Santa Maria Veteran’s Honor Week >>> Page 2
Chamber Membership Corner >>> Page 3
Benefits of Shopping Local >>> Page 4
Chamber Connection Monthly newsletter of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors and Convention Bureau | November 2016
Upcoming Events
EACH FRIDAY Build Your Business Breakfast 8 a.m., Denny’s Restaurant, 1019 E. Main Street DECEMBER 7 Freedom Monument Veterans Ceremony 10:00 a.m., Abel Maldonado Youth Center DECEMBER 14 Member Christmas Social 5:00 p.m., Santa Maria Public Airport For more event information, visit www.santamaria.com
Chamber Congratulates Ambassador of the Quarter Julie Colegrove
Julie Colegrove, who has been an Ambassador for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce for many years now, was recently named Ambassador of the Quarter. As a Chamber Ambassador, Colegrove attends many Chamber functions including mixers and ribbon cuttings. “My favorite activity is welcoming new and budding businesses into our community,” Colegrove said. “And of course, the mixers that highlight a business and bring the whole community together.” Colegrove, who started her Shaklee business with her husband Jim in Orange County, moved to Santa Maria in 1978. “Joining the Chamber was among the most rewarding things we could have done,” Colgrove said. “Becoming Ambassadors has allowed us to meet many great business people, serve our community and
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Santa Maria Businesses Highlight Benefits of Shopping Local
P
eople may not realize that when they spend their money here at home, the sales tax revenue contributes to keeping business alive by creating jobs, raising the tax base, supporting community services such as police, fire, recreation and parks along with other municipal services and even allowing support for many non-profit organizations. By simply, making the decision to shop and dine here in town, people directly contribute their own quality of life. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to support our local business members. And while we encourage people to shop locally throughout the year, we know it’s particularly important during the holiday season. With the convenience of online shopping and discounts offered by big brand stores, it’s important to remind our community of the importance of shopping at our local retailers. “Shopping online or at large out-of-town retailers can feel easier and likely offers a wider range of choices,” said Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Glenn Morris. “What it doesn’t do, though, is support our neighbors and the broader Santa Maria community. Next time you’re at a youth sporting event, or community social/cultural program, take a look at the businesses who are sponsoring the teams or underwriting the performance. If those are stores that you frequent, then you are part of that support network. The funds used to support these programs come from the profits generated by the local business based on the scales they make to each of us.” We talked with a variety of our local business members to get their take on the benefits of shopping local this holiday season.
Community Bank of Santa Maria sees shopping local as an easy way to help one another. As a Community Bank, Community Bank of Santa Maria deals with many of the local businesses in the area. Dealing with finances on a daily basis, Community Bank of Santa Maria CEO Janet Silveria says choosing to shop at our local stores can have a make or break impact on many local businesses. “When we spend money with a locally owned shop or business, more of our money stays right here,” Silveria said. “By supporting local business, we’re all helping each other insure our city remains the wonderful place it is.” Locally owned and operated, Silveria says the customer service offered at Community Bank of Santa Maria is unrivaled by the “big banks”. “Our customers have the benefit of speaking directly to a decision maker. Our staff is empowered to approve their loan request or resolve a problem, without having to refer them to some 800 number that goes across the country, or sometimes even out of the country,” Silveria said. “And we have options to suit your banking preferences. Technology when you want it, people when you don’t. ‘Santa Maria Style’ customer service from people you know and trust. Try getting that at a ‘big bank’.”
4site Solutions: shopping local assures local businesses will be there when you need them. 4site Solutions (4siteSolutions.net) is a web design and marketing company that serves small brick and mortar businesses throughout Santa Maria. Carol Rehnberg of 4siteSolutions.net says it’s important to choose to shop local to ensure our local economy is successful, and the business community remains strong. “It’s so easy to just go the internet to get a lot of our goods and services, but when you want something local--so you can see it before you buy it, or to get it right now, you need local businesses,” Rehnberg explains. “But if everyone choses to go elsewhere, those local businesses won’t be there when you need them. It benefits consumers to have local choices, which only will happen they choose local and keep these businesses thriving.” Rhenberg says that as a local business, their customers see a lot of value in having a company in the area to assist with their web and technology needs. “Having local choices for web services means you can actually sit down face-to-face side with your webmaster while developing your web presence,” she said. “Also I have heard so many stories from business owners who hire an out of area website developer only to not be able to contact them when they need an update to the site. Since we are right here in the area, our customers can find us when they need us.”
