Working Hard on Your Behalf: Chamber Month in Review

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is here for business. We are a catalyst for business growth, convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger Santa Maria Valley. We continue to work hard to serve our members, local businesses and the Santa Maria Valley community. Here’s a glimpse at what we’ve been up to lately.

Catalyst for Business Growth

• The Chamber partnered with the city in recognizing their January Featured Businesses, Cugini's Pizzeria & Trattoria and The Okonite Company. Additional information can be found on p. 2.

• The Chamber partnered with the Santa Maria Times on their local business spotlight series. For January, Oasis Senior Center talked about the vistal services the nonprofit provides the local community and plans for expansion. The full video can be found at http://santamaria.com/local-business-spotlight.

• The Chamber and Visitors Bureau kicked off the Dine Out Santa Maria Style & Craft Cocktail campaign, encouraging the community to support local restaurants offering $20.22 specials. Additional information available at https://santamariavalley. com/2022-dine-out-santa-maria-style-craft-cocktail-contest.

• The Economic Development Commission assisted two businesses with business licenses and two businesses with setting up their business

Convener of Leaders and Influencers

• The Chamber continues to hold their weekly “Build Your Business” breakfast meetings, an opportunity for local businesses to network and provide leads and testimonials.

• The Economic Development Commission worked with AT Still with assistance with various student needs.

• The Chamber convened Hispanic business leaders for an insightful and engaging conversation around how the Chamber’s organization can best meet the needs of all businesses in the Santa Maria Valley community.

• Due to the rise in COVID cases, the Chamber postponed their 2022 Business Expo to March 3rd.

Champion for a Stronger Santa Maria Valley

• The Visitors Bureau hosted three journalists, who provided positive PR about the Santa Maria Valley.

• The Chamber released their Winter Quarterly Digital Magazine, which included the 2022 Visitor Guide as an insert. You can read this latest issue at http://santamaria. com/quarterly-digital-magazine.

• The Visitors Bureau launched a new and improved tourism site, which can be viewed at https://santamariavalley.com.

• The Visitors Bureau launched a new PR campaign. The “Spice Campaign” showcases why Santa Maria is a great play to stay when visiting the Central Coast.

• The Economic Development Commission continues to assist with Skyway Collective project, bringing new businesses to Santa Maria.

• Winners were announced for the Chamber’s support local & win big campaign, which gave away $3,000 in cash prizes to individuals who supported local businesses during the holiday shopping season.

• Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2022 finished the program and celebrated with a graduation ceremony.