Catalyst. Convener. Champion.
Chamber Connection
SA NTA M A RIA VA LLE Y CH A MB E R MO NTHLY NE WS LE T TE R | S E P TE MB E R 202 1
Allan Hancock College “Promise Plus” Program Pays for Upskilling, Retraining Workforce In 2018, Allan Hancock College launched the popular Hancock Promise, which offers the “First Year Free at AHC” for all local high school seniors transitioning to college. This fall, Hancock extended the program to cover tuition and fees to any student taking a full load (12 units or more) over the next two years. The program is called Promise Plus and pays for all tuition and fees for full-time students. The program began this fall and continues through the 2022-23 academic year. Students can pursue courses in any program offered at Hancock, including popular classes in business, technology, health sciences, Spanish, and career technical education—which has careerspecific programs ranging from agriculture and culinary arts to manufacturing and welding). “Over the last year, we recognized the impact the pandemic had on many of our students,” said Hancock Superintendent/ President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “With the Promise Plus program, Hancock is helping change the odds for students by offering a path back to stability. This is not only a great way to support our students, but it’s also an amazing investment in our community.” Promise Plus is the perfect opportunity for employers in the region to train their workforce with no direct cost to their company. It is especially advantageous for part-time workers who will benefit from additional education or training. While students must take 12 units (usually four
Allan Hancock College's "Promise Plus" Program covers tuition and fees to any student taking a full load of courses (12 units or more) over the next two years. classes) to qualify, many courses can be completed online, during the evenings, or in other hybrid formats. The program is also a great opportunity for employees seeking to prepare for their next step up in a company or to prepare for upward mobility in their industries. The full-tuition benefit, combined with other financial support available; through the college, affords students the financial stability to study full-time and complete their credentials more quickly. The college also launched a new webpage this summer at www.hancockcollege.edu/ pathways to help employers and employees explore career options and the programs
Hancock offers. The site also includes average salary for dozens of fields, adjusted to our region. “The Promise Plus provides an incredible opportunity to a wide range of students no matter where they are in their educational journey,” said Hancock Associate Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services Nohemy Ornelas, Ed.D. “This program offers them a chance to start, continue or restart their education without the cost of tuition being an obstacle to that important goal.” For more information on the Promise Plus program, go to hancockcollege.edu/ promiseplus.
WHAT ' S INSIDE : SE P TEMBE R 2021 ISSUE
Chamber Month in Review p.3
Leadership Santa Maria Valley p. 6
Chamber Ribbon Cuttings p. 7
Santa Maria Police Department Provides Tips for Businesses to Help Prevent Burglaries Is your businesses well protected from a possible break-in? Do you know what steps to take if your business is broken in to? Many businesses think their business is secure, but in reality there are some easy steps to help keep your business safe that often get overlooked. We recently talked with Santa Maria Police Department Lt. Terry A. Flaa, who gave use some tips on how businesses can make sure they are being proactive in preventing burglaries. What is the most common way people break into local businesses? There are two common methods suspects enter a closed and secured business: 1) Force / pry open a locked door; 2) Break / shatter window(s). What are the biggest mistakes you see businesses make when it comes to securing their property from theft/break-ins? Some business fail to properly lock all doors and windows. Others do not take preventative measures such as proper lighting, high quality video surveillance systems, and audible burglar alarms. What are your top tips for local businesses to help prevent break-ins? Use motion sensor flood / security lights around the perimeter and inside the business during hours of darkness. Burglars prefer to operate in darkness to avoid detection. The use of lighting increases the risk of getting caught. Install an alarm system, preferably an audible alarm during hours of closure. Once activated, the loud alarm is more likely to capture the attention of people in the area, thereby causing the suspect(s) to flee. Secure items of value in a safe that is properly locked and secured to the floor and/ or structure. Avoid keeping personal items of value or significance (i.e., identification, personal paperwork, personal money, etc.…) at your place of business. By doing so, business owners not only run the risk of having their business victimized but also run the risk of being the victim of identity theft and/or sustain heavy personal financial losses. If a business discovers they have been broken in to, what steps should they take? 2
The Santa Maria Police Department encourages businesses to have a security camera system and know how to view and save video surveillance footage. If a break in does occur, businesses will then be able to quickly provide the police with teh video evidence and increase the likelihood of the suspect being caught. If a business owner or employee discover their business has been broken in to, the best course of action is to back out of the structure and immediately call their local law enforcement agency to report the crime. This is recommended because the owner and/or employee does not know if the suspect is still in the business. Their personal safety is always priority, so leaving is the best option. While waiting for law enforcement to arrive, maintain watch over your business from a distance and be prepared to share any suspicious activity seen with law enforcement. When the police arrive, they will search the interior of your business to ensure it is clear of any suspects. Any additional thoughts you would like businesses to know when it comes to break-ins and keeping their business safe and secure? The Santa Maria Police Department is committed to providing our community with quality of law enforcement services. Business owners that implement the suggested preventative measures can expect to lower their risk of being a victim of commercial burglary.
