Continued - Non-Profits as Economic Driver in the Santa Maria Valley Continued from p.1 preserve local farms and ranches, the largest economic driver in Santa Maria Valley.” In addition to workforce development opportunities for local youth, SEEAG hosts and annual Farm Day event which attracts 5,000+ visitors to the Santa Maria Valley to learn more about the booming agriculture industry in our community. Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley addresses youth needs to build strong future leaders Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley’s mission is to partner with all members of the community to achieve resilience against substance use, reductions in violence and promote a healthy and safe environment for our youth and families. “Today more than ever we can see what happens to the economy if we do not have
a healthy work force,” explained Edwin Weaver, Executive Director for Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley (FBSMV). “To get a stable, healthy, equipped work force we must invest in the children and youth of our community. They need to live a life free from drugs, alcohol abuse, violence and the stress of homelessness. In order to do this and focus on their education they need our support. As their parents head out to their jobs, they need to know that their children are safe and are given the opportunity that this great community can offer them.” Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley provides help along the way for those children and their families that are struggling to make it by filling in the gap when other services are not able to assist, and help prevent young people from getting derailed and losing their way. In 2021 FBSMV was able to successfully
house over 57 18-24 homeless adults through their street outreach program. Their 35 full -time employees are all Santa Maria Valley residents, where they shop, pay taxes and raise their families contributing to the prosperity of our community. From connecting businesses to financial resources to building a strong future workforce, the work of our local non-profits serves the local community well beyond the scope of their organizations’ work, strengthening the local economy for years to come. The above examples are just a small sample of the great work the non-profit community is doing in the Santa Maria Valley. If you are looking for ways to get involved in helping build a stronger Santa Maria Valley, visit santamaria.com/list/ for a more extensive list of local non-profits.
Chamber & City Celebrate Local Business with Monthly Featured Business Program The City of Santa Maria and Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce are partnering to highlight different businesses in the City of Santa Maria through their Santa Maria Featured Businesses program. This program gives recognition to businesses who have been in the community for a significant amount of time, and/or providing unique or significant contributions to our community. Not only does this give valuable exposure to these local businesses, it also reminds our community of the unique, diverse and longstanding businesses we are fortunate to have in Santa Maria. The focus for 12 months, beginning in December 2021 is on major manufacturers and women-owned businesses in the City. Each month, one business from each of these two categories will be recognized during the City Council meeting and publicized by the City and the Chamber. January 2022 Featured Businesses • Women-Owned Business: Cugini’s Pizzeria & Trattoria (Louise Pippin) • Manufacturing Business: The Okonite Company Cugini’s Pizzeria & Trattoria is an Italian restaurant that began in 1999 in San Luis Obispo and moved to Santa Maria. Cugini’s 2
uses social media, delivery companies, and catering to keep its business thriving. The nine-employee company is recognized for its commitment to the community and its excellent customer service. Operating in Santa Maria for 53 years, the Okonite Company is an independent manufacturer of high-quality power and control cables, serving major utilities and industrial customers throughout the country. It employs 200 people locally at its now 565,106-square-foot Santa Maria plant and offers an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The company last year spent more than $2 million supporting local businesses, annually donates to local charities. Businesses for the monthly featured business program are chosen by the Chamber of Commerce. To nominate a business or ask about the program, contact Molly Schiff at the Chamber via email at molly@santamaria.com or by phone at (805) 925-2403 extension 816. Additional information on the selected featured businesses can be found at www. s a nt a m a r i a . c o m /m o nt h l y-fe a t u r e d business.
Louise Pippin of Cugini's Pizzeria & Trattoria was recognized as the featured women-owned business for January 2022. She is joined by Glenn Morris, President/ CEO for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber (left) and Carlos Escobedo, City Council Member for the City of Santa Maria (right).
