Election 2022: Chamber Provides Local Resources to Make Educated Decisions this Election Season
The November 8 general election is just weeks away, and ballots are already arriving in mailboxes in our community. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber knows that elections matter and that individual votes count –whether for candidates who will serve on councils and board, or for ballot measures which will become law.
This year’s election features both important local races and a number of the ballot measures that will have a significant impact on jobs and the state of the economy in our community and our state. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has taken positions on two ballot propositions:
• Proposition 29: Requires on-site medical professional at kidney dialysis clinics. The Chamber opposes this proposition.
• Proposition 30: Increases income tax to fund incentives for electric vehicle purchases. The Chamber opposes this proposition.
You can find full details on these propositions and more insight into the Chamber’s position at http://santamaria. com/news/details/santa-maria-valleychamber-board-issues-guidance-on-2022ballot-propositions.
Additionally, the Chamber has put together a variety of resources to help individuals make educated decisions in the
WHAT'S INSIDE:
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber hosted a Candidate Forum for Santa Maria City Council Candidates running for districts 3 & 4. The public had a chance to speak with candidates in small group settings and have their questions answered.
upcoming local elections. The Chamber held a candidate forum for those candidates running for City Council Districts 3 and 4 earlier this month. The public had the opportunity to talk with candidates in small group settings and have their questions answered.
For those who missed the candidate
2022 ISSUE
forum or are just looking to get more insight on the City Council candidates and their policy positions, the Chamber has also put together a local election guide which outlines each candidates positions on a variety of local issues including housing, homelessness and economic development. This information can be found at https://
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SANTA MARIA VALLEY CHAMBER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2022 Month in Review p. 3 Chamber Welcomes
Paulina Leang
p. 4 Monthly Featured Businesses p. 4 Catalyst. Convener. Champion.
OCTOBER
Chamber Board of Directors: 2022-2023
Executive Committee
Chairman: Sandra Dickerson, Your People Professionals
Chairman-Elect: Paul Cook, CoastHills Credit Union
Vice Chairman: Shannon Seifert, Santa Maria Valley YMCA
Vice Chairman: Laurie Tamura, Urban Planning Concepts
Past Chairman: Danny Deveraux, CalPortland
Board Members
Sue Andersen, President and CEO, Marian Regional Medical Center
Dominick Barry, Quintron Systems, Inc. Michael Boyer, Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast Ron Cossa, Tolman & Wiker Insurance
Donna Denham, Santa Maria Country Club
Karen Fothergill, Andre, Morris & Buttery Gina Gluyas, Realtor, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Haven Properties
Chris Hastert, Santa Maria Public Airport District
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
Max Tucker, Best Western Plus Big America Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D., Superintendent/ President, Allan Hancock College Tim Williams, Digital West
Continued - Local Election Resources
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santamaria.com/2022-city-councilelection. Additional election resources, including how to find your polling district, voting status, and ballor dropoff locations, is available at http://santamaria.com/2022Election-Guide.
“Elections always matter,” said Glenn Morris, president and CEO of the Chamber. “This election, however, is particularly important as our community is preparing to make important decisions about how we will grow and develop over the next 20-30 years. Ensuring that members of the City Council understand the implications of those decisions on the community’s ability to deliver good jobs, good housing, and the quality of life we all want is critical.”
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber strives to be a catalyst, convener and champion for our local community. Advocating for our business community is one of the many ways we do that. Advocacy-related news from the chamber, including updates
Local election resources are available at santamaria.com/2022-Election-Guide
on legislation the chamber supports or opposes, is available at https://santamaria. com/news?q=&c=1. Information on the Chamber’s Public Policy positions can be found at https://santamaria.com/publicpolicy-framework.
Looking to Hire? Be a Part of the Paid Student Internship Program!
Prepare our future workforce, while benefiting your own workplace through Partners in Education's Paid Student Internship program! There are a number of students who have gone through a job readiness training program and are ready to be hired!
Your $800 investment in Partners in Education's paid student internship program gets you 80 hours of work from a local student looking for job experience. You will get to interview and select the intern that is the best fit for your business.
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.
Partners in Education will handle payroll and workers comp insurance. Interns are available for both in person and remote work.
