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Chamber Connection
SA NTA M A RIA VA LLE Y CH A MB E R MO NTHLY NE WS LE T TE R | O C TO B E R 202 1
Going Remote: Considerations Employers Should Make When Transitioning to a New Work Model In our new world created by the COVID pandemic, many small businesses are considering whether to continue to allow at least some employees to work full-time remote, or adopt a hybrid version. Under the hybrid version, employees may be allowed to work from home either a fixed number of days per week, or certain days designated by the company. Most companies are identifying days that all employees need to be in the office, for company meetings and other in person discussions. If you are evaluating implementing this, there are some important things to consider. California’s labor code requires that employers reimburse employees for all expenses incurred in the performance of their work. That means for employees who work remote, you need to be sure you are either providing the necessary equipment and materials or reimbursing for those. This can include: • Computers, printers and other equipment • Internet usage • Cell phone usage • Paper, pencils, and other usual desk items When you have a hybrid remote policy, your obligation for reimbursement may change since you are not obligated to duplicate expenses by providing a computer and other equipment when an employee elects to work from home. However, you do need to reimburse for internet and cell phone use and desk items. It’s important to include in your hybrid remote policy any
When considering whether to allow employees to work fully remote or a hybrid schedule, be sure to know California's labor code requirements nd consult with your broker before finalizing any decisions. conditions of that work, including that the employee must have sufficient internet and phone capability to work effectively away from the office. Wage & hour rules still apply when employees are working remote. That means you need to provide rest and meal periods, and ensure you comply with daily overtime for non-exempt employees. If you don’t have an effective way to monitor time for remote employees, you should consider an electronic timekeeping system so employees can log in wherever they are located to help ensure accurate time records. You will also want to determine how you will monitor employee productivity and
performance. Since you are not able to as easily observe employees’ activity when remote, you need to be able to ensure work is being done and your employees are engaged during paid work hours. Communication with employees is always important but heightened with full or hybrid remote employees. They need to feel connected with their team and company, just as much as you need them engaged. Lastly, you should contact your broker to be sure your employee locations are added to your workers’ compensation and general liability insurance policies. Article provided by Sandra Dickerson, CEO, Your People Professionals.
WHAT ' S INSIDE : O C TOBE R 2021 ISSUE
Santa Maria Next Profile p.2
Chamber Month in Review p. 3
Leadership Santa Maria Valley p. 6
Assistant City Manager Andrew Hackleman Receives Appointment to Governor’s Military Council City of Santa Maria Assistant City Manager Andrew Hackleman was recently appointed to the Governor’s Military Council. ““It’s an honor to be appointed and to be able to serve in this statewide role that supports important community and military installation needs, right here in Santa Maria,” Hackleman said. “The Governor’s Military Council exists to protect California’s more than 30 military installations and their associated operations,” Hackleman explained. “When it comes to local impact, we on the Central Coast have several military installations and of course that includes Santa Maria’s partner and neighbor, Vandenberg Space Force Base – a National asset right in our back yard we must only protect but advocate to expand, because it is important for our Nation’s defense and for the vitality of our economy.” A retired U. S. Air Force Lieutenant
Colonel, Hackleman joined the City of Santa Maria leadership team in July as Assistant City Manager. Prior to his current position, Hackleman was an executive with a regional nonprofit focused on job growth. “My background is in analysis, policy, logistics and strategy. My experience working in economic development has really helped me to find ways to support the community, and to learn about the diverse cities and communities in SLO and Santa Barbara Counties,” Hackleman explained. “Along the way, I came to really appreciate the important role local government has in providing essential services and enabling people and businesses to thrive.” Hackleman is excited to now be serving alongside City Manger Jason Stilwell as Assistant City Manager for Santa Maria. “I’m eager to learn all I can about local government (and there is a LOT), and I’m working hard to serve the staff and community by drawing on my previous
Andrew Hackleman serves as the Assistant City Manager for Santa Maria. leadership and economic development experience.” We congratulate Andrew Hackleman on his recent appointment to the Governor’s Military Council, and are thankful to have him as part of the local leadership serving our Santa Maria Valley community!