For local wineries, shopping local is a way to build relationships with the community. For nagy wines, people choosing to shop local is critical for the success of her own business. Their tasting room is located at 145 S. Gray St, #103 in Old Orcutt, CA. Owner Clarissa Nagy says she chooses to shop local whenever possible because the revenue stays in the area, supports jobs and is invested back into the local community. Additionally, valuable relationships are built with community members. “Long term relationships are built using local service providers. I’ve been going to my hair stylist since I moved to the area. She has become a good friend,” Nagy said. “I love supporting other local business owners. I am always very well received and well cared for by our local businesses.” Nagy strives to build similar relationships with her customers. “My hope is that nagy wines provides the same superb experience I receive at other local businesses,” Nagy said. “We offer a personal and friendly atmosphere and a unique sensory experience. We have a training on why it makes a difference to taste and enjoy Pinot in a Burgundy glass and Syrah in a Rhone glass. I think the amount of information we provide our customers about the wines they are enjoying is what makes us unique and what keeps people coming back.” J. Wilkes, another local Santa Maria Valley Winery, also takes pride in being a local business, and asset to their community. The vineyard produces exceptional Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel & Cabernet Sauvignon. “J. Wilkes enjoys serving the Santa Maria community because we consider ourselves part of the neighborhood and who better to share and enjoy a glass of wine than with your friends,” explained J. Wilkes Marketing
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Chamber Officials 2015-2016 OFFICERS Chairman of the Board Ed Carcarey, Mega 97.1 Chairman Elect Cameron Stephens, SM Tire Vice Chairman Dr. Ray Arensdorf, Arensdorf Chiropractic Vice Chairman Erika Weber, VTC Enterprises Past Chairman Eddie Murray, The Murray Group - Morgan Stanley
BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Allen, Marian Regional Medical Center Donna Cross, Next Day Signs Felix Esparza, Community Outreach Solutions Jean-luc Garon, Historic Santa Maria Inn Era Polly, Era Polly Real Estate Hugh Rafferty, CoastHills Federal Credit Union Donna Randolph, State Farm Insurance Tim Ritchie, Home Motors Tim Rooney, Rooney’s Irish Pub Cynthia Schur, Santa Maria Times Michelle Shipman, SearchLight Properties Janet Silveria, Community Bank of Santa Maria Chris Slaughter, Discovery Museum Dr. Kevin Walthers, Allan Hancock College Tim Woodbury, Woody’s Butcher Block
Chamber Staff
Local Monument, Traveling Exhibit to Honor Fallen Heroes in Santa Maria First Week of December Declared Veteran’s Honor Week by City of Santa Maria The City of Santa Maria has officially declared the first week of December “Veteran’s Honor Week”, issuing a proclamation at a recent City Council Meeting. This year, the week will recognize the 50th anniversary of Vietnam, 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, and 15th Anniversary of the local Freedom Monument Veteran’s Memorial. Through close coordination of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, City of Santa Maria, Recreation and Parks Department and local Veteran Groups, a week-long series of events have been planned to pay tribute to these anniversaries and honor all Veterans, especially those who have given the last full measure of devotion for our country. Highlights of the weeks’ festivities include showcasing the “Remember Our Fallen” exhibit within the Abel Maldonado Youth Center, which will be open to the public all week. The annual Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial Ceremony will also be held on December 7th at 10 a.m. at the Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial, where the local community will have a chance to gather and honor our local heroes. More information about Veteran’s Honor Week is outlined below, and can be found by visiting www.santamaria.com
Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial Celebrates 15 Years in Santa Maria
The Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial concept was born out of a chance visit to the Chamber office in 2000 by the mother of a Santa Maria soldier who was killed in Vietnam. Doris Walker, now deceased, expressed her fear that her son had been forgotten. Bob Hatch, who was the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce agreed, and enlisted the help
of Dave Cross, Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee, and together they began the task of putting together the design of a memorial dedicated to the memory of all Santa Maria Valley Citizens who gave their lives for our country. The City of Santa Maria embraced the proposal and dedicated a large area in front of the Abel Maldonado Youth Center
which was under construction at the time. The location provides a reminder to future generations that those who died were mostly young members of the community, and it is located in an area of significant importance. The Chamber of Commerce provided
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President & CEO Glenn Morris, ACE 925-2403 x825 glenn@santamaria.com VP, Chamber Operations Terri Oneschuck 925-2403 x824 terrio@santamaria.com Director, Economic Development 925-2403 x817 Director, Visitor & Convention Bureau Jennifer Harrison 925-2403 x815 jennifer@santamaria.com Membership Manager Cara Martinez 925-2403 x852 cara@santamaria.com Event & Special Projects Manager Alex Magana 925-2403 x814 alex@santamaria.com Communications Specialist Molly Schiff 925-2403 x816 molly@santamaria.com Group Sales & Services Coordinator Terri Prouty 925-2403 x851 terri@santamaria.com Administrative Support Coordinator Patricia Horta 925-2403 x812 patricia@santamaria.com
The Chamber Connection is the official monthly publication of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, 614 S Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454-5111, (805) 925-2403. Send corrections or good news submissions to chambernews@santamaria.com
Chamber Congratulates Ambassador of the Quarter Julie Colegrove Continued from pg 1
all as we continue grow our business. Thank you Ambassadors and Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce for your continued support of us and our Shaklee business.” Julie and her husband decided to become Ambassadors to develop and improve their image in the business community and interface with like minds. “It is an honor to have received this award and it has a prominent place in our office,” Julie Colegrove said. Julie has been so engaged since becoming an Ambassador, she was named Ambassador of the Quarter in October, 2016 for July, August, September 2016. Congratulations Julie, and thank you for all you do for the Chamber!
The Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial is located outside the Abel Maldonado Youth Center (600 S. McClelland Street, Santa Maria). Join us here December 7th at 10 a.m. as we honor our local fallen heroes.
“Remember Our Fallen” Traveling Exhibit to be displayed at Abel Maldonado Youth Center “Remembering Our Fallen” is a photographic war memorial created to remember our country’s Fallen who have died in The War on Terror. Because 9/11/2001 was such a defining moment for so many Americans, this memorial includes our country’s Fallen since that tragic day in our nation’s history. Unlike most war memorials made of brick and mortar, this one includes both military and personal photos of our Fallen. It is designed to travel to offer more people the opportunity to remember our Fallen while being reminded of the tremendous cost of our freedom. The greatest fear of their families left behind is that their Fallen loved ones will be forgotten. Hopefully, the legacy of this memorial will be that the faces of these men and women will be remembered and their names will be spoken, and that they will be honored, as will be the families that suffer so great a loss for our freedom. May we never forget our nation’s Fallen heroes who gave their all for all of us. The “Remember Our Fallen” Exhibit will be on display and open to the public at the Abel Maldonado Youth Center December 2 through December 9, as part of Veteran’s Honor Week. Hours of operation and additional information about the exhibit can be found by contacting the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department at (805) 925-0951 or www.cityofsantamaria. org. Additional information will also be posted on the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce website at www.santamaria. com.