The Paid Student Internship program is a win-win for employers and students: it gives employers the help their business needs, and provides valuable job experience to local students who will soon be entering the workforce. Many of the businesses who participate in this program have hired their intern for a full-time position, or have taken multiple interns because of their positive experience.
To learn more, or schedule a call with staff and learn about next steps, visit https:// partners.sbceo.org/get-involved/hire-anintern/.
Partners in Education is a 501(c)3 organization administered by the Santa Barbara County Office of Education. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is proud to partner with them on this program.
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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 Santa Maria Times on their monthly “Local Business Spotlight” video series. This month we featured Plantel Nurseries. You can view the video at santamaria.com/local-business-spotlight.
• The Chamber continues to partner with the City of Santa Maria on their “Monthly Featured Businesses” recognition program. For September, Gina's Piece of Cake was recognized as the women-owned business, and Hans Duus Blacksmith was recognized as the manufacturing business. Additional information is available on p.4.
• Chamber staff attended a webinar on “Your Message Matters” put on by the Western Association of Chamber Executives.
• The Chamber continued its Hispanic Business outreach efforts with visits to the Orcutt Farmers Market and various businesses throughout Santa Maria Valley.
• The Chamber’s Hispanic Business Outreach Committee held a mixer at Toyota of Santa Maria. Over 70 people attended to network and hear from local organizations about resources available to support their business.
• The Chamber’s Economic Development Commission assisted businesses with various questions concerning zoning issues, obtaining a business license, and first steps to starting a business.
Convener of Leaders and Influencers
• Leadership Santa Maria Valley kicked off the year with their retreat at Camp Allegre.
• Leadership Santa Maria Valley had their first Topic Day at Vandenberg Space Force Base, where they learned more about the businesses out on base, jobs available and the future of the space and air force industry.
• The Chamber held their 2022 Annual Awards Gala, where they recognized a number or individuals, local businesses and organizations for their leadership and service.
• The Chamber attended the Pacific Coast Business Time’s “Spirit of Small Business” awards event.
• The Chamber met with representatives in Guadalupe to discuss how to expand Hispanic Business outreach and assistance efforts to their community.
• The Chamber’s Economic Development Commission connected Bob Nelson and Tesla together to coordinate potential charging station in Orcutt.
• The Chamber’s Economic Development Commission attended a number of Planning Commission meetings & study sessions.
• The Chamber’s weekly Build Your Business (BYB) networking group continues to meet every Friday morning at 8am at Cubanissimo Cuban Café in Orcutt.
Champion for a Stronger Santa Maria Valley
• The Chamber’s Visitors Bureau worked with Visit California to host writer Hannah Stephenson.
• The Chamber’s Visitors Bureau continued ongoing efforts with the Events & Festival strategies discussions with local event facilities and organizers.
• The Chamber’s Visitors Bureau presented the Tourism Marketing District Year in Review to the Chamber board of directors.
• The Chamber hosted a Beer & Wine Garden at the first annual Day in the Park event.
• Chamber staff attended Santa Barbara County Farm Day to learn more about the local agriculture industry in the Santa Maria Valley.
• The Chamber assisted City with find replacement sites for tenants vacating city owned buildings
• Worked on Solar project & city delays.
Plantel Nurseries was featured in the Chamber's "Local Business Spotlight" series, done in partnership with the Santa Maria Valley Times.
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber held their 2022 Annual Awards Gala, where they recognized a number of local individuals, businessesandnonprofitsfortheirleadership and local contributions to the community.
Chamber Staff & their families participated in 2022 Santa Barbara County Farm Day, and learned about local agriculture.
3Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | October 2022
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Welcomes Marketing & Communications Coordinator Paulina Leang
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is excited to welcome their new Marketing & Communications Coordinator Paulina Leang. As Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Paulina is responsible for supporting Chamber programs and its membership through the management of various social media, website, print and other communication channels. Additionally, Paulina will manage the graphic design of all Chamber materials and maintain the Chamber’s media relationships.
Paulina received a BA in Anthropology at UC Santa Barbara, and is currently working on a Masters in Strategic Communication at WSU Global.
As Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Paulina hopes to bring new ideas and a fresh perspective to the organization, while supporting the Chamber’s mission to strengthen local businesses and the greater community.
