NEWS RELEASE
February 22, 2023Page 1 of 2
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 unique, diverse and long-standing businesses we are fortunate to have in Santa Maria.
The focus for 12 months, since January 2023, gives recognition to local businesses for their longevity and/or providing significant healthcare contributions. Each month, one business from each of these two categories is recognized during the City Council meeting and publicized by the City and the Chamber.
February 2023 Featured Businesses
- Long-standing business: the Santa Maria Times.
- Healthcare business: Santa Maria Counseling
The Santa Maria Times is one of the oldest businesses in the Santa Maria Valley, it has chronicled the local news of the region since April 22, 1882. Located at 3200 Skyway Drive, the newspaper employs 30. After previous ownership by larger national newspaper groups, starting in 2020 the business is under local control and ownership right here in Santa Maria. Its commitment to reach the community is not limited to its print publication; its website is updated and the company provides audio interpretation services including in Spanish for its local stories.
Santa Maria Counseling is located at 1505 South Shepard Drive, Suite 204. This business, founded in 2010, provides individual psychotherapy to adults with an emphasis on anxiety and trauma. Owner Greta Pankratz, LCSW, provides one-on-one therapy treatment to help people stay at or return to at work, and also provides crisis debrief and other support services for key agencies. She also volunteers her time as a coach (currently at an elementary school).
Businesses are chosen by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. To nominate a business or ask about the program, contact Paulina Leang, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at the Chamber via email at paulina@santamaria.com or by phone at (805) 925-2403 extension 853.