Santa Maria’s 112 Fallen Heroes These were our grandfathers, fathers, uncles and brothers. They were family members, neighbors, and friends. All 112 of them gave their last full measure of devotion for our country. These were all young men with bright futures. Most of them were barely out of high school. As a community, we will never know what role models and leaders were among them, and what they may have contributed to our society. It is our obligation as a community to remember these men. Their lives are forever woven into the fabric of our community’s heritage. Their names are listed at the Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial to be honored forever. WW I (12) Matteo Adamoli Soren Badasci Marshall Branden Frank Burrel Franklin Greely Hugh Higgins Guy Jamison Mike Ontiveros Delores Peredes Manuel Pico John Speed Bernardo Tagliaferri WW II (55) Louis Araujo Charles Baird Jr. Glen R. Baker Ellery Bush Leonard Calderon Joseph Carlotti
Charles Carpenter John H. Chapek Robert E. Conser Kenneth Cooper Clarence Cooper Nickolas Covell Joseph De Coito Bryant De Loach William Dudy George Elvidge Augustin N. Escalante Buford E. Foster Warham H. Franklin Fred M. Garton Ernest F. Gorzell Frank Golden Felipe T. Guerrero Dale Harris Robert Ireland William C. Jones Isaac C. Kahn
William Kirkpatrick Daniel Logan Robert Longmire Florentino J. Martinez Vincent Martinez Basil Martinez John McGinley Ray McGinley David F. McGraw Maurice Muxen Robert W. Neatherlin Carmen J. Nelson Thomas Ontiveros Jack Ontiveros Christopher Palestino Fortino M. Rivas Donald E. Runnels Dewitt Sanford Harold Severson John Donald Smith Calvin Snow
Gene Sturgeon Cecil A. Tognazzini Roy E. Tennison Stanley Weber William C. Wallace Harold Withrow Mikoto Yoshihara Korea (5) Richard C. Aguirre William George Epp Robert G. Kelley Roy R. Nelson Jose Torres Vietnam (33) William J. Cariveau Arturo Carrasco Thomas Castillo Robert B. Cowell Patrick M. Derig
Manual A. Fernandez Albert R. Fogg Eddie D. Foster Richard A. Giovanacci Greg E. Hart Murvyn E. Hargraves Phillip Hernandez Roger A. Hickok Fredrick L. Holmes William J. Johnson Dale P. Meehan Thomas C. Michehl Thomas J. Ontiveros Michael Pagaling Donald M. Peterson Richard L. Sanders Alfred R. Sapinosa David A. Schultz Jacob F. Siratt Ira J. Spittler Richard D. Swayze
Milford M. Tognazzini Thomas L. Twyford Antonio Velasquez Charles Walker James D. Walker Eldon W. Willingham Alexander Vigil War on Terrorism (7) Gerardo Chavez Shawn Dressler Joseph Heredia Joseph Menusa Garrywesley Tan Rimes Daniel Johnson Kenneth Alvarez
Chamber Membership Corner With 815+ local business members, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is a proud supporter of the vibrant and expanding business community in Santa Maria Valley and surrounding area.
Ribbon Cuttings
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate ribbon cuttings for these members in the month of October:
LANDMARK BARBERS SHAVING PARLOR AND LOUNGE 800 S. Broadway, Ste 201, Santa Maria, CA 93454
SANTA MARIA OLIVE CO. Santa Maria, CA 93455
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS, CHAPTER 82 501 N. Pine Street , Santa Maria, CA 93458
UTILITY TELECOM 354 Pacific St., Ste 110, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
VAQUERAS 1555 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454
New Members
Enjoy Ribbon Cuttings, Mixers and More...
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome these new members for the month of October. We appreciate their vote of confidence in our ability to add value to their business and to create a strong local economy together.
Law Offices of Angelica Gutierrez Diaz Angelica Gutierrez 714 E. Chapel St., Ste D Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 348-1638 www.angelicagutierrezlaw.com
Get Involved - Become a Chamber Ambassador!
The Ambassador Club is a very unique club within the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, whose sole purpose is to act as a public relations arm of the Chamber and the community. “There are so many benefits to becoming a Chamber Ambassador,” said Chief Ambassador Erika Weber. “It is a great, fun way for new members to meet many business owners, community leaders and to grow their own businesses while supporting the Chamber of Commerce and utilizing all the benefits the Chamber has to offer. ”
Old Town Quilt Shop Michelle Strunka 165 W. Clark Ave, Ste A Old Orcutt, CA 93455 (805) 938-5870 www.oldtownquiltshoporcutt.com Sylvester Screen Printing Sylvester Heredia Nipomo, CA 93444 (805) 904-9311 www..facebook.com/Sylvester-Screen-Printing-Embroidery
To learn more, contact Chief Ambassador Erika Weber at 805-7142480 or eweber@vtc-sm.org.
Our next Chamber member could be YOU! The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to have 815+ local businesses as valued Chamber members. As a Chamber member, you are entitled to a wide range of benefits and services, designed to help you promote, grow and improve your business, including business referrals and your business listing on our website membership directory. Learn more about how the Chamber can help you! Contact Chamber Membership Manager Cara Martinez at (805) 925-2403 x852 or cara@santamaria.com.
Renewing Members
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce 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.
67 years Tunnell Roofing Co., Inc.