“The Marketing & Communications Coordinator role at the Chamber is a great opportunity to practice and implement the things that I am learning or have learned, while contributing to our community and supporting local businesses,” Paulina said. “I believe that business development in the Santa Maria Valley is key factor to a flourishing & growing community.”
In her spare time, Paulina enjoys taking yoga classes, spending time in nature, live
music, and anything & everything related to food.
“I am passionate about the lifestyle and the natural beauty that the Central Coast offers—between the beaches, trails, and wineries, it’s hard to beat!” Paulina said. “I am excited to learn more about the people and businesses of the Santa Maria Valley
and to share it with others!”
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is thrilled to welcome Paulina to the Chamber team. Paulina can be reached via email at paulina@santamaria.com, or by calling (805) 925-2403 x 851.
Monthly Featured Businesses: September 2022
The City of Santa Maria and Santa Maria Valley Chamber continue to highlight different businesses in the City of Santa Maria through their Santa Maria Featured Businesses program. The focus for 12 months, since December 2021, is on major manufacturers and women-owned businesses in the City. Each month, one business from each of these two categories is recognized during the City Council meeting and publicized by the City and the Chamber.
September 2022 Featured Businesses Women-Owned Business: Gina’s Piece of Cake (Gina Martin, owner)
Manufacturing Business: Hans Duus Blacksmith (Hans and Carla Duus, owners)
Gina’s Piece of Cake opened in Santa Maria 18 years ago. It started when Gina Martin’s father sold his bakery in Lompoc. This small, family-owned bakery with 15
employees provides a large array of quality, delicious, fresh-baked goods for events of any size. During the pandemic, the business provided customers with drive-up curbside service. The business is an avid supporter of many local organizations and charities.
Hans Duus Blacksmith designs and manufacturers unique and artistic lighting fixtures for hospitality projects, theme parks, public and private developments, as well as high-end residential projects. The company, run by Hans and Carla Duus, began in 1982 and moved to Santa Maria in 2016. It has three employees. Mr. Duus has been a member of the Allan Hancock College welding department advisory committee for two decades and has taught blacksmithing and ornamental iron handling. The company is initiating “Gallery at the Forge” for the public to visit and view its work.
Businesses are chosen by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. To nominate a business or ask about the program, contact Molly Schiff, Director of Member & Community Engagement at the Chamber via email at molly@santamaria.com or by phone at (805) 925-2403 extension 816.
Gina Martin accepts the monthly featured business awards for Gina's Piece of Cake.
Paulina Leang recently joined the Santa Maria Valley Chamber staff as their Marketing & Communications Coordinator.
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Celebrating Local Business: Chamber Ribbon Cuttings for August & September 2022
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 August & September 2022.
Care Connection Transport Services
2035 Preisker Lane, Suite A, Santa Maria (805) 934-0592 www.careconnectioncentralcoast.com
Fast and friendly, Care Connection offers professional private and non-emergency medical transportation services. Their team is up for any job, from big to small. Locals know that they stand behind their work, putting your satisfaction as their #1 priority. What really makes their business stand out is their dedication, great prices and compassion for their clients. Contact Care Connection today to learn more from one of their expert staff on how their professional team can help you!
Natural Stone Source, Inc.
1315 S. Bradley, Santa Maria (805) 540-7171 www. nssgranite.com
Natural Stone Source is a granite and tile showroom to serve all your stone and tile needs. They offer row after row of granite and marble slabs to choose from, as well as tile selections through many popular distributors. Whether remodeling or starting from scratch, it is well worth the visit to see their wares. They specialize in granite, marble, travertine, and tile. Come visit their showroom in Santa Maria and they will help you design your new kitchen or bathroom today!
Roscoe's Kitchen
443 E. Betteravia, Santa Maria www. guitarcenter.com
Roscoe's Kitchen is a family-friendly eatery “where Southern hospitality meets the California vibe". Their expansive menu includes breakfast skillets, pancakes, fried catfish, pulled pork sandwiches, chili, chicken and dumpling soup, apple cobbler, 21 different ice cream flavors and more!
Opening a new business or location? Celebrating a major milestone? Host a ribbon cutting!
As a Chamber member, we are happy to partner with your business and help you celebrate a new business opening or major milestone with a ribbon cutting!
Juice It Up!
