CHAMBER CONNECTION
YOU’RE INVITED TO NEXTGEN CEO’S BUSINESS LAUNCH DAY: MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF CEOS
On Thursday, May 22, the community is invited to celebrate the creativity, hard work, and innovation of local youth at the official Business Launch Day for the NextGen CEO program. This exciting event, taking place 4-6 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Mid Central Coast’s Railroad Clubhouse, marks the culmination of a dynamic nine-week business education course designed especially for sixth-grade students.
NextGen CEO is a hands-on program that introduces students to the world of entrepreneurship in a way that is fun, engaging, and tailored to their learning level. Over the past six weeks, participants have been learning what it takes to be their own boss. From developing their first business ideas to understanding cost models and customer service, each student has been hard at work building their own small business from the ground up.
Continued on p. 2
SANTA MARIA VALLEY CHAMBER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Committee
Chairman: Emily Kitts, Naughty Oak Brewing Company
Chairman-Elect: Sandra Dickerson, Your People Professionals
Vice Chairman: Shannon Seifert, Santa Maria Valley YMCA
Vice Chairman: Gina Gluyas, BHGRE Haven Properties
Past Chairman: Paul Cook,
Board Members
Sue Andersen, Marian Regional Medical Center
Dominick Barry, Quintron Systems, Inc.
Micaela Buchanan, Lark + Sparrow LLC
Jason Buchanan, HUB International Insurance Services
Jeff Buckingham, Astound Business Solutions Powered by Digital West
Nancy Crawford, Care Connection
Transport + Home Care - Santa Maria
Donna Denham
Kelsi Fitzgerald, Veritas Innovative Pest & Termite Solutions
Karen Gjerdrum, Fothergill Andre, Morris & Buttery
Antonio Garcia, Santa Maria Joint High School District
Dave Merlo, Glenn Burdette, Inc.
Sylvia Palacios, Santa Maria Town Center
Terè Paredes, Maya Restaurant
Joshua Beau Flores Sahagun, Luttrell Staffing Group
Dr. Eric Sauers, A.T. Still University / College for Healthy Communities
Ryan Swack, Best Western Plus Big America
Dr. Kevin Walthers, Allan Hancock College
Interested in Chamber volunteer leadership opportunities? Contact Molly Schiff, VP of Chamber Operations & Membership, at molly@santamaria.com to learn more about open positions on our committees.
CONTINUED - NEXTGEN CEO BUSINESS LAUNCH DAY
Continued from p.1
The program covers five key areas essential to running a business: Business Fundamentals, Cost Models, Money Management, Marketing, and Customer Service. Each session includes a video lesson featuring guest speakers from the local business community who share real-world insights and stories of their own entrepreneurial journeys. Students also work through interactive assignments in a workbook that guides them step by step as they plan and prepare their businesses.
Now, with their plans in place and their products and services ready, the students will open their businesses to the public for the very first time on May 22. Business Launch Day will run from 4-6 p.m. and is open to families, educators, business leaders, and community members who want to support and celebrate these young entrepreneurs. Attendees will have the chance to explore student-run booths, purchase handmade goods and services, and hear directly from the kids about what inspired their ideas.
This isn’t just a showcase; it’s a meaningful opportunity to witness the growth and confidence these students have developed over the course of the program. For many, this is their first experience thinking like a business owner, solving real-world problems, and managing money. It’s a powerful step toward building financial literacy, leadership, and independence, as well as planting the seeds of building a
strong future workforce in Santa Maria Valley, empowering and inspiring youth to start their own businesses and get involved in the business world.
The partnership between the Boys & Girls Club of Mid Central Coast and the NextGen CEO program reflects a shared commitment to empowering youth and preparing them for success beyond the classroom. By attending the event, community members can show these young CEOs that their ideas matter and their hard work is worth celebrating.
Join us on May 22 for an inspiring afternoon filled with energy, innovation, and a look into the future of local entrepreneurship. These young minds are ready to make their mark, and your support will help them take that first exciting step!
KEEP UP WITH OUR OTHER RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Take a look at some of our other recent Chamber publications including our new Local Business Spotlight and editorials.
Business, #SantaMariaStyle is the Chamber’s quarterly digital magazine publication. The magazine is another way we highlight local businesses, see what’s going on in the community, celebrate our members and more!
Check out our newest edition, featuring various locations focused on arts, culture and theater in Santa Maria Valley!
Check out features on PCPA, Santa Maria Civic Theatre, and the Dana Adobe Cultural Center.
Scan to read the Spring 2025 Magazine! or go to:
https://chambervu.com/ santamariaspring25/
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: HIGHCRAFT BUILDERS, INC.
In this month’s local business spotlight, HighCraft Builders, Inc. discusses how HighCraft specializes in a wide range of construction options including new commercial building, commercial tenant improvements as well as the construction of new custom residential homes, restorations and building ADUs.
Pictured: TIm Seifert of HighCraft Builders, Inc. shares their work can be found in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, with Seifert pointing to the company’s work remodeling Santa Maria’s Old Valley Hospital into a residential development, doctors offices in Arroyo Grande as well as commercial work at the Santa Maria Airport and for VTC Enterprises.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SERIES!
For more information or if you are interested in being featured, please reach out to Romina Montemurro, Communications Coordinator via email at romina@santamaria.com
Scan to view this month’s spotlight.
On April 4, 2025, participants in the Leadership Santa Maria Valley (LSMV) program spent the day immersed in a powerful, hands-on experience exploring the intersection of leadership, sustainability, and innovation across the Central Coast.
The day began at the Santa Maria Airport Board Room with a leadership workshop led by Jose Huitron, founder of HUB81. Huitron delivered an engaging session on visionary leadership in the modern age.
