Chamber continues to support local businesses through their “Get Your Business Online” program, which walks local businesses through the process of improving their online presence. Learn more and get your free intake assessment at https://santamaria.com/ get-your-business-online.

• The Chamber continues to partner with Santa Barbara County Partners in Education on local workforce development programs, including finding local businesses to be a part of their Student Internship Program. Learn more at http://santamaria.com/workforcedevelopment.

• The Economic Development Commission continues to work with developers on bringing potential projects to the Santa Maria Valley.

• The Economic Development Commission continues to assist the City with moving forward on the Downtown Specific Plan.

Convener of Leaders and Influencers

• The Chamber Ambassador Committee continues to meet monthly via zoom. Ambassadors serve as the public relations arm of the Chamber and assists the Chamber during virtual networking meetings and events. Ambassadors also mentor new Chamber members and encourage “future member” businesses to join the Chamber by sharing the positive impact the Chamber has had on their business and inviting them to visit a Chamber meeting or event.

• Leadership Santa Maria Valley held their Sustainability and Natural Resources Topic Day, where they heard from a number of local leaders on new and innovative ways businesses are taking the lead on building a cleaner and more sustainable future.

• The Chamber held its Sate of Education Event featuring a presentation by Dr. Susan Salcido, County Superintendent of Schools for Santa Barbara County. The event highlighted the past accomplishments, current state, and future forecast of education in the City of Santa Maria.

• The Chamber partnered with Northern Santa Barbara County United Way on a “Homelessness, Housing & Local Business Impact” forum.

• The Chamber partnered with the other Santa Barbara County Chambers of Commerce to host webinar on the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations Proposal.

• The Chamber continued their FBLA Speaker Series for the local Future Business Leaders of America high school students. This month’s presentation was on “Branding Like A Boss” and featured Ryan Underwood, CEO of TeamTRI.

• The Chamber continues to hold their weekly virtual Build Your Business networking event every Friday on Zoom. BYB gives local businesses the opportunities to network and share leads and testimonials.

Champion for a Stronger Santa Maria Valley

• The Chamber is now accepting nominations for their 2021 Annual Awards Gala which will take place in August. Nominations for Large/Small Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Young Professional of the year are being accepted through June 5th. Learn more at http://santamaria.com/annual-awards.

• The Santa Maria Valley Chamber launched a bilingual campaign encouraging the community to get vaccinated. The campaign features local business leaders talking about why they got the COVID Vaccine, and provides resources for those looking to get vaccinated. Learn more at http://santamaria.com/get-vaccinated.

• The Chamber remains active in their advocacy efforts this legislative season, supporting a number of pro-business bills and opposing those which could negatively affect local businesses. A full list can be found at https://santamaria.com/news/category/Advocacy.

• The Chamber highlighted Safran Cabin and how the COVID pandemic has impacted their business in their latest “Local Business Spotlight” video, a series launched in partnership with the Santa Maria Times. The full video interview can be viewed at http://bit. ly/BizSpotlightSafran.

• The Economic Development Commission is working with an energy company regarding looking to open a location in Santa Maria.

• The Economic Development Commission assisted Arista Aviation with finding a building to open in Santa Maria. The company helps repair helicopters and will be opening in June 2021.

• The Santa Maria Valley Visitor's Bureau published two blog posts featuring our affordable wine country offerings and celebrating May as National Barbecue Month.