Featured Businesses of the Quarter: April-June
The City of Santa Maria and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce are partnering to highlight different businesses in the City through a Business of the Quarter Program. This program will, on four occasions this calendar year, recognize two local small businesses chosen by the Chamber. The criteria are: fewer than 20 employees; in operation for at least five years; physically located within the City Limits; and being a local Chamber of Commerce member in good standing. Not only does this give them
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Receives Regional Recognition for Teacher Tours Program
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Receives Regional Recognition for Teacher Tours Program Teacher Tours Program awarded “Outstanding Chamber Program” Recognition at Western Association of Chamber Executives’ (W.A.C.E) 2024 Annual Conference The Santa Maria Valley Chamber’s Teacher Tours Program has been recognized as an “Outstanding Chamber Program” by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) at their Annual Conference earlier this month. The program was selected through an application
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2024- Government Day
On February 2, 2024, the Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class had the opportunity to dive in and learn about the different Government Sectors represented locally as well as explore new sectors and how they pertain to government. The day started off with a visit to the Government Center where we were greeted by the Fifth District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino as well as Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson. Both Supervisors explained their roles and responsibilities and provided a better understanding of
Building a Local Talent Pipeline: Chamber Sees Collaboration & Expansion in Workforce Development Pr
Building a Local Talent Pipeline: Chamber Sees Collaboration & Expansion in Workforce Development Programming Over the past year, the Chamber has expanded its Workforce Development programs and partnerships initiatives. “Ensuring businesses can count on a pipeline of workers trained for local jobs & careers” is one of the organization’s strategic priorities, and we continue to work on expanding our educational partnerships and developing a strong regional talent pipeline to meet business and
Chamber Welcomes New Members from December 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of December! December 2023 New Members Empower TCT Inc.
Leadership Santa Maria Class of 2024- Youth & Education Topic Day
On December 1st 2023, the Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class visited local institutions and non-profits that support Santa Maria families through various programs. The main focus was youth and education opportunities. The Santa Maria Valley education system offers numerous tools and options to adapt to individuals’ needs and challenges. St Louis de Monfort School is a private school located in Orcutt that stayed open during COVID in 2020— a rare benefit during those challenging times. The school
Chamber Welcomes New Members from November 2023
Cassandra Rhoades-Realtor® - The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of November! November 2023 New Members Cassandra Rhoades-Realtor® - BHGRE Haven Properties Children's Creative Project - Santa Barbara County Education Office Coastal Housing Partnership Orcutt Direct Care Partners in Education - Santa Barbara County Education Office Rick's Car Care Senior Care Authority Starving Artist Picture Framing Co Tito's
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2024 – Arts and Recreation Day
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2024 – Arts and Recreation Day On sunny day in November, the Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2024 gathered at Shepard Hall in the Santa Maria Public Library, welcomed by the pleasant melody of live Paraguayan folk harp played by LSMV Alumni Lizzie Romero-Prokopiev, ready to explore the wide range of Arts and Recreation in the city. During a walking tour through the two levels of the library, Librarian Selena Fierro showed the group various art installations
November Featured Business of the Month
The City of Santa Maria and Santa Maria Valley Chamber are partnering to highlight different businesses in the City of Santa Maria through their Santa Maria Featured Businesses program. This program gives recognition to businesses who have been in the community for a significant amount of time, and/or providing unique or significant contributions to our community. Not only does this give valuable exposure to these local businesses, it also reminds our community of the unique, diverse and long-standing
Chamber Welcomes New Members from October 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of October! October 2023 New MembersBody Shop PlusCuyama Buckhorn LLCGrizzly Construction & Remodeling Inc.Grocery Outlet of Lompoc Grocery Outet of Santa MariaHolliday Rock Co. Top Down JanitorialVilla Maria Post Acute
“State of the City 2023” video on cable, online
“State of the City 2023” video on cable, online Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino’s “State of the City 2023” address of October 25th is available for viewing anytime on multiple platforms and with closed captioning in English and Spanish. Watch and learn about new housing and downtown revitalization, efforts to expand the City’s boundaries, new parks, declining crime rates, challenges, and so much more. The 47-minute video plays every day at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the City of Santa Maria’s government
