Chamber Expands Efforts to Connect with Hispanic Businesses

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber strives to be a catalyst, convener and champion for all local businesses in the Santa Maria Valley. Recently, the organization has begun a targeted effort to better assist Hispanic businesses in the local community.

“We recognize that a large portion of the business community is Hispanic, and we want to make sure our organization is providing the tools and resources they need to remain successful in Santa Maria,” explained Glenn Morris, President/CEO for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber.

To aid in their efforts, the Chamber gathered local Hispanic leaders and business owners to form a Hispanic Business Outreach Committee. The committee’s role is to help the Chamber better understand and meet the needs of the Hispanic business community.

“I’m excited to serve on the Hispanic Business Outreach Committee and help our Hispanic businesses grow and make a better, more prosperous city,” explained Sophia Lariz, Managing Partner for Emerald Wave Media. “I hope that through this committee, we can encourage Hispanic business owners to engage, speak up, and get the help they need.”

Kim Cordova, Executive Vice President/ Owner of The Veg Boss, says she joined the committee because she wants to lead by example and give back to the local community. “Being a successful Hispanic business owner in our community comes with the responsibility to reach back to other Hispanic-owned businesses and aide in the support and success of those businesses,” she explained. “As an all-inclusive organization, I think it’s very important the Chamber engages in the work of connecting with our Hispanic businesses.”

The committee meets monthly and helps guide the Chamber in ways to better engage with and support the Hispanic business community. Their first event planned by the committee will be a Mixer held at The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant on May 25th. Additional details will be available closer to the event at www.santamaria.com.

In addition to the creating of the committee, the Chamber has hired David Hernandez to serve as the Hispanic Business Outreach and Service Representative for the Chamber. This new position will help to improve engagement with, and services to, Hispanic-owned businesses.

“We are thrilled to have David join our team at the Chamber, and help us further our efforts to engage with the Hispanic business community,” Morris said. “We look forward to being able to provide the services our organization offers to a larger segment of our Santa Maria Valley businesses.”

“I am excited to join the team at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber,” Hernandez said. “I hope to make a positive impact with the local Hispanic community by empowering and strengthening their economic development and growth.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Hispanic Business Outreach Committee and how you can get involved, email David Hernandez at david@santamaria.com.