25 years Next Day Signs
55 years Valley Glass & Mirror Co
22 years Bent Axles Car Club
44 years HUB International Insurance Services
21 years Betty S Tibbs, MD Kiwanis Club Of S M - Noontimers Wells Fargo
41 years JP Morgan Chase 39 years Mission Linen Supply Of S M 36 years SM Tire 32 years Straw Hat Pizza 31 years Santa Maria Museum Of Flight
20 years Spencers Market 18 years Ross Realty 16 years Coastal Voices Norcast Communications Pacific Coast Business Times, Inc. 15 years Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Rancho Gardens Apartments
14 years Central Coast Tennis Golden State Water Company
5 years Excel Personnel Services Target Marketing, Inc.
13 years Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems Central Coast Ravatt Albrecht & Associates, Inc.
4 years Central Coast New Tech High School
11 years All American Screen Printing & Embroidery Ricky’s House of Pizza 10 years Dan Blough Construction, Inc Pacific Coast Energy Co. Visionary Insurance & Financial Services 8 years Achievement House Inc. 7 years New Life Bath & Kitchen Santa Barbara Family Dentistry Tailwinds Bicycle Club of Santa Maria
3 years Lucia Mar Unified School District Vernon Edwards Constructors 2 years Avon - Shevonne Harris Oxford Suites Pismo Beach REI Wealth Academy Zodiac Cabin Interiors 1 year Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Sleepfit Corp. / Mattress Land Stores State Farm Insurance - Nancy Boster Sula Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar
Continued - Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial Celebrates 15 Years in Santa Maria Continued from pg 2 the majority of the funding for the design and construction, which included 6 large concrete and tile structures representing each branch of the service, a dedication plaque, a fountain with a mural containing an American Eagle, a flag pole, full landscaping, and seats for veterans, family and members of the community to pay their respects. The memorial itself was specifically designed for expansion, and over the last 15 years, many prominent features have been added, enhancing its value to the community and its reverence in honoring those who not only died protecting our freedom, but to those who continue to serve today. There are four reasons that this monument has such a prominent role in the community. First, it is an indisputable obligation to honor these men, by name, who gave their lives. Secondly, it is important for the families and friends of the fallen to know that those who gave so much are appropriately honored at a place where they can come to remember. Thirdly, as a community, it is our responsibility to never forget their sacrifice and recognize their honored place in the heritage of our community. Lastly, this hallowed place is a visible reminder that service to one’s country, both past and present, carries a heavy burden. It will remain for the ages as a beacon to citizens of a free nation. There has been genuine public respect and appreciation for the monument and what it represents. In addition, the Recreation and Parks Department keeps a watchful eye on the monument and keeps it beautifully maintained and landscaped. Content contributed by Bob Hatch and Dave Cross
Historical Timeline: Freedom Monument Through The Years The Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial was specifically designed for expansion, and over the last 15 years, many prominent features have been added to the memorial area, adding to its value to the community and its reverence in honoring those who not only died protecting our freedom, but to those who continue to serve today. Here are the dedications over the years since 2001:
2002 - Vietnam Memorial Plaque, with the names of 33 Veterans
2003 – Korean War Plaque Dedication, with the names of 5 Veterans
2004 - World War II Plaque Dedication, with the names of 55 Veterans
2005 - War on Terrorism Memorial Dedication, with the names of 4 Veterans at the time
2006 - Plaque honoring John Smith, the Central
Coast’s most highly decorated local Veteran from World War II
2007 - Dedicating the Shawn Dressler Plaque and
the Order of the Purple Heart Plaque, which added Shawn Dressler to the War on Terrorism Memorial and recognizing all wounded Veterans from all conflicts
2008 - Dedication of the American Woman Veteran
Plaque, honoring local women who have served in the Armed Forces
2009- Honoring Local Veteran Groups and Veteran Groups Wall Plaques Dedication, honoring all local Veterans organizations
2010- Honoring Dan Johnson, and adding a plaque
and monument in his honor near the War on Terrorism Memorial
2011 - Lest We Forget- Remembering all of Santa
Maria’s Fallen Heroes, a special recognition of Santa Maria Valley Veterans
2012 - Vandenberg Air Force Base Monument
unveiling, honoring all who serve on Vandenberg Air Force Base
2013 - Honoring Kenneth Alvarez- Plaque dedication and tree planting in his honor
2014 - Honoring Charles Walker and Phillip Hernandez, adding their names next to the Vietnam Memorial Plaque, & relocation of Kenneth Alvarez Plaque to the War on Terrorism area.
