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 •
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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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