We encourage business owners and employees to know how to view and save their video surveillance footage. By providing officers with copies of surveillance footage quickly, pertinent suspect information can be shared with other officers and community members in a timely manner, thereby increasing the likelihood of suspect identification.
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 participate in CalChamber’s weekly legislative update calls to remain at the forefront of new legislation affecting our local business community. The Chamber and Santa Maria Time’s “Local Business Spotlight” highlighted the new local gym Oak and Iron Fitness The Economic Development Commission assisted 8 businesses with various issues including permitting, health department assistance, financial assistance and stie location assistance. The Economic Development Commission continues to assist the city with the downtown revitalization. The Economic Development Commission continues to assist with the new Skyway Collective development project. The Chamber and EDC hosted a potential new business considering Santa Maria as their location. Chamber staff attended Farm Day’s kickoff party to show their support for this great community event.
Chamber Staff attended Santa Barbara County Farm Day's kickoff party to show their support for this fun and educational community event.
Convener of Leaders and Influencers • • • •
The Chamber announced its 2021 Annual Award Recipients, who were recognized at their Annual Awards Gala on September 27th at Allan Hancock College. Leadership Santa Maria Valley had their Arts and Recreation Topic Day, and also held their mid-year retreat where they worked on their legacy project. Chamber members are happy to be meeting back "in person" for the Chamber’s Friday morning BYB, (Build Your Business) networking meetings at Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House & Cafe. Boomers hosted the Chamber’s July Mixer, an opportunity for community members to network and celebrate new Chamber members.
The Chamber resumed meeting in person for their weekly Build Your Business networking event, which takes place Friday mornings at Cubanissimo.
Champion for a Stronger Santa Maria Valley •
• • • • • • •
Chamber staff attended the Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE) Academy program in Sacramento. The 3-year program provides professional development training and networking opportunities for Chamber industry executives. The Visitors Bureau provided visitor bags for the 19th All Ford Car Show and 50th North/South Run Anniversary The Chamber renewed mask distribution to coincide with Santa Barbara County Mask Mandate, and has free masks available for any local business. The Visitors Bureau held a Tourism Celebration with keynote Sarah Dandashy, Travel Influencer and Content Creator. During the event, the Bureau also shared highlights from the last fiscal year. The Visitors Bureau helped replace the Santa Maria Valley banner at the Elks Rodeo grounds The Visitors Bureau launched an ad campaign with Allegiant Air targeting the Mesa/ Phoenix fly market. The Visitors Bureau received 3 new group leads through Facebook lead generating initiative. Chamber staff participated in the Santa Maria Police Council’s annual golf tournament.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | September 2021
The Visitors Bureau helped replace the Santa Maria Valley banner, located at the Elks Rodeo grounds and visible from the 101.
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Chamber Membership Corner New Members: June & July 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. Director
Premium
LAGS Recovery Centers, Inc. 135 Carmen Lane, Santa Maria (805) 332-4568 www.lagsrecovery.org
Central Coast Flowers and Balloons 547 W. Betteravia # A Santa Maria, CA 93458 (805) 264-3312
Investor
Cynthia's Sweets On A Stick 547 W. Betteraiva #A, Santa Maria (805) 478-7980
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 PolyPay 3592 Sacramento Drive, Suite 170, San Luis Obispo (805) 592-2700 polypay.com The Salty Brigade Kitchen 3564 Skyway Dr., Bldg 3, Suite A, Santa Maria (805) 354-0635 thesaltybrigade.com
Fix 805 233 Town Center West, Santa Maria (805) 608-9441 fix805.com Hope for Santa Maria Santa Maria, CA (805) 268-3442
Read for Life Santa Maria, CA (805) 268-3442 Satelite Latino 233 Town Center West, Santa Maria (805) 310-4261 satelitelatino.com Member Paisley River Soap Co. Paso Robles, CA (805) 536-0954 5-Star Business Services Orcutt , CA (805) 934-2094
Orcutt Burgers Inc. - Orcutt 1099 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt (805) 938-0064 orcuttburgers.com
Ellen Thermos Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Santa Barbara 1511 Chapala St., Santa Barbara (805) 717-7910 Ellenthermosrealtor.kw.com
Orcutt Burgers Inc. - Grover Beach 1771 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach, (805) 489-9801 orcuttburgers.com
Oak & Iron Training Facility 3546 Skyway Drive, Ste. C, Santa Maria (805) 867-3558 oakironfit.com
