Support for Increased Launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base
July 24, 2024 Dr. Caryl Hart Chairwoman, CA Coastal Commission 455 Market Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94105 SENT VIA EMAILDear Chairwoman Hart,I write to you on behalf of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce in Northern Santa Barbara County to express our strong support for the United States Space Force's proposal to increase launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base. This proposal represents a significant opportunity not only for the base but also for our local community and the broader
Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Rule in Effect Now
The state Office of Administrative Law (OAL) has approved the Cal/OSHA regulations to protect employees working indoors from heat illness. The regulations went into effect immediately upon OAL approving them on July 23.Requirements The regulations apply to virtually all indoor work areas when the temperature equals or exceeds 82 degrees Fahrenheit indoors. Notably, state prisons have been exempted from the indoor heat illness prevention rules due to concerns about the cost implications for the
Businesses of the Quarter - July 2024
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
2024 Concerts in the Park Featuring Ghost Monster
The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and People for Leisure and Youth (PLAY), Inc. are pleased to announce the return of the Concerts in the Park Series this summer. The first concert, featuring the feel-good rock ‘n’ roll music of Ghost Monster, will be held on Sunday, July 21st from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Rotary Centennial Park, located at 2625 South College Drive. Ghost Monster, a four-piece alternative acoustic rock group from the Central Coast, covers all genres and eras of
SoCalGas Introduces Contractor Incentive Initiative for Energy-Efficient Solutions
[SANTA MARIA, CA. July 16, 2024] – The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with SoCalGas announces an initiative aimed at incentivizing contractors to install energy efficient gas furnaces and tankless water heaters across its service territory in Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County.The Contractor Collaborative Platform (CCP) will provide participating contractors with direct bonuses for qualifying installations.Under the CCP program, contractors who install ENERGY STAR®
Dunes Center's 2024 Gala to be July 27
Thriving Through Inflation: Essential Tips for Small Business Survival
The effects of inflation can be particularly detrimental to small businesses, as they often have limited resources and face stiff competition from larger enterprises. To overcome these challenges and succeed in the long run, small business owners need to adopt innovative approaches, like using PDFs for document organization, implementing cost-cutting measures, exploring new revenue streams, and leveraging technology to streamline their operations and enhance customer engagement. This guide takes a look
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Announces New Board Directors and Officers for 2024-2025
[SANTA MARIA, CA. July 10, 2024] - The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Board of Directors and Officers, effective July 1, 2024 for the 2024-2025 fiscal year."We eagerly welcome our new Board of Directors and Officers, all who bring a vast wealth of expertise and dedication to our Chamber,” said Santa Maria Valley Chamber President & CEO Michael Boyer.“Their leadership will be instrumental as we work collaboratively to support local businesses and promote economic
Over 700 Santa Barbara County Adults and Teens Trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid Last Year
Santa Barbara County, CA (July 8, 2024) – Family Service Agency (FSA) and Youthwell are pleased to announce that over 700 teens and adults were trained in mental health first aid practices this past year.Many Santa Barbara County residents will benefit from the individuals who have learned how to take the first step in assisting those with mental health challenges. “Our classes give people the tools to help start conversations when they spot warning signs of mental health risks and substance abuse,” said
CalChamber Releases Statement Following Governor’s Signature on PAGA Reform Bills
The California Chamber of Commerce yesterday released the following statement after Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law two Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) reform measures—AB 2288 (Kalra; D-San Jose) and SB 92 (Umberg; D-Santa Ana): “Many legislators have called the agreement reached to reform PAGA ‘monumental’ and we could not agree more,” said CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera. “Governor Newsom’s signature on these two bills represents a successful conclusion to months of hard work
California Small Businesses Eligible for Paid Family Leave Grants - Online application is open
[SANTA MARIA, CA. July 1, 2024] -- Eligible small businesses across California can now apply for grants of up to $2,000 per employee through California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. This initiative, funded by the California Employment Training Panel and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, aims to support small businesses in managing the additional costs incurred when employees take leave.These grants are designed to help small businesses cover expenses such as cross-training existing
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 2557
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber opposes AB 2557. The measure will place costly, impractical and burdensome requirements on local agencies that contract with vital service providers, such as non-profits, community-based organizations, and other private entities, threatening the delivery of essential services to everyone, but especially services for California’s most vulnerable. AB 2557 imposes new bureaucratic requirements mandating local agencies to list on their agency’s website all financial expenditures
New Episode of ''Santa Maria Today''