“Leadership today isn’t about hierarchy,” said Huitron. “It’s about service, creativity, and building resilient communities.”
From there, the group traveled to the Santa Maria Regional Landfill, where Kristine Jacobs and Trent Girouard guided participants through the landfills groundbreaking operations. The facility processes over 1,200 tons of waste daily and leads the region in
LEADERSHIP SANTA MARIA VALLEY SUSTAINABILITY & NATURAL RESOURCES
recycling, methane gas conversion, and public education. Notably, the landfill powers Marian Medical Center through an advanced cogen system, setting a benchmark in environmental technology.
Next, the cohort explored the California Tiger Salamander Habitat, a result of a landmark conservation agreement between the Santa Maria Airport and federal wildlife agencies. The agreement not only protects the endangered species’ breeding grounds but also ensures economic vitality through a $5 million conservation fund and plans for a future research and business park.
At midday, Lee-Volker Cox, CEO of Pacific AgriTec, captivated attendees with a presentation on turning carbon dioxide into algae-based biomass. His firm’s approach to climate technology offers a scalable solution for carbon capture while producing valuable biobased materials.
“We see CO₂ not as a liability, but a raw material for innovation,” said Cox.
The afternoon concluded at Cambria Winery at 5475 Chardonnay Lane. As part of Jackson Family Wines, Cambria exemplifies sustainable viticulture. The vineyard boasts solarpowered infrastructure,
water-efficient irrigation, and climate-resilient farming practices. Their work, influenced by the Julia Jackson Foundation, reflects a deep commitment to regenerative agriculture and environmental impact
As the day wrapped with a Legacy Project update back at the airport, it was clear that LSMV participants were not only inspired, but also equipped to champion sustainability in their own sectors.
CHAMBER IN ACTION
Here’s a look at what our Chamber & our member businesses have been up to this past month. 1 3 6 2 4 5
1. The April mixer took place at Northern Santa Barbara County United Way. Thank you to all who attended and congratulations to the new members recognized!
2. The Chamber in partnership with the Santa Maria Fairpark hosted its annual Strawberry Industry Recognition Dinner, celebrating the agricultural industry in our area for the 33rd year. The evening recognized outstanding contributions and continued support for the region’s leading agricultural sector and kicked off the Strawberry Festival.
3. Congratulations to Driscoll’s being awarded Partner of the Year!
4. Congratulations to Providence Farms being awarded Grower of the Year!
5. Our last teacher tour for this school year took place in April! The theme was “eco transportation” and teachers visited the SM Airport, Mob Armor, and Diani Companies.
6. The Chamber hosted the 2025 State of Education event. This annual event provides updates on schools and educational programs for the upcoming and past year in Santa Barbara County. Featured speakers included Dr. Susan Salcido, Superintendent of Santa Barbara County schools, and Dr. Kevin Walthers, President of Allan Hancock College, along with other superintendents in Santa Barbara County.
GROWING MEMBERSHIP: CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
As champions for a stronger Santa Maria Valley, the Chamber is excited to welcome more businesses to our growing organization. Please join us in welcoming the following new Chamber members, who joined in the month of April 2025!
Executive:
Herencia Indigena LLC (805) 334-8251 www.herenciaindigena.com
Corporate:
Hotel Virginia, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (805) 963-9757 www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sbasbuphotel-virginia-santa-barbara/
Corporate: Inn at the Pier, Curio Collection by Hilton (805) 295-5565
www.theinnatthepier.com
Premium: El Toro Loco Supermarket (820) 946-4323
Member:
American Solar Company (805) 314-2036
https://amsolarco.com
Electronic Payments (559) 536-0588
https://electronicpayments.com
Meraz Catering and Events (805) 748-2526
https://merazcatering.com
Join the Chamber today by contacting Membership Manager, Cara Martinez at (805) 925-2403 ext. 852 or email cara@santamaria.com.
CALIFORNIA
DO YOU HAVE EMPLOYEES OUT ON CALIFORNIA PAID FAMILY LEAVE?
The California Paid Familiy Leave Grant (CPFLG) allows eligible small businesses with at least one (1) employee utilizing California’s Paid Family Leave program to apply for grants up to $2,000 per employee to offset the increased costs associated with the employee out on leave.
Businesses impacted by California’s Paid Family Leave program will have increased costs such as training and upskilling existing staff to cover the duties of the employee on California’s Paid Family Leave; hiring and training additional staff to cover the duties of the employee on California’s Paid Family Leave; and marketing, recruitment, and other reasonably foreseeable training costs.
For more information, eligibility details, and to apply, visit CaliforniaPFL.com.
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR LEADERSHIP SANTA MARIA VALLEY CLASS OF 2026!
Leadership Santa Maria Valley is currently accepting applications for the Class of 2026. This will be our 30th year serving our Community and preparing future Community Leaders! To date, we have over 400 graduates from our program which began in 1995. Interviews will be held in May & June 2025 with our Candidate Orientation and Kick-Off Retreat scheduled for August 2025.
Why should you consider Leadership Santa Maria Valley?
Are you looking for a way to get more involved in the community? Do you want to expand your circle of influence within the Santa Maria Valley? Would you like to be able to network/connect with the decision-makers and key leaders in our area as well as further develop your leadership skills? If so, Leadership Santa Maria Valley is the program for you! Read more in our Call for Candidates. Click the link below to download our 2026 Application!
Questions? Contact Leadership Santa Maria Valley Program Director Terri Oneschuck at (805) 925-2403 x 824 or at terrio@santamaria.com. Space is limited so contact us today to reserve your spot!
romina@santamaria.com.