Congratulations Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter: Julie Colegrove Congratulations to Julie Colegrove, who was recently recognized as Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2021! Here's a little information about Julie: Julie is a proud 25 - Year Ambassador of the Santa Maria Chamber, and a member of the Chamber since 1980. She moved to Santa Maria in 1978, following life adventures in New York, New Jersey, Texas, Arizona, Virginia, Ohio and Southern California. She has been a passionate Member of the Shaklee Family since 1970. Having built a group of Members and Distributors, became a Sales Leader, earned Bonus cars, global travel and cruises, along with the Bonus income. In 1978 she accompanied her husband, Jim, to the Central Coast – and brought along their highly portable Shaklee business, adding a brand-new family of Shaklee Members in 4
this area. Born in New York City, she moved to New Jersey in her teens, met Jim, worked at the Rutgers University library awaiting his completion of Air Force Training, moved to Texas to marry, then Arizona, and on to Virginia where they started an Air Force family with two sons. Leaving the Air Force, Jim attended The Ohio State University and they then moved to Southern California, where they (she) built the Shaklee business while raising two boys, adding a daughter, going back to college and ultimately, moving to Santa Maria (supporting Jim in his career at Vandenberg AFB). Their sons and daughter have grown, have families of their own – and using Shaklee products in their lives – leaving Julie with Jim and Pooh Bear the famous dog.
Julie Colegrove was recognized as Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2021.
Renewing Members: July 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: Marian Regional Medical Center
56 Years: Travelodge
31 Years: Bunny Maxim, CornerStone Mission Coast Realty Foot & Ankle Center Of The Central Coast Pacifica Commercial Realty St. Joseph High School
56 Years: Far Western Tavern, Inc.
30 Years: S. Lombardi & Associates
51 Years: Pacific Gas & Electric Company
29 Years: Econo Lodge Plus Inn & Suites
43 Years: CoastHills Credit Union
28 Years: Abbey Carpet of Santa Maria Allan Hancock College
73 Years: Diani Building Corp.
41 Years: Galloway & Associates Santa Maria Country Club Santa Maria Fairpark
27 Years: Righetti Specialties, Inc.
39 Years: Fence Factory
26 Years: B & B Steele & Supply of Santa Maria Rancho Sisquoc Winery Santa Maria BBQ Outfitters
37 Years: First American Title Insurance Co
25 Years: Boone Printing & Graphics Inc.
35 Years: Radisson Hotel Santa Maria
24 Years: CenCal Health
40 Years: Fargen Survey, Inc.
34 Years: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites - Portabella Restaurant 32 Years: Best Western Plus Big America Primus Laboratories Santa Maria Joint High School District
23 Years: Nu-Tech Pest Management 22 Years: Economy Inn Santa Maria Public Airport 20 Years: Community Bank of Santa Maria Motel 6 South
Town & Country Inn 19 Years: Historic Santa Maria Inn 18 Years: CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Nishimori Landscape & Design/Stix N Stones Westgate Courtyards 17 Years: Montiavo at Bradley Square 15 Years: Buckboard Motor Lodge Hardy Diagnostics 14 Years: Driscoll's Fairfield by Marriott Glenn Burdette, Inc. Orcutt Veterinary Hospital Subway 13 Years: Alzheimer's Association Candlewood Suites Santa Maria Kelly Moore Paint Co., Inc Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara 12 Years: Call Krista - OiC Real Estate Services FUEGO 97.1 Hot Hits Solaire Inn & Suites 11 Years: Smith's Alarms & Electronics, Inc. 10 Years: Ana-Margarita Sevcik, MA, LMFT Santa Maria Wisdom Center
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | September 2021
9 Years: Days Inn Santa Maria
Villa Motel Western Motel
8 Years: Windset Farms
4 Years: Digital West Financial Credit Network Inc. Grand Canyon University
7 Years: IES LLC J & E Cleaning Service Nostalgic's Inc/ Alternative Energy Solutions The Atrium Santa Maria 6 Years: Casa Bonita Furniture CovenTree Olde World Market Enterprise Truck Rental Healing Rooms of the Santa Maria Valley Jack's in Old Orcutt Sleepfit Corp. / Mattress Land Stores Troesh Recycling dba Roxsand 5 Years: American Garage Door & Openers Broadway 11, LLC Broadway Motel Colonial Motel DeVille Motel Fountain Motel Fuhring Inc. Holiday Motel Idler's Home Appliance Center Laura Lodge Mission Hotel Motel 6 North O'Connor Pest Control Palms Motor Motel Plaza Motel Restwell Motel Santa Maria Cemetery District Santa Maria Cottages Santa Maria Public Library Foundation Valley Motel
3 Years: Stephens & Stephens LLP 2 Years: Bob Nelson 4 Supervisor Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Maria Premier Real Estate Group Stability Studio The Broadway Salon & Barber Shop TheVegBoss Wine Stone Inn 1 Years: Central Coast Community Energy Dottie's Sweet Delights Heartland Payment Systems Rock Chip Armor Automotive Survival Products Sergio Ruiz Productions ZenBusiness
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Thank You to Our Chamber Investor Program Sponsors:
Leadership Santa Maria Valley: Learning About Arts and Recreation in Santa Maria
Leadership Santa Maria Valley class tours PCPA Theatre at Allan Hancock College as part of their Arts and Recreation topic day.
