CHAMBER CONNECTION
SANTA MARIA AIRPORT GETS NEW AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT TO PHOENIX
Starting October 15, travelers will be able to fly from Santa Maria to destinations across the country and beyond without having to leave the Central Coast. American Airlines has announced it will launch twicedaily nonstop flights between Santa Maria Airport (SMX) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). This marks the return of hubconnected air service for our region, a milestone that’s been nearly a decade in the making.
The service will be operated by SkyWest Airlines on 76-seat Bombardier regional jets, which offer both coach and first-class seating. From Phoenix, passengers will have access to American Airlines’ vast network, with more than 250 daily departures to over 100 destinations. For business travelers, families, military personnel, and anyone flying for personal or professional reasons, this new route provides an efficient and convenient way to connect from Santa Maria to major cities across
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SANTA MARIA VALLEY CHAMBER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
CONTINUED - SANTA MARIA AIRPORT PHOENIX FLIGHT 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.
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the country and internationally.
The decision by American Airlines to reinvest in Santa Maria is the result of sustained efforts at the local level. Our airport team has worked closely with a coalition of community partners, including the City of Santa Maria, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Commission, and others. These groups, alongside support from our military and business communities, helped demonstrate that there is meaningful demand for improved air access in northern Santa Barbara County.
This new route also represents a practical benefit for local travelers. Santa Maria Airport offers free parking just steps from the terminal and a streamlined experience free from the congestion and cost associated with larger airports. For many Central Coast residents, the convenience of flying locally, especially when connecting through a major hub like Phoenix will save both time and money.
More broadly, the return of hub service strengthens the airport’s role as a driver of economic development in the region. The Santa Maria Airport spans 2,500 acres and features the longest commercial runway on the Central Coast. It is home to a variety of aviationrelated businesses, military operations, the U.S. Forest Service tanker base, and community-focused events such as the Santa Maria AirFest. The airport also supports important initiatives like Honor Flight and houses U.S. Customs,
laying the groundwork for future international charter capabilities. In the coming year, the airport will also welcome the Planes of Fame Air Museum, further solidifying its status as both a travel hub and a regional destination.
This announcement signals progress, but also presents an opportunity. Air service is ultimately driven by passenger use. As flights to Phoenix begin this fall, the support of the community will play a major role in determining the long-term viability of the route. Choosing to fly out of Santa Maria helps sustain local service and keeps our region connected to broader markets.
Tickets for the Phoenix flights are available now at aa.com, on American’s mobile app, or through local travel agents. We look forward to welcoming travelers this fall and are optimistic that this new route will serve as a foundation for additional growth in the future.
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: HACIENDA REALTY
In this month’s local business spotlight, we spoke with Edgar Gascon about the history of Hacienda Realty in Santa Maria, and the recent expansion into property management through Central Coast Property Management.
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.
Pictured: Edgar Gascon with his mother and team. Hacienda Realty has two decades of experience of real estate services in Santa Maria. The family owned and operated business is located at 112 West Jones St.
June’s Servant Leadership topic day was an inspiring showcase of community involvement, personal growth, and impactful legacy-building across the Santa Maria Valley.
The day began with a dynamic panel of board members from all sectors, featuring insights from Jessa Brooks (YMCA Board Chair), Nash Moreno (Airport Board Member), and Jim Bray (Foundation Board Member). Their stories highlighted the vital role of board service in strengthening organizations, the impact that can be made from within and shaping our region’s future.
The focus then shifted to the next generation of leaders with a stop at The Yard, where Albert Squires led a tour and discussion on youth leadership’s powerful influence along the Central Coast. Attendees saw firsthand how fresh perspectives and innovative spaces are energizing youth engagement.
LEADERSHIP SANTA MARIA VALLEY SERVANT LEADERSHIP DAY
Practical skills were front and center as Paul Klock delivered a practical and engaging Event/Table Etiquette speech, arming everyone with strategies to shine professionally and personally at any gathering.
A community highlight followed with Ed Carcarey, creator of Santa Maria Downtown Fridays, sharing the story behind the event’s success and its positive ripple effects across Santa Maria. Attendees left inspired by his commitment and creativity in building community connection.
To celebrate the season of new beginnings, the group hosted a joyful Mini Baby Shower for Mike and Sierra, sharing congratulations and well wishes in true servant leadership spirit.
The day closed with the PathFinders Launch Party for the Santa Maria High School Bike Club, where a check presentation marked the Leadership group’s legacy project— supporting youth wellness and active transportation for years to come.
June’s event was a testament to the power of servant leadership in creating meaningful change, nurturing new leaders, and leaving a lasting impact on our communities.
CHAMBER IN ACTION
Here’s a look at what our Chamber & our member businesses have been up to this past month.
1. Suzanne Singh representing the Chamber at SMVRR/ OmniTrax ribbon cutting, celebrating operations by OmniTRAX at the Santa Maria Valley Railraod!
2. A few of our Chamber staff attended the Vandenberg Space Force Base block party, getting to know those on base and their families and familiarizing them with Santa Maria Valley’s local attractions.
3. Molly Alves, our Vice President of Operations & Membership, has completed her first year at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management, a premier leadership development program for chamber and association professionals across the country.
4. Monthly Ambassador Committee meeting. Chamber Ambassadors assist at Chamber functions and help promote the Chamber to prospective members and the community as a whole. A huge thank you to The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant & Cafe for hosting our June meeting!
5. The Chamber attended the Police Council’s annual golf tournament, teeing off for community, one swing at at time!
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 June 2025!
Corporate: Arrow Screw Products, Inc. (805) 928-2269 www.aspsmca.com
Premium: Embarc https://goembarc.com/
Member: Community Well California (805) 888-8113
https://communitywellca.com/
Knowing You Matter (805) 888-8100
https://www.knowingyoumatter.org/
Summit Roofing Services LLC (805) 598-4036
https://www.sumittroofingca.com/
The Financial House (805) 245-2427
https://www.the-financialhouse.com/
Join the Chamber today by contacting Membership Manager, Cara Martinez at (805) 925-2403 ext. 852 or email cara@santamaria.com.
CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESS: CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTINGS
These Chamber member businesses recently celebrated joining the Chamber or a major business milestone with a ribbon cutting. Join us in congratulating them!
Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara
1862 S. Broadway, Suite 203 Santa Maria CA (805) 687-6065 https://www.sbscholarship.org/
Orcutt Grocery Outlet
1620 E. Clark Ave. Santa Maria CA (916) 715-5105
El Toro Loco Supermarket
204 N. Blosser Santa Maria CA 93458 (820) 946-4323
WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM OUR MEMBERS!
How has being a Chamber member supported the growth of your business? Let us know by emailing romina@santamaria.com.
Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA)
526 Chapel St. Santa Maria CA (805) 925-8860 https://www.cadasb.org/
California Hot Dogs
1311 Nicholson Ave. Santa Maria CA (805) 998-0265
CHAMBER MEMBER TESTIMONIAL
“Joining the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce was a natural decision for CADA. As we continue to expand our services in Santa Maria, we wanted to connect more deeply with the local community and be part of a network that prioritizes collaboration, support, and shared growth. The Chamber has already provided meaningful opportunities for us to engage with local leaders, raise awareness about our mission, and strengthen our presence in Santa Maria. We are grateful to be part of a community that values connection and is invested in the well-being of its residents — something that aligns closely with the work we do every day. ”
- Luna Shalabi, Development Manager, Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
email romina@santamaria.com.
