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

Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum was featured in the Chamber's "Local Business Spotlight" series, done in partnership with the Santa Maria Valley Times.

• The Economic Development Commission assisted 12 small business/ business startups. Additionally, connected with an advisor for business counsulting in the chamber.

• The Chamber filmed our latest Local Business Spotlight Video, done in partnership with the Santa Maria Times. For October, we highlighted Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum which recently welcomed a new curator, Shelley Klein. The full video can be viewed at https://santamaria.com/local-business-spotlight.

• The Chamber welcomed two new employees: Paulina Leang, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, and Madison Grimnes, Administrative Assistant.

• The Visitor's Bureau announced the extension of the 2022 Santa Maria Wine Trolley which will now run through November.

• The Tourism Board continued efforts on the Events & Festivals strategy.

Convener of Leaders and Influencers

Real Men Wear Pink October Mixer hosted by American Cancer Society & Central Coast Truck Center.

• Hispanic Business Mixer turnout was approximately 70-80 people, and 4 organizations attended Mixer.

• The Tourism Board hosted journalist Hannah Stephenson in partnership with Visit CA for a FAM in Santa Maria Valley.

• The Chamber recently celebrated its newest members who joined in August and September by recognizing them during the October mixer.

• The Chamber’s Ambassador Committee continues to meet monthly to stay connected in supporting new members as well as to play an active role in attending upcoming ribbon cuttings and events.

• The Chamber’s weekly BYB, (Build Your Business) continues to meet every Friday morning at 8AM. This networking meeting is now being held at Roscoe's Kitchen, located at 224 Town Center West.

Champion for a Stronger Santa Maria Valley

Innovative Produce was the second stop of Agriculture Day. George Adam and Phil Adam pictured here answering questions about strawberries.

• Jennifer Harrison (Tourism Director) and Taz Dougherty (Tourism Coordinator) attended the CalTravel Summit 2022 in the Greater Palm Springs Area. Travel, tourism and hospitality professionals came together during this summit to discuss pressing advocacy issues, take a dive into future tourism outlooks and forecasts, and create new connections within the tourism space.

• Junior CEO held their kickoff event for their Fall 2022 session. Over 60 young entrepreneurs are enrolled in the program, and will open their businesses to the public at the Santa Maria Town Center Mall on November 19th.

• The Chamber launched a “2022 Local Election Guide” including voter resources and a Q&A from candidates running for Santa Maria City Council and California State Assembly. The Election Guide is available at https://santamaria.com/2022-Election- Guide

• The Chamber, in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Education Office, launched their “Tours for Teachers” program. The program connects local high school CTE teachers with local business leaders and offers a full day of tours and small group discussions centered around specific CTE pathways. The first two tours offered were centered around the Agriculture and Business/Finance/Cybersecurity CTE career pathways. The next round of teacher tours will be in the first quarter of 2023.

• The LSMV class enjoyed their October topic day on public safety with tours of the police station and fire station.