Catalyst. Convener. Champion.
Chamber Connection
SA NTA M A RIA VA LLE Y CH A MB E R MO NTHLY NE WS LE T TE R | FE B RUARY 202 2
Local Non-Profits Play Critical Role as Economic Driver in the Santa Maria Valley Santa Maria is fortunate to be home to numerous non-profits. From serving the disadvantaged to providing resources for small businesses, there are countless ways these organizations give back to those in need. While many see the value non-profits give to the populations they serve directly, our non-profits also have a direct impact on the local business community and, by extension, the economic health of the Santa Maria Valley community. We spoke with a few local organizations about how the important work they do is strengthening our local economy. Santa Barbara Foundation connects small businesses with financial support The Santa Barbara Foundation’s (SBF) mission is to mobilize collective wisdom and philanthropic capital to build empathetic, inclusive and resilient communities. Nearly every Santa Barbara County nonprofit organization and essential community project has been supported by the Foundation during its almost 93-year history. “During the ongoing pandemic we have seen the increased need to be connected,” explained Petra Gomez, Program Manager for the Santa Barbara Foundation. “As your community foundation we have worked tirelessly to convene funders, government agencies, non-profits, businesses, and others to connect resources. Most recently we have launched our COVID Impact Report that shares our work since the pandemic reached
SEEAG's Farm Day event draws thousands of visitors to the Santa Maria Valley to learn more about the local agriculture industry. Santa Barbara County in March 2020. Some highlights include $4.1 million through our non-profit COVID-19 Response Grant program and $1.5 million in support for small businesses – and we are still working to provide additional support.” Additionally, the Santa Barbara Foundation continues to tackle community needs in the areas of childcare and workforce development through their funding, capacity building and partnerships. ““As your community foundation, we use our resources to match donors to giving opportunities with the overall goal to make a positive and lasting impact across Santa Barbara County,” Petra said. SEEAG connects youth to Santa Maria’s
largest industry SEEAG’s (Students for ECO-Education & Agriculture) mission is to educate students and the greater community about the farm origins of our food and agriculture’s contribution to our nutritional well-being. “SEEAG's students, young and old, are put on a new trajectory to appreciate local farmers and ranchers, farm workers and the farmland that provides us all with sustenance,” explained Mary Maranville, CEO and Founder of SEEAG. “We believe there is nothing more important than feeding your family and SEEAG’s programs cultivate the next generation of new agricultural ambassadors and stewards of farmland who will help support and
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WHAT ' S INSIDE : FE BRUARY 2022 ISSUE
Monthly Featured Businesses p.2
eCommerce as an SEO Strategy p. 6
Ribbon Cuttings p. 7
