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 have made a positive impact on the Santa Maria Valley community. The awards ceremony will take place September 21^st from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Allan Hancock College Fine Arts Complex.
 
“The Chamber is excited to bring our community together in celebration to honor a few of the individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations that make the Santa Maria Valley the best place to live, work, and do business on the Central Coast,” said Glenn Morris, President & CEO of the Chamber. “This year’s recipients bring unique contributions to our community and we are proud to formally recognize each for their impact on the Santa Maria Valley.  We’re also thrilled to partner with our friends at Allan Hancock College to introduce their fabulous new arts facility to the community.”

This year’s award recipients include:

• Ambassador of the Year:  Sol Pacheco, United Staffing Associates
• Large Business of the Year:  CalPortland
• Non-Profit of the Year:  Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley
• Robert F. Grogan Public Service Award:  Mike Grogan
• Robert P. Hatch Citizen of the Year:  Jim Bray
• Small Business of the Year:  Wine Stone Inn
• Tourism Partner of the Year:  The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center

In addition to recognizing the award recipients, the Chamber’s new Board of Directors will be formally introduced during the event, and outgoing Board members will be recognized.  Paul Cook, president & CEO of CoastHills Credit Union will formally be recognized at the chair of the Chamber board, succeeding Sandra Dickerson, owner/CEO of Your People Professionals/HR Your Way.

This year’s Annual Awards Gala includes cocktail hour from 6pm to 7pm, and the awards ceremony from 7pm to 9pm. You can register online at: https://tinyurl.com/2023SMVAnnualAwards  

Event Registration will close September 15^th. 

Questions about the 2023 Annual Awards Nominations can be directed to Yuliana Nelson, Strategic Initiatives Manager for the Chamber, by calling (805) 925-2403 x814 or yuliana@santamaria.com.