Watch the newest video episode of “Santa Maria Today” in English or Spanish to learn how and where the City of Santa Maria is serving the community. The new episode features:The “Public Works Week” celebration event,Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) unveiling the new virtual bus simulator,Information about the Santa Maria City Rangers program,An invite to join the Santa Maria Public Library’s adult summer reading program,The Santa Maria Police Department’s annual Peace Officers Memorial
Crafting Compelling Sales Pitches and Marketing Strategies: A Guide to Captivating Your Audience
In today's competitive market, businesses must master the art of capturing their audience's attention to drive sales and foster brand loyalty. This article provides actionable tips for developing captivating sales pitches, impactful marketing strategies, and persuasive narratives that resonate with your target audience. Let's dive into the strategies that can elevate your marketing efforts and set your brand apart from the competition. Understanding Your Audience To effectively engage your
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes SB 1345 (SMALLWOOD-CUEVAS)
The Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce joins California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to respectfully OPPOSE SB 1345 (Smallwood-Cuevas) as a JOB KILLER. The California Fair Chance Act strikes a careful balance between removing barriers to the workforce for workers with a conviction history and the need to consider that history for certain job positions. SB 1345 would eliminate employers’ ability to run a background check or consider conviction history unless they meet one of the narrow
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 2499 (SCHIAVO)
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has joined California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to OPPOSE AB 2499 (Schiavo). AB 2499 expands leave mandates for small businesses, which have already been subject to nine new leave laws in just the last four years. AB 2499 is duplicative and unnecessary as it expands an uncapped leave mandate to cover scenarios addressed under existing leave laws, or where there is no urgency. California currently has robust protections for employees who are victims of
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 2374 (HANEY)
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce joins forces with California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to respectfully OPPOSE AB 2374 (Haney). AB 2374transforms the Displaced Janitor Opportunity Act into a joint liability statute under which any size company in California becomes liable for the failure of a contractor to comply with the Act and is now responsible for new notice and scheduling obligations for workers who are not its employees. The Act already provides robust, job retention
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes SB 1434 (DURAZO)
The California Chamber of Commerce OPPOSE your SB 1434 (Durazo)The California Chamber of Commerce and the undersigned respectfully OPPOSE your SB 1434 (Durazo), as introduced February 16, 2024, as a JOB KILLER because it would be a massive increase in unemployment insurance taxes for every single employer in California. In brief, SB 1434is a vast re-working of California’s unemployment insurance (UI) system, including the following elements: - Historic increase of traditional UI taxes for employers via
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes SB 1299 (CORTESE)
SB 1299 (CORTESE) FARMWORKERS: BENEFITS OPPOSE – AS AMENDED MARCH 21, 2024The California Chamber of Commerce and the organizations listed respectfully OPPOSE SB 1299 (Cortese).We are unaware of data to support the presumption proposed by SB 1299. Further, the presumption would apply even in situations where any link between the employer’s conduct and a heat related illness or injury is tangential, at best, and appears to mandate that WCAB evaluate employer compliance with regulations created by a
Hardy Diagnostics Hosts Santa Maria High School for Business Tour
Santa Maria High School Future Business Leaders of America members currently enrolled in Financial Accounting, Professional Business Communication, AHC Intro to Entrepreneurship and Marketing, toured Santa Maria’s Hardy Diagnostics on Friday, March 8. The “Business Tour” and a “Speaker Series” are coordinated by Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Strategic Initiatives Manager Yuliana Nelson. Since 2019, this ongoing partnership with the FBLA has provided over 15 speakers, community service
Chamber Opposes SB 1116 (Portantino)
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has signed a letter Opposing SB 1116 (Portantino) on Unemployment Insurance: Trade Disputes - eligibility for benefits. This Bill has been labeled a JOB KILLER by Cal Chamber because it would effectively require employers to subsidize striking workers, even if that employer is not presently (or has never) experienced any strikes. By forcing employers to pay unemployment insurance (UI) payments to striking workers, SB 1116 would also raise unemployment insurance taxes on
Santa Barbara County Unemployment & Labor Market Data - January 2024
The following data is provided by the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board:
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
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
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 Members from August 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of August! August 2023 New MembersBranch Street Deli and PizzeriaChic InteriorsGehssa Hope MarketingJB's JewelersMexiForno
Community Leadership & Local Businesses to be celebrated at Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala
PRESS RELEASE Contact: Isabel Guerrero FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (805) 925-2403 x 853 August 21, 2023 isabel@santamaria.com Community Leadership & Local Businesses to be celebrated at Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala The Santa Maria Valley Chamber’s 2023 Annual Awards Gala will celebrate community excellence and honor the individuals, organizations and businesses who