Chamber Launches "Santa Maria Next" Program to Highlight Local Students Excelling in Career Pathways The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has partner with the Santa Barbara County Office of Education on "Santa Maria Next", a program that highlights the career readiness training offered in high school career pathways, and recognizes students who are excelling in these various pathways. "As a champion for a strong local community, we know that local workforce development is a critical part of a vibrant community," explained Glenn Morris, President/CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. "Santa Maria Next gives us the opportunity to highlight the ways our local high schools are preparing kids for future careers, and also recognize students excelling in their fields of interest." Teachers from local high school districts have the opportunity to nominate students in the career pathway being highlighted for that month. A group of students will be selected to be highlighted on Chamber social media/communications and by the local school districts. Each quarter, the Chamber will also invite these students to attend a recognition event where they will have a chance to network with industry 2
leaders in their career pathway on interest. September 2021: Machining & Manufacturing Student of the Month: Jorge Salas, 11th Grade, Pioneer Valley High School Jorge Salas, an 11th grader from Pioneer Valley High School, is our Santa Maria Valley Chamber CTE student of the Month in the Manufacturing pathway. He was nominated by his teacher, Dan Howard. Dan expressed that Jorge has a real interest and genuine talent for machining. In addition to that, Jorge has been helpful with classroom preparation and enjoys using his knowledge to assist his peers. Congratulations to Jorge on his exceptional work! About the Machining & Manufacturing Career Pathway The Machining and Manufacturing Program provides local high school students three Allan Hancock College courses and starts them on their degree path. Students learn the basics of safety, measurement, and gain an understanding of blueprints and their creation. They get the opportunity
Jorge Salas, an 11th grade student at Pioneer Valley High School, is the September featured Santa Maria Next student. to operate state-of-the-art CNC Mills and Lathes as well as Manual Mills and Lathes. Students also learn and utilize MasterCam and SolidWorks design programs to create and manufacture their projects. This program will prepare students for an entry level machine shop position.
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 continues to partner with the Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County, and provided financial reports for their steering committee. The Chamber highlighted the Central Coast Jet Center in their “Local Business Spotlight” series done in partnership with the Santa Maria Times. The Chamber continues to keep in touch with local organizations on upcoming events and changes in an effort to keep their local community events calendar current for the community. The Economic Development Commission provided start-up assistance to 8 local businesses. The Economic Development Commission assisted local businesses with securing funding from the latest round of COVID-related grants and financial assistance.
Central Coast Jet Center was featured in the Chamber's "Local Business Spotlight" series.
Convener of Leaders and Influencers • • • • •
Leadership Santa Maria Valley held their Health & Human Services Topic Day. A full recap of the day’s activities can be found on p. 4 The Chamber continues to hold their weekly “Build Your Business” breakfast meetings, an opportunity for local businesses to network and provide leads and testimonials. The Chamber held its September Mixer at Moxie Café, where local business leaders had a chance to network and enjoy another great local business in the Santa Maria Valley. The Visitors Bureau hosted two journalists, who will help promote the Santa Maria Valley to potential visitors. The Chamber held their 2021 Annual Awards Gala outdoors at Allan Hancock College. The event honored a number of local businesses, community leaders and organizations who have shown resiliency over the past year.
The Chamber highlighted in members at their September Mixer at Moxie Cafe.
Champion for a Stronger Santa Maria Valley • • • • • • • • • • •
