CHAMBER CONNECTION
THE CHAMBER AT WORK: ENERGY EFFICIENCY WINS FOR SANTA MARIA - SAVING ENERGY AND MONEY
When you flip a switch at City Hall, visit the heated public pool for a summer dip, or see a fire station glowing at night, you probably don’t think about where that energy comes from, or what it costs for the City. But behind those everyday moments are decisions that affect not only our environment, but also our City budgets and, ultimately, the services we all rely on.
The City of Santa Maria recently received a $14,731 rebate from SoCalGas for purchasing energy-efficient pool covers for the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center. That one-time investment is projected to yield more than $48,000 in annual energy savings. Why? Pools without covers lose significant heat, especially overnight, forcing the system to work harder and use more energy to maintain water temperatures. Covering the pool prevents that heat loss and reduces energy use drastically. These kinds of simple, low-cost upgrades often deliver the
SANTA MARIA VALLEY CHAMBER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
CONTINUED - ENERGY EFFICIENCY 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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most impressive results. Through SoCalGas’s Direct Install program, over $3,900 worth of energy efficiency improvements were completed at no cost to the City of Santa Maria. These upgrades included pipe insulation, water heater blankets, aerators, low-flow faucets, and energy-efficient shower heads, all installed in key public facilities like fire stations and City Hall.
The result? The City of Santa Maria now saves an estimated 7,902 therms of energy annually. That translates to over $10,600 in yearly utility savings, totaling $53,335 over five years. That’s money that stays in the City’s general fund, available for reinvestment in public services, infrastructure, or programs that directly benefit residents.
These projects are part of the Public Sector Regional Energy Pathways Program, a regional initiative supported by SoCalGas that helps public agencies cut energy use and costs. The program connects cities, school districts, and special districts across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties with technical assistance, rebates, and upgrade opportunities.
Locally, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber plays a key role in facilitating those connections, serving as the regional ambassador for the program. By helping bridge the gap between utility providers and public agencies, the Chamber ensures more cities and districts can access these critical resources. Their involvement has helped extend the program’s reach beyond Santa Maria to cities like Grover Beach,
Goleta, and Guadalupe, as well as districts like Lucia Mar and Santa Maria-Bonita.
The program has no signs of slowing down, either. Beginning in October, its reach will expand to include Ventura County, providing even more opportunities for cities and districts to implement meaningful energy-saving strategies.
Energy efficiency isn’t just about being environmentally conscious, though that’s certainly a benefit. It’s also a smart, forward-thinking way to manage public funds. In a time when every dollar counts, cutting waste and reducing energy bills through simple upgrades is the kind of common-sense solution local governments need.
These aren’t massive overhauls or flashy green tech investments. They’re practical improvements with real returns financially, environmentally, and operationally. And they’re making a quiet but lasting impact, one therm at a time.
This is just one of the recent wins from our amazing Chamber team.
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: HOTEL AVANTI
In this month’s local business spotlight, owners Ketan and Vrinda Panchal of Hotel Avanti discuss the hotel’s recent rebranding, redesign and plans for the future. The gorgeous new location includes luxurious modern rooms designed for the whole family, while new plans for a rooftop bar and further development are in the works.
time for summer and travel season.
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: Co-owners Ketan and Vrinda Panchal of Hotel Avanti discussing the renovations made to their hotel just in
The Leadership Santa Maria Valley (LSMV) team gathered in May for an insightful day dedicated to the theme of “Art and Recreation.” The event started at the Santa Barbara Foundation - North County Boardroom, with breakfast and an inspiring personal story shared by Angie Oslund, setting the tone for a day filled with learning and community engagement.
Following breakfast, the LSMV group made its way to the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts (PCPA), where they were welcomed by Mark Booher, Artistic Director and Dean of PCPA. Mr. Booher led a fascinating tour of the facility, offering historical insights into PCPA, which has been a staple of professional theater since its founding in 1964. As one of the few conservatories located outside major metropolitan areas, PCPA provides the Santa Maria Valley with access to world-class live performances and toptier theater education. The institution remains committed to serving audiences, cultivating future patrons, and training the next generation of theater professionals.