Chamber Welcomes New Members from July 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of July! July 2023 New MembersAll Dry San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara CountyAngels Foster CareDeep Clean CrewEconAllianceFlowForeFront PowerGuadalupe Social ClubSanta Maria Valley Small Engine Repair
Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of July 13 - July 23
Fave Five | July 13 - July 23 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Santa Barbara County FairJuly 12 - 16 Santa Maria Fairpark 937 S. Thornburg Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States There are plenty of carnival rides, animals, petting zoos, pony rides and of course, lots of fantastic fair food
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 Welcomes New Members from February 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of February! Awakening GiantzBec Health ChickCharles Motley Empowered by NEXA Mortgage, LLC Human Interest MD3 Investments Nena's Kitchen New Hope Harvesting, LLCPlanes of Fame Air Museum SGT DGE Snap It 360Sonam Narayan, Realtor - eXp Realty
Welcome New Members of February 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of January! 101 Pension SolutionsAmeriprise FinancialAtrévete Al Cambio Integral Wellness Center Barbara Wilson, Art and Photography BK's Bookkeeping LLC Coastal Home Living Guild Mortgage -Orcutt Inspirations Event & Floral Design Managed Career Solutions, SPC / America's Job Center of California -Santa MariaMichael J. Scott Law Office Popolo Catering Sabores Inc.UberfleetsVanessa
eCommerce as an SEO Strategy
If you have spent any time on Amazon you are already familiar with verbose descriptions of each item for sale, product reviews from verified purchases, and the ability to search by product name, product description and category. These elements are some of the secret sauce that has made Amazon so successful. They provide their shoppers plenty of information to make a confident purchase decision and at the same time this data is structured in a way that Google can gobble the information up. Google is not a
SEO you shouldn’t trust
SEO advice and services have been offered since Search Engines started crawling the internet. I still see Marketing Agencies offering SEO services that employ tricks that lost relevance almost 2 decades ago. These SEOs offering low-cost SEO are selling nothing but Snake Oil. My hope is to educate you on what to look for so you can protect yourself. Think of your SEO Agency like a personal trainer, a trainer thinks about everything at every level, not just the machines you use in your workout, but also
Featured Business of the Month: The Okonite Company
The Okonite Company was our featured manufacturing business for January 2022! Here’s some additional information about the business.Provide a brief description of the business: The Okonite Company was founded in 1878 making it one of the original insulators of electrical wire and cable in the United States. Okonite serves a multitude of industry markets including Electric Utility, Oil & Gas, Chemical, Military bases, Railroad, and Transit.When was the business formed? The Okonite Company was founded in
Featured Business of the Month: Cugini's Pizzeria & Trattoria
Cugini's Pizzeria & Trattoria was our featured women-owned business for January 2022! Here’s some additional information about the business.Provide a brief description of the business: Cugini's Pizzeria & Trattoria is an italian restaurant, we make most of our food from scratch. We have Pasta's, Sandwiches, Pizza , Salads and Gyro'sWhen was the business formed?1999 in San Luis ObispoHow has the business grown?With the help from the community and the great food and service we provide.Current number of
Featured Business of the Month: Mob Armor
Mob Armor was our featured manufacturing business for December 2021! Here’s some additional information about the business.When was the business formed? 2014How has the business grown? Started in SLO then moved to Santa Maria in 2015. Santa Maria was welcoming. Thanks to warehouse space, fiber internet and manufacturing atmosphere/pro manufacturing attitude.Current number of employees: 22Describe how your business has innovated their product/service: We started with rugged Smartphone mounts which then
Featured Business of the Month: The VegBoss, LLC
The VegBoss, LLC was our featured women-owned business for December 2021! Here’s some additional information about the business.When was the business formed? 2018How has the business grown? By expanding our product offerings, reaching out to new growers in both North and South America and continuing to provide best in class service.Current number of employees: 6Describe how your business has innovated their product/service: We have a few proprietary packs of cauliflower and broccoli that has helped us
Santa Maria Valley Next November 2021: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Santa Maria Valley Next highlights the career readiness training offered in high school career pathways and recognizes students who are excelling in these various pathways. This month, we are highlighting four local high schoolers excelling in the Agriculture & Natural Resources career pathways.Eric Ceja12th Grade, Santa Maria High SchoolEric Ceja, a 12th grader from Santa Maria High School is our Santa Maria Valley Chamber CTE Student of the Month in the Agricultural Science Pathway. He was nominated by
Santa Maria Next October 2021: Business & Finance and Information & Computer Technologies
Santa Maria Valley Next highlights the career readiness training offered in high school career pathways and recognizes students who are excelling in these various pathways. This month, we are highlighting youth excelling in the Business & Finance and Information & Computer Technologies pathways. Business & Finance Pathway Description: Persons trained in fields such as business management, international trade, and various financial services specialties (e.g., accounting, banking, and investing) will
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