The Chamber held a number of ribbon cuttings celebrating new Chamber member businesses. A full list can be found on p. 5 The Chamber remains actively involved in the Veteran’s Stand Down event, and attended their recent planning meeting to learn more about opportunities to promote the community event. The Chamber filled its Fall Session of their Junior CEO program, a hands-on education opportunity that walks 6th graders through how to start their own business. The program begins in October. The Visitors Bureau attended the CalTravel Summit in Huntington Beach to learn more about industry trends and how to attract tourists to the Santa Maria Valley. The Visitors Bureau partnered with Bottle Branding on a motorcycle photo shoot for an upcoming tourism campaign. The Visitors Bureau published two blog posts to the Visit Santa Maria Valley website using California wine keywords in an effort to drive SEO traffic to the site. The Chamber provided 50 visitor bags for visitors attending an Early Motors event in Santa Maria. The Economic Development Commission assisted AT Still University with finding housing for students moving to the area to attend the university. The Economic Development Commission continues to play an active role in the City’s downtown revitalization project. The Economic Development Commission continues to work with Allan Hancock College on finding a developer to build campus housing. The Chamber launched “Santa Maria Next”, a program done in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Education Office that highlights local high school students excelling in the various career pathways. This month’s featured student can be found on p.8.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | October 2021
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Chamber Membership Corner Thank You to Our Chamber Investor Program Sponsors:
New Members: July & August 2021 The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome these new members joining the Chamber. We appreciate their vote of confidence in our ability to add value to their business and to create a strong local economy together. We highly encourage individuals and businesses to support Chamber member businesses. Investor JR Bookkeeping- Santa Maria Santa Maria, CA (805) 755-7521 jrbookkeepingservices.com JR Bookkeeping - Ventura 3639 Harbor Blvd., Ste. 201, Ventura (805) 755-7521 jrbookkeepingservices.com Premium Central Coast Flowers and Balloons 547 W. Betteravia # A Santa Maria, CA 93458 (805) 264-3312
American General Media Armando’s Autobody & Paint Inc. BBSI Babe Farms, Inc. Black Bear Diner - Santa Maria Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast CALM Care Connection Transport Services Cat Canyon Resources, LLC CenCal Health Certified Freight Logistics College and Career Readiness, Santa Barbara County Education Office Comcast CommUnify Community Bank of Santa Maria Darensberries, LLC Diani Companies Family Care Network, Inc. FUEGO 97.1 Hot Hits/La Buena Golden State Water Company Innovative Produce InSPArations Full Service Salon & Spa J. Wilkes Wines Jack's All American Plumbing JR Bookkeeping Morris & Garritano Insurance Moxie Cafe New Life Painting/Bath & Kitchen/Restoration NKT Commercial I, LLC One Capital Management Orkin Central Coast PCPA - Pacific Conservatory Theatre PETS Hospital/Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic Phoenix Property Inspections/ Veritas Innovative Pest & Termite Solutions Plantel Nurseries Prudential Overall Supply Safran Cabin Santa Maria Santa Barbara Foundation Santa Maria Bonita School District Santa Maria Country Club Santa Maria Joint Union High School District SCORE San Luis Obispo SESLOC Federal Credit Union Smith’s Alarms & Electronics, Inc. SM Tire SunOpta Testa Catering Tileco Distributors, Inc. The Salty Brigade Kitchen The Towbes Group, Inc. Trojan Petroleum, Inc. Urban Planning Concepts/ Rural Planning Services VTC Enterprises Wave Business Wells Fargo Bank Wilshire Health & Community Services Wine & Design Orcutt World Financial Group, The Altergott Strategic Focus Team 4WSPA Xtreme Electronics The Y
Cynthia's Sweets On A Stick 547 W. Betteraiva #A, Santa Maria (805) 478-7980 Fix 805 233 Town Center West, Santa Maria (805) 608-9441 fix805.com Miracle Embroidery 2226 Beebee Street, San Luis Obispo (805) 543-7243 miracleembroidery.com
Satelite Latino 233 Town Center West, Santa Maria (805) 310-4261 satelitelatino.com Member Bankers Life / Colonial Penn - Karen Franklin, Insurance Agent Santa Maria, CA (805) 470-0611 agents.bankerslife.com/ca/sn-luisobisp/994-mill-st/karen-franklin Park Avenue Smiles / Carolyn R. Baldiviez, DDS, Inc. 111 E. Park Ave., Santa Maria (805) 925-8112 www.drbaldiviez.com Priscilla Smith, Agent with Century 21 Hometown Realty 1811 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 354-9608 (work) psmithsells.com Oak & Iron Training Facility 3546 Skyway Drive, Ste. C, Santa Maria (805) 867-3558 oakironfit.com
Renewing Members: August 2021 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. Thank you for your loyalty and continued support in renewing your commitment to the Chamber and to the communities of Santa Maria Valley. 81 Years: Santa Maria Times 41 Years: Bonipak Produce Jay Cee Trophy Co., Inc. M & W Pumps Orcutt Union School District United Way Northern Santa Barbara County 36 Years: VTC Enterprises 35 Years: Poor Richard's Press 31 Years: Farm Supply Santa Maria Seeds, Inc. 28 Years: Cambria Winery & Vineyard The Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 26 Years: Santa Maria Human Resources Assoc. Transitions - Mental Health Association 23 Years: Hesperian Masonic Lodge #262 Santa Maria Foursquare Church 22 Years: American Assoc. of University Women Local Copies Etc 19 Years: C J J Farming 18 Years: Edgewater Inn & Suites Family Care Network, Inc. New Life Painting, Inc.