2015 - WWI Plaque Dedication, honoring 12 Veterans from the Santa Maria Valley who died during that conflict.
2016 – 50th Anniversary of Vietnam / 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor/ 15th Anniversary of the Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial .
Chamber Thanks Local Businesses for Altrusa Tree Donations! Every year, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce enjoys taking part in Altrusa International of Santa Maria’s Annual Holiday Extravaganza. The decorated trees are put on display at the Elk’s Lodge, where they are raffled off to community members. Proceeds from this fun and festive event go to benefit the Altrusa Organization, which supports child care, youth, senior and other non-profit programs. This year, we reached out to our local Chamber members to help us deocrate our “Hometown Christmas” themed tree. Thank you to the following businesses for their generous donations: • Avon by Shevonne Harris • Fischer’s Fine Jewelry • Hayward Lumber • Klondike Pizza • Milt Guggia Enterprises • Nagy Wines • The Pad Climbing • SCORE • Westar Associates • Woody’s Butcher Block
The Chamber thanks you for your generous donations!
Continued - Santa Maria Businesses Highlight Benefits of Shopping Local Continued from pg 1 Specialist Noemi Zendejas. Zendejas says the people in the local community have become a valuable asset to their workforce and the success of their business. “J. Wilkes is grown and produced by the hard work and talent of the Santa Maria Valley work force from the vineyard staff to the winemaking team and everyone in between,” Zendejas said. “J. Wilkes can truly be called a local brand from its inception to its current state.” Home Motors: Employees and customers take pride in being a local business. “Since 1955, our family owned and operated business employs over 100 team members, who come to work every day wit ha focus on providing a great experience for each and every guest.” Ritchie says that as a locally owned business, it’s their employees who really make their business stand out from their competition. As a local and family owned and operated business, Ritchie believes their company brings a different energy and passion to the workplace everyday. “I believe independently owned businesses which are properly operated, encourage more pride and receive more effort from their team members compared to large retailers and/or corporations,” Ritchie said. “We will always encourage our employees to shop local, and create those relationships which support our community economically. After all, ‘it is much easier to drop a nickel in someone else’s bucket, when they have placed one in yours’.” Idler’s Home: supporting local businesses means everyone wins. As a locally owned and operated business, Idler’s Home of Santa Maria says supporting the local community has always been a part of who they are as a company. “By supporting local business, you support everything that has to do with your community. Schools, churches, groups, neighborhoods, everyone wins and thrives,” said Kaeleigh Moss, Marketing Director for Idler’s Home. “As a local business, we give back through donations to nonprofits and our Put Your $ where Your life is Campaignwhich gives a portion of profits to local non-profits groups. This encourages the community to shop local and we give
back local – everyone wins!” Moss says that as a local business, their customers appreciate their knowledge of the local community and commitment to outstanding customer service. “We know the needs of the community as we have been here for over 60 years. We are like family to you and will take care of you,” said Moss. “If we didn’t have you as customers, we would not be in business. The large box stores, if you didn’t shop there, they would still survive. We want to give you the best-because you do that for us.” Whether you are a business leader, community member or local business owner, choosing the shop local will benefit not only benefit yourself and the local business, it will have far reaching effects on the local community as a whole. “The next time your neighbor or a family member talks about their job at a local business, remember that the revenue needed to pay their salary comes from locals like you and me patronizing the business,” said Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Glenn Morris. “And, the next time you see a local police officer, fire fighter, recreation program leader, or other civic service employee doing their job to make our community the place we want to live, work, and raise our families, remember that a huge part of the dollars used to pay for those services come from sales taxes collected when we make a purchase locally. Shopping in another town, or on the Internet, helps improve their community - not ours.” We hope that this holiday season and throughout the year, you make the choice to support our local Santa Maria community by shopping local. Not sure where to start? Visit the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce business directory at www.santamaria.com, which provides a list of over 850 local businesses you can support.