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 valuable exposure, it also reminds the community of the unique, diverse, and long-standing businesses we are fortunate to have in Santa Maria.
 
The businesses for the fourth quarter (October-December 2024) are:
 
Klondike Pizza is located at 2059 South Broadway in Santa Maria. Its founder and owners Mike and Pam Dennis moved from Alaska to Arroyo Grande in 1988 and opened their first location that year. The Santa Maria location opened in 1996 and presently has 16 employees. The has sponsored numerous youth sports teams, and fund-raisers for several causes. Over the years, special education students and their teachers come to the business three mornings per week to learn tasks suited to their abilities.
 
J&E Cleaning Services, Inc. is located at 3130 Skyway Drive Suite 302 in Santa Maria. This family owned and operated business was established in May 2009 and now has 18 to 20 employees. The company provides residential, commercial, move in/out, carpet cleaning, pressure washer, stripping and wax, and window cleaning services. When the pandemic began the company had more than 30 houses and 40 businesses put them on hold, so the owners decided to get training to offer sanitation and disinfecting services and kept its team working. The company gives back to the community by donating services to non-profit organizations and churches, and sponsors local teams.
 
Businesses are chosen by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. To nominate a business or ask about the program, contact Molly Schiff, Director of Advocacy and Initiatives  at the Chamber via email at molly@santamaria.com or by phone at (805) 925-2403.



Joe Gonzalez, owner (center), accepts a Business of the Quarter recognition from Mayor Alice Patino (right). At left is Molly Schiff of the Chamber of Commerce.

Klondike Pizza representatives did not attend the Council meeting.