Great American Self Storage 14 Years: Magnolia & Primrose Mario A Juarez, Attorney at Law Santa Maria Police Council, Inc West Coast Kustoms 12 Years: Altrusa International of the Central Coast 10 Years: Starry Sky Coffee Company 9 Years: Central Coast New Technology High School Woody's Butcher Block 8 Years: Trilogy at Monarch Dunes - Shea Homes 7 Years: Calstar/AirMedCare Network 6 Years: Wine & Design Orcutt 5 Years: Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 82 Tartaglia Engineering 4 Years: Black Bear Diner - Santa Maria Buffalo Wild Wings Fusion Colors Auto Body UA Local 114 3 Years: Mexi-Thai Roll
17 Years: Santa Maria A's Model A Ford Club
2 Years: Balance Treatment Center Crosby Investment Group Old Town Cups and Crumbs Coffee Shop and Homestyle Bakery Pacific Coast Flag
16 Years: Applied Imaginations, Inc. BHGRE Haven Properties - Shea Hutchinson
1 Years: Azure Apartment Homes Innovative Produce Laurel Wrapz & Signs
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | October 2021
Chamber Board of Directors: 2021-2022 Executive Committee Chairman: Danny Deveraux, CalPortland Chairman-Elect: Sandra Dickerson, Your People Professionals Vice Chairman: Butch Lopez, V Lopez Jr. & Sons General Engineering Contractors Vice Chairman: Laurie Tamura, Urban Planning Concepts Past Chairman: Edgar Gascon, Hacienda Realty Board Members Mark Allen, Marian Regional Medical Center Dominick Barry, Quintron Systems, Inc. Paul Cook, CoastHills Credit Union Ron Cossa, Tolman & Wiker Insurance Donna Denham, Santa Maria Country Club Donna Farrell, Santa Maria Town Center Karen Fothergill, Andre, Morris & Buttery Angelica Gutierrez, L & G Farms Chris Hastert, Santa Maria Public Airport District Doug Janzen, The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center Emily Kitts, Naughty Oak Brewing Company David LeRoy, Toyota of Santa Maria David Merlo, Glenn Burdette Luke Ontiveros, Santa Maria Bonita School District Tere Paredes, Maya Restaurant Era Polly, Era Polly Real Estate Shannon Seifert, Santa Maria Valley YMCA Michelle Shipman, Searchlight Properties Max Tucker, Best Westen Plus Big America Tim Williams, Digital West
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger Santa Maria Valley. Learn more about the Chamber by visiting www.santamaria.com.
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Leadership Santa Maria Valley: Mental Health, Ethics Discussed During Health & Human Services Topic Day
Leadership Santa Maria Valley visits Growing Grounds Farm during their Health & Human Services topic day. The farm provides employment opportunities for those suffering from mental illness. The Leadership of Santa Maria Valley Class of 2021 hosted its Health and Human Services topic day on September 10, 2021, by gathering many leaders and specialists of the area to discuss mental health, treatments, and housing for those in need in our community. They first met with Dr. Ketelaar, a current physician champion and advocate for acute behavioral health wellness services at Marian Regional Hospital. Dr. Ketelaar shared that 1 in 8 Emergency Department visits are related to behavioral health or substance abuse, which has created a need to develop support services for this population in our community. Through his discussion, Dr. Ketelaar emphasized the need for a new facility to support patients experiencing behavioral health or substance abuse, the Behavioral Health Unit (Crisis Stabilization Unit). The class also had the opportunity to have a fascinating discussion with President and CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, Glenn D. Morris, who led an intriguing discussion on ethics. Some of the highlights from the discussion with Glenn 6
were that as future leaders, it is important to learn to set boundaries between personal and professional values and ethics. They learned about strategies to respect differing views of individuals they interact with and to create a place of acceptance with others that live within our same community, a place we call home. Then, the class met with Mayra Prieto, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Debbi Ashby, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) from the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavior Wellness. Mayra and Debbi are a part of the CalWORKs Resource Support Team and they shared with the class their department’s efforts to become a ‘one-stopshop’ of resources to the residents who suffer from mental illness. The class visited Ariela Gottschalk, Program Manager of Growing Grounds Farm. During their meeting, the class learned about the history of Growing Grounds Farm and their mission to help those who suffer from mental illnesses by providing them with a therapeutic horticultural and employment opportunity at the five acre farm.
