Catalyst. Convener. Champion.
Chamber Connection SANTA M ARIA VALLE Y CHA MB E R MONTHLY NE WSLE T TE R | J ULY 2020
Local Organizations Help Businesses Navigate Reopening and Recovery From financial struggles to understanding when and how they can safely reopen, local businesses have experienced a number of hurdles during the COVID-19 pandemic. As an organization that serves the business community, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce recognizes the challenges local businesses face during this time, and have partnered with a number of local organizations to help our businesses navigate the road to reopening and recovery. “The Chamber has always been a strong supporter of our business community, and we know how important it is for us to show up for our local businesses at a time when they need us most,” said Glenn Morris, President and CEO for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. “With so many great organizations out there devoted to strengthening our local economy, we know that in most cases, the solutions businesses are looking for can be found through working with these organizations.” Morris says a large part of the Chamber’s role in the reopening and recovery process has been reaching out to local businesses, understanding their struggles and concerns, and connecting them with local organizations and resources who can fit their needs. “In many cases, the resources businesses are looking for can be found through the Chamber or one of the other business-
Many local business-serving organizations offer free resources for businesses, including online webinars, mentoring, assistance with finding available funding and more. serving organizations we partner with,” Morris explained. “Many businesses are surprised to learn about the number of local services and resources we have available to help businesses recover, succeed and grow.” SCORE San Luis Obispo Provides Free Workshops & Mentoring for Small Businesses SCORE San Luis Obispo serves San Luis Obispo county and Northern Santa Barbara County. “At SCORE, our primary goal is to
help the formation, growth, and success of small businesses in San Luis Obispo County and the Santa Maria Valley, explained SCORE San Luis Obispo Chapter Chair Horace Morana. “We do that by providing free mentoring and free workshops.” Horace said that he has seen firsthand how the business shutdowns caused by COVID-19 have caused enormous financial hardships on small businesses. “The greatest need we have seen for our small businesses Continued on p.2
WHAT’S INSIDE: JULY 2020 EDITION
Chamber Welcomes New Board p. 3
Local Businesses Safely Reopen p. 6
Protect & Respect Campagin p. 8