471 Betteravia Rd, Santa Maria, CA (805) 803-1970 juiceitup.com
Juice it Up!'s goal is to provide delicious, lifestyle products designed to meet the varying needs of our guests at all different levels of health. Whether it's Raw Juices, Fruit & Veggie Smoothies or Superfruit Bowls, we've got your cravings covered!
To learn more and reserve your space on our calendar, contact Membership Manager Cara Martinez at (805) 925-2403 x 852 or cara@santamaria.com.
Ribbon cuttings are open to the public and we encourage all to attend and celebrate local business with us!
Upcoming ribbon cutting events can be found on our Chamber Events Calendar at santamaria.com, and by viewing our events on our Facebook page (facebook.com/ santamariavalleychamber)
Not yet a Chamber member? Now is an excellent time to join! Being a member of the Chamber will connect you with other local professionals and help grow your business.
Be a part of our growing community of over 800 local businesses who are members of the Chamber - Contact Membership Manager Cara Martinez to join today, and the next ribbon cutting we celebrate could be yours!
5Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | October 2022
Chamber Membership Corner
Thank You to Our Chamber Investor Program Sponsors:
New Members: August 2022
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is proud to welcome these new members joining the Chamber. We highly encourage you to support Chamber member businesses.
Director
AlchePharma Naturals - Buellton 214 E. Highway 246 #101, Buellton (805) 693-9597 www.alchepharmanaturals.com
AlchePharma Naturals - Nipomo 110 Mary Ave. Suite #4, Nipomo (805) 929-5599 www.alchepharmanaturals.com
AlchePharma Naturals - Orcutt
1140 E. Clark Ave #120, Santa Maria (805) 938-5657 www.alchepharmanaturals.com
Bodyceuticals
1140 East Clark Ave #120, Santa Maria (323) 240-6155 www.bodyceuticals.net
CoastHills Credit Union - Orcutt 1125 E Clark Ave., Santa Maria (805) 733-7600 www.coasthills.coop
CoastHills Credit Union - S. Broadway 1203 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 733-7600 www.coasthills.coop
Farmers Insurance | Herrera Insurance Agency
1140 E. Clark Ave #120B, Santa Maria (805) 354-4435 www.herrerainsurance.net
Investor Blessings in a Backpack - Santa Maria Valley
2035 Preisker Lane, Suite B, Santa Maria (805) 717-1060 www.smvblessings.org
Relay for Life of Santa Maria Santa Maria, CA (800) 227-2345 www.relayforlife.org/santamariaca
Corporate
Juice it up 471 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria (805) 803-1970 www.juiceitup.com/location/santa-mariaenos-ranch/
Premium
California Scholarship Foundation
Chapter #1543 (South Central) 1157 E. Clark Ave., Santa Maria (805) 348-3333 www.fpcharter.org
Family Partnership Charter School
1157 Clark Avenue, Suite H, Santa Maria (805) 348-3333 www.fpcharter.org
Member
Central Coast Moving & Storage 3051 Propeller Dr., Paso Robles (805) 441-4429 www.centralcoastmoving.com
Go Healthy
2041 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 623-5380
Welcome Home Military Heroes P.O. Box 1349, Arroyo Grande (805) 441-4661 http://welcomehomemilitaryheroes.org
Willis D. Ranch, LLC
9220 Alamo Creek Rd., Santa Maria (949) 370-5995
Interestedinseeingyourbusinessname displayedononeofournextissues? Join the Chamber today by calling Membership Manager Cara Martinez at 925-2403, ext. 852 or email cara@santamaria.com.