The class took a tour of Los Adobes de Maria III, a People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) development location within the City of Santa Maria. They were led by Ken Trigueiro, CEO and President of PSSH, and Gillian Cole-Andrews, Director of Communication and Resource Development of PSHH. The class learned about the history of the non-profit housing organization and their mission to build affordable housing for low-income families, farm workers, seniors, and veterans while providing them with a wide range of services to encourage a healthy life and career success. The class ended the day with Erica Weber, the Sales and Marketing Executive at VTC Enterprises. Erica talked about the employment opportunities and skills training they offer to those within the community who suffer from disabilities and how they can strive in the work place by providing them with the right tools, patience, and services so each individual can live up to their full potential and live a meaningful life.
Celebrating New Chamber Members & Business Anniversaries: Chamber Ribbon Cuttings July & August 2021 The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is a champion for our local business community. We are thankful for the support from our local businesses, and excited to celebrate new members and major business milestones with the following local businesses in July & August 2021.
Azure Apartment Homes 703 E. Meehan Street, Santa Maria (805) 346-2001 www.liveatazure.com Azure Apartment Homes are new luxury apartment homes in Santa Maria featuring farmhouse appeal, modern standards, well-designed interiors, and a rustic style. Amenities include pools, grills, dog parks and more.
LAGS Recovery Centers, Inc. 135 Carmen Lane, Santa Maria (805) 332-4568 www.lagsrecovery.org LAGS Recovery Centers is dedicated to providing an individualized and holistic form of treatment for all those with substance use problems and mental health issues. They promote the prevention of and recovery from addiction and mental illness among individuals and families to assist them in getting reconnected within their communities and help develop strengths in self-sufficiency and resiliency.
The Broadway Salon & Barber Shop 117 N. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 739-0500 The Broadway Salon & Barber Shop is a full service salon & barbershop offering services including body waxing, nails and pedicures, hair extensions, eyelash extensions, barbering and more. Book your appointment today by calling (805) 7390500.
PolyPay 3592 Sacramento Drive, Suite 170, San Luis Obispo (805) 592-2700 polypay.com PolyPay is a recognized woman-owned provider of merchant processing services based out of San Luis Obispo, California. Their company opened its doors in 2013 and ever since then they have continued to grow their footprint throughout California and beyond to over 10 other states.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | October 2021
CA Mentor Network Family Home Agency (FHA) 124 Carmen Lane, Suite D, Santa Maria (805) 346-2615 www.thementornetwork.com Whether providing 24/7 nursing support to someone recovering from a brain injury, helping someone with a developmental disability live independently for the first time, or providing ABA therapy to a young child in one of our schools, CA Metor Network is committed to advancing every person’s right to live well.
Smooth Criminal Speed Waxing 1103 E. Clark Avenue, Suite F-1B, Orcutt (707) 327-8646 www.smoothcriminal805.com Smooth Criminal Speed Waxing offers the fastest most painless way to get waxed! The local salon offers additional services too including nail, hair and micro-blading services. Book your appointment today by calling (707) 327-8646 or visit www. smoothcriminal805.com
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Stay Connected with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber Visit: 614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria Call: (805) 925-2403 Email: info@santamaria.com
614 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454
Website: santamaria.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ santamariavalleychamber/ Twitter: twitter.com/SMVChamber Instagram: santamariavalleychamber LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ santamariavalleychamber Email List: bit.ly/SMVCCMailingList Text Message Alerts: Text "CHAMBER" to 33222
Chamber Connection is the official monthly publication of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. For questions about this publication or to be added to our monthly mailing distribution list, email molly@santamaria.com.
Have You Registered with CalSavers Yet? Eligible California employers with at least five employees may now register for the CalSavers Retirement Savings Program (CalSavers), and must do so by June 30, 2022. CalSavers is a retirement savings program for private sector employees whose employers don’t offer a retirement program. More specifically, it gives employees the opportunity to defer their wages, through payroll deductions by the employer, to a state-managed individual retirement account (IRA) program. California employers that are not exempt by way of providing a qualified retirement plan are required to register with CalSavers by certain deadlines, based on number of employees.
The registration deadline that applied to employers with more than 50 employees recently passed on June 30, 2021. According to CalSavers, each eligible employer that, without good cause, fails to allow its eligible employees to participate in CalSavers, on or before 90 days after service of notice of its failure to comply, shall pay a penalty of
$250 per eligible employee if noncompliance extends 90 days or more after the notice. Employers can learn more and register at https://www.calsavers.com.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau 614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria | (805) 925-2403 | santamaria.com | info@santamaria.com 8