The team continued its exploration
LEADERSHIP SANTA MARIA VALLEY ART AND RECREATION
of the arts with a short walk to the Allan Hancock College Fine Arts Department, where they met Director John Hood. Mr. Hood guided the group through the department’s impressive new 88,000-square-foot, two-story fine arts complex. Highlighting a diverse array of programs—including painting, sculpture, dance, theatre, film, multimedia, and music, he underscored the department’s role as a central hub for creative exploration along the Central Coast. The facility provides students with the resources to complete general education requirements while preparing for specialized study in their chosen artistic disciplines.
The next stop on the agenda was Minami Park Community Center, where the group engaged in a compelling leadership discussion led by Dr. Monique Diaz, VP and Regional Chief Medical Information Officer for Common Spirit Health. Dr. Diaz emphasized the importance of selfconfidence, illustrating how individuals can harness confidence to advance in both professional and personal arenas.
After enjoying a picnic-style lunch and an inspiring life story shared by Arnold Vazquez, the team received an informative presentation from Dennis
Smitherman and Angie Oslund of the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. The department manages over 233 acres of developed parkland, encompassing 31 neighborhood and community parks, and offers a broad spectrum of programs, including aquatics, youth and adult sports, Special Olympics, and community events. Additionally, they spearhead public art initiatives across Santa Maria, such as the recent Battles Road walking path project, which has enriched the city’s landscape with creative installations.
The day concluded with a game of pickleball at the James Hagerman Sports Complex, where participants swapping business attire for gym clothes. The fast-paced and energetic matches served as a fitting finale to a day dedicated to celebrating the intersection of art, leadership, and recreation.
Through engaging discussions, hands-on experiences, and active participation, LSMV gained valuable insights into the essential role that art and recreation play in shaping vibrant communities. The event reinforced the significance of fostering creativity, leadership, and collaboration—an enduring mission for the Leadership Santa Maria Valley program.
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 Chamber staff had a fun group outing at the Pismo Lanes bowling alley! Best team inside and outside the office.
2. Leadership Santa Maria Valley held their annual alumni meeting at Naughty Oak Brewing Co. to reconnect, enjoy good food and discuss plans for the upcoming year.
3. The annual West Coast Kustoms car show took place in May, showcasing tons of amazing classic cars. Vroom vroom!
4. Our May monthly mixer was hosted by Partners in Education and featured lots of amazing high school students looking to grow their work experience and education. Workforce development is strong in our Santa Maria community!
5. A few of our staff headed to the San Luis Obispo EXPO to represent Santa Maria Valley attractions, wineries, restaurants and more. We love our Central Coast family!
6. NextGen CEO is an eight-week program designed at a sixth-grade level to teach kids the fundamentals of starting their own businesses. This year, we partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast to have an amazing 18 students open their own businesses and graduate from the program.
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 May 2025!
Investor: EquipmentShare (820) 225-8299 www.equipmentshare.com
Premium: Regal Edwards Santa Maria & RPX (805) 922-3523 https://www.regmovies.com/theatres/ regal-edwards-santa-maria-rpx-1681
Member: Efren’s (101 N. Broadway, Santa Maria) (805) 710-1677
Efren’s Mexican Restaurant (1625 S. Blosser Rd., Santa Maria) (805) 868-9321
https://amsolarco.com
Dottie’s Sweet Destinations (805) 607-9495
Join the Chamber today by contacting Membership Manager, Cara Martinez at (805) 925-2403 ext. 852 or email cara@santamaria.com.
QUARTERLY FEATURED BUSINESSES
Each quarter the Chamber in partnership with the City of Santa Maria recognizes two deserving businesses through the “Quarterly Featured Business Program.” We are excited to announce this quarter’s recipients!
STRAW HAT PIZZA
Straw Hat Pizza was recognized at City Council as a featured business of the quarter for Q2, 2025.
DUDLEY-HOFFMAN MEMORY GARDENS
Dudley-Hoffman Memory Gardens was recognized at City Council as a featured business of the quarter for Q2, 2025.
CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF THESE MEMBERS!
If you know a business in the City of Santa Maria who deserves recognition, email patricia@santamaria.com to nominate them for this program.
CALIFORNIA PAID FAMILY LEAVE GRANT - GET GRANTS OF UP TO $2,000 PER EMPLOYEE OUT ON PAID FAMILY LEAVE
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.
www.santamaria.com (805) 925-2403 Chamber Connection is the official monthly publication of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. For questions about this publication, email romina@santamaria.com. Stay in the loop on upcoming events and other community announcements with Chamber text alerts! Text CHAMBER to 33222 to sign up.