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 WSPA Xtreme Electronics The Y
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On Friday, August 6th Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2021 gathered to learn about Arts and Recreation in our community. Kyle Hawkins, Vice President, and Jaime Espinoza, Secretary for the Board of Santa Maria Civic Theater (SMCT) located at 1660 N. McClelland helped the class learn to break the forth wall and get themselves out of their comfort zones using entertaining improv techniques. SMCT found creative ways to survive the COVID shut down by performing drive up theater around Santa Maria. Now entering their 63rd season, the SMCT looks forward to their upcoming performances including “The Show Will Go On: Behind Closed Doors” on August 27th, 28th, and 29th and “The Full Monty” coming January 2022. Alex Espinoza-Kulick from Corazon Del Pueblo shared how his organization is supporting local children in our community find ways to express themselves through art. Corazon Del Pueblo’s vision is to “provide a community space that advances the individual and collective imagination as it relates to our Latinx culture, while creating a culturally enriching space where diverse identities, heritages, and expressions are affirmed and celebrated throughout the arts.” In collaboration with SM Joint Unified School District, high school students from Santa Maria, Pioneer and Ernest Righetti High Schools with assistance from their Ethics & Gender Studies teachers and local artist Ruben Espinoza “lead students through a critical examination and
reconstruction of the traditional game of Loteria. Students collectively created a new and uniquely youth-centered version of the Loteria game anchored on the notions of social justice, empowerment, and resistance.” For a limited time playing sets of Nuestra Loteria are available for a donation on their website. Jeff Allen, Production Manager for PCPA led the class in a behind the scenestour of Marian Theatre.. From planning to painting and stage design to lighting and finally center stage, members of the leadership class got a deep dive behind the scenes into what it takes to put on a production. Sue Anderson, CEO of Dignity Health: Marian Medical Center this month’s Leadership Speaker spoke on “Leading Through Unforseen Challenges & Adversity”. Working at Marian through the challenges of COVID-19, Sue found that communication was integral in the confidence of her staff during a period of uncertainty. To close the day members of the leadership class toured the Abel Maldonado Youth Center and learned how the center is supporting children in our community by creating a safe space, encouraging artistic expression and providing an indoor space for sports and fitness.
Celebrating New Chamber Members & Business Anniversaries: Chamber Ribbon Cuttings June & July 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 June & July 2021.
Weddings by Roberta Central Coast 2236 Diesel Ave., Santa Maria (805) 608-9955
The Broadway Salon & Barber Shop 117 N. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 739-0500
Weddings by Roberta Central Coast is a professional bilingual (English/Spanish) officiant serving all couples everywhere! Her services include weddings, vow renewals, elopements, and more. Last minute events are okay. Call Roberta at (805) 608-9955 to learn more.
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
Smooth Criminal Speed Waxing 1103 E. Clark Avenue, Suite F-1B, Orcutt (707) 327-8646 www.smoothcriminal805.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.
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
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | September 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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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.
Chamber Supports Local Vaccination Efforts with "Protect. Respect. Get Vaccinated." Campaign The Chamber recognizes that the quickest way to help our community get back to business is for everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine. With that in mind, the Chamber has launched the "Protect. Respect. Get Vaccinated." campaign as a way to encourage community members to "Protect our community. Respect your neighbors. Do your part and get the COVID-19 vaccine". The campaign includes an open letter signed by a number of community members detailing why it is important for our community to get vaccinated. In part, the letter says: "The COVID crisis is creeping back, and that puts our community at a crossroads.
We’re tired of all the restrictions— being told when and where to wear masks, how many people can be in a restaurant, and what businesses are “essential” or not. But all of us who signed this letter agree that one small act can make this all go away: getting the vaccine. We got the shot. And we ask you to get it too."
You can read the full letter and request free "Protect. Respect." posters for your business at www.protectrespect.org.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau 614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria | (805) 925-2403 | santamaria.com | info@santamaria.com 8