October Featured Businesses of the Month
Featured Businesses of the Month The City of Santa Maria and Santa Maria Valley Chamber are partnering to highlight different businesses in the City of Santa Maria through their Santa Maria Featured Businesses program. This program gives recognition to businesses who have been in the community for a significant amount of time, and/or providing unique or significant contributions to our community. Not only does this give valuable exposure to these local businesses, it also reminds our community of the
Chamber Welcomes New Members from September 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of September! September 2023 New MembersCentral West ProduceDewlson Family FarmJulio's Auto InsuranceFull Circle Photo
Chamber Welcomes New Board Leadership for 23-24 Fiscal Year
July marks the beginning of a new fiscal year, and the Chamber is excited to welcome new leadership to the Board of Directors to help guide the organization’s work in serving the Santa Maria Valley community. “The Santa Maria Valley Chamber brings our businesses together and helps solve the challenges our community is facing,” explained incoming Board Chair Paul Cook. “I’m looking forward to serving as Board Chair for an organization that plays such a vital role in our community.” Cook, who is the
Local Leaders Weigh In: Leadership Santa Maria Valley
Each month, we’re asking our local leaders to weigh in on a timely topic. This month, we’re talking to our graduates from the Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2023. As the program concluded, we asked participants to reflect on their greatest lessons learned, most enjoyable moments experienced through LSMV, and plans for the future.Here's what they shared: “Going through the LSMV program was a very subversive experience. Learning about major aspects of what makes Santa Maria Valley function and
Connection Feature: Building the Next Leaders of the Santa Maria Valley
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber recognizes the great importance of workforce development in our efforts of continuing to promote the development and success of the Santa Maria Valley. Over the last few years, the Chamber has implemented several programs and initiatives to support our local students and professionals as they grow and learn. Junior CEO provides local youth with an opportunity to build entrepreneurship skills and launch their own business. The Junior CEO program is a six-week
Local Leaders Weigh In: Santa Maria Valley Development
Each month, we’re asking our local leaders to weigh in on a timely topic. This month, we’re talking about the development of the Santa Maria Valley. We asked: “Santa Maria and the surrounding areas are planning for where and how anticipated growth would happen. We also need to think about how to make the community attractive to businesses and families. What do you think the Santa Maria Valley needs to be the community of choice for business and residents?” "Personally I think we need more areas where
Leadership Santa Maria Valley- Sustainability and Natural Resources Topic Day
On Friday, April 14, 2023, the Leadership Santa Maria Valley class of 2023 embarked on another Topic Day, this time, centered around Sustainability and Natural Resources. Starting off the day, the class met excited to travel to their first stop, Engel & Gray (E&G), where they were able to tour the facilities and learn about some of the composting efforts taking place right here in Santa Maria. Among many topics, the class learned about recycling efforts, agricultural waste, and even the process for
Elected Officials Provide Array of Business Resources to Local Community
Elected officials are often known for their work in advocacy and public policy. What many may not be aware of is the array of free business resources available through public offices at the local, county and state level. We had a chance to talk with some of our local elected officials on the resources and assistance they provide the business community. Senator Monique Limón’s office provides direct assistance and in-person support for businesses Senator Monique Limón’s office says they are always there
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Topic Day Showcases the Heart behind Local Healthcare
Healthcare is an industry with a lot of heart. That was the takeaway form the recent Leadership Santa Maria Valley’s Health & Human Services Topic Day, where the class learned about the wide range of healthcare & mental health services available in the Santa Maria Valley.The class first visited Community Health Centers of the Central Coast (CHC). Timothy Mossholder from Santa Maria Foursquare Church started the day with a leadership presentation centered around advancing in leadership through capacity and
Local Leaders Weigh In: AI in the Workplace
Each month, we’re asking our local leaders to weigh in on a timely topic. This month, we’re talking about AI in the workplace. We asked: AI services like Chat GPT are becoming more popular. As an employer, what do you feel some of the benefits and challenges will be as AI tools become more commonplace?” “As the leader of a High Technology company, the prospects for AI are very exciting. There is still a lot to learn about how it can be incorporated, I look forward to exploring how we can incorporate AI
Chamber Launches ''Santa Maria Next'' Program to Highlight Local Students Excelling in Career Pathways
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has partnered with the Santa Barbara County Education Office 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