American Cancer Society American General Media Advance Auto Parts Auto World 805 Babe Farms, Inc. BALANCE7 BBSI Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast CALM CA Real Estate Co., Inc. Care Connection Transport Services Cat Canyon Resources, LLC CenCal Health Certified Freight Logistics C.L.A. Business Solutions/Santa Maria Bookkeeping Collaboration Business Consulting Comcast CommUnify Community Bank of Santa Maria Community Carpenters Corazón del Pueblo: The Cultural and Creative Arts Center of the Santa Maria Valley DANA Adobe & Cultural Center Darensberries, LLC Diani Companies Family Care Network, Inc. Farm Supply Company FUEGO 97.1 Hot Hits/La Buena Hardy Diagnostics Innovative Produce InSPArations Full Service Salon & Spa J's Kitchen J. Wilkes Wines Jack's All American Plumbing JR Bookkeeping Morris & Garritano Insurance New Life Painting/Bath & Kitchen/Restoration NKT Commercial I, LLC One Capital Management, LLC 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 County Farm Day Santa Barbara Foundation Santa Maria Bonita School District Santa Maria Country Club Santa Maria Joint Union High School District SCORE San Luis Obispo SEEAG (Students for ECO-Education & Agriculture) SESLOC Federal Credit Union Smith’s Alarms & Electronics, Inc. SpotOn SM Tire Starphyre Digital Security Service Testa Catering Tileco Distributors, Inc. The Towbes Group, Inc. Trojan Petroleum, Inc. Turner's Outdoorsman United Rentals Urban Planning Concepts/ Rural Planning Services VTC Enterprises Wells Fargo Bank Wilshire Health & Community Services Wine & Design Orcutt World Financial Group, The Altergott Strategic Focus Team WSPA Xtreme Electronics The Y
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Renewing Members: August 2022
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber 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.
57 Years: Far Western Tavern, Inc.
42 Years: M & W Pumps
Pan American Insurance Services
41 Years: Fargen Survey, Inc.
37 Years: VTC Enterprises
34 Years:
Costco Wholesale #1275 Fischer's Fine Jewelry
32 Years:
Boomer's Foot & Ankle Center Of The Central Coast
Santa Maria Bonita School District Santa Maria Seeds, Inc.
31 Years: Jack's All-American Plumbing
30 Years: Law Offices of Kim Mistretta
29 Years: Cambria Winery & Vineyard
27 Years: B & B Steele & Supply of Santa Maria University of Massachusetts Global
26 Years: Dottie Lyons
25 Years: Santa Barbara Foundation
24 Years: Nu-Tech Pest Management Santa Maria Foursquare Church
23 Years: Local Copies Etc 20 Years:
5-Star Business Services
19 Years: Family Care Network, Inc.
18 Years: Montiavo at Bradley Square
17 Years: McCarty Davis
16 Years: Pacific Coast Energy Co.
15 Years:
Mario A Juarez, Attorney at Law Santa Maria Police Council, Inc West Coast Kustoms
14 Years: Rotary Club of Santa Maria (Noontime)
13 Years: Altrusa International of the Central Coast
11 Years: Starry Sky Coffee Company
9 Years:
Radiology Associates-Digital Medical Imaging SA Recycling
8 Years: Calstar/AirMedCare Network
Jaime Flores Insurance Services, Inc.
7 Years:
Casa Bonita Furniture Enterprise Truck Rental
6 Years:
Santa Maria Public Library Foundation
5 Years: Fusion Colors Auto Body
3 Years:
Balance Treatment Center Crosby Investment Group
Premier Real Estate Group Sunrise Security
2 Years:
Azure Apartment Homes
Central Coast Community Energy
Dottie's Sweet Delights
League of Women Voters
Outdoor Supply Hardware Sergio Ruiz Productions
1 Years:
Cowboy Cookie & Ice Cream
Donna's Rustic Scones Orcutt Burgers Inc.
7Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | October 2022
614 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454
Order your 2023 Required Employment Posters!
Did you know that every California employer MUST have a CURRENT California and Federal Labor Law Poster on display at each company facility? Those not displaying current posters can be fined.
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is offering substantial discounts on these required posters and other employment notices when you order through the Chamber! The Chamber offers state and federal posters in English and Spanish. We also offer laminated posters, and "poster protect", which means we'll automatically replace your poster if any mandatory chaners occur during the
2023 calendar year.
Poster orders are due by December 8th in order to receive your materials by January 2023.
To order your poster, email madison@ santamaria.com to request an order form and additional information about the other HR materials the Chamber has available for purchase.
We are happy to provide this service to our members to make sure all local busiensses are in compliance by displaying up-to-day state and federal labor laws.
To receive your order form for your required 2023 HR posters, email madison@santamaria.com
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau 614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria | (805) 925-2403 | santamaria.com | info@santamaria.com Visit: 614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria Call: (805) 925-2403 Email: info@santamaria.com 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 Stay Connected with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber 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.
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