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 A.T. Still University in their Local Business Spotlight video series, done in partnership with the Santa Maria Times.

• The Chamber’s Hispanic Business Outreach Coordinator worked with the SBDC on client intake calls, addressing small business concerns including grant opportunities, business licesnsing/permitting, and startup capital.

• Chamber staff took a site tour of Central Truck Centers new Santa Maria location.

• 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.

Convener of Leaders and Influencers

• The Chamber held their 2022 State of Education event, where Dr. Susan Salcido, Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools, presented on the progress and status of education in the County and how the Santa Barbara County Education Office directly serves students, schools, and districts in the Santa Maria Valley.

• The Chamber’s Economic Development Commission assisted with introductions to city Public works regarding a local fiber project.

• Convened local school district leadership with leadership from Vandenberg Space Force Base to discuss a collaboration in educating students about STEM careers available on base.

• The Chamber continues to hold their weekly “Build Your Business” breakfast meetings, an opportunity for local businesses to network and provide leads and testimonials

Champion for a Stronger Santa Maria Valley

• The Chamber and City of Santa Maria recognized Donna Randolph Insurance Agency and CalPortland as their monthly featured businesses.

• The Chamber remains active in the Veteran Stand down committee, assisting with planning and running parking for the event and will be volunteering at the event.

• The Chamber’s Junior CEO program held their program wrap up & celebration event. The participants made a combined total of $4,699 in sales and netted $2,735 in profit.

• The Chamber’s Economic Development Commission continues to work with the City of Santa Maria on new developments including the downtown project and the Skyway Collective.

• The Chamber assisted a behavioral health facility looking for potential sites for a facility, introduction to 3 land possibilities

• Chamber staff attended a CALED (California Economic Development) convention to learn more about economic development efforts at the State level.

• The Chamber’s Visitor Bureau hosted a number of social media influencers to help promote the Santa Maria Valley as a tourism destination.

• Chamber Staff attended the Central Coast Tourism Summit in Ventura where we discussed our messaging for the Central Coast for the next campaign

• The Chamber’s Visitor Bureau brought in media as judges for Santa Maria Valley BBQ fest to help promote the Santa Maria Valley to potential visitors.

• The Santa Maria Valley Wine Trolley kicked off 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.