Chamber ConnectionSANTA M ARIA VALLE Y CHA MBER MONTHLY NEWSLE T TER | APRIL 2019

Local Events Celebrate Women in the Santa Maria Valley

While March 8th may have marked International Women’s Day, the Santa Maria Valley community spent the past month celebrating strong female leaders with a number of community events.

Central Coast Women in Business Expo Highlights Women-owned Businesses

The Central Coast Women in Business Expo was held to help promote and showcase the women-owned and operated businesses in Santa Maria.

The event was put on by the Central Coast Women in Business group, a project of the Santa Maria Business Development Center. The Expo took place February 22nd at the Santa Maria Town Center Mall. Over 46 businesses participated with informational booths showcasing their products and services.

The Women in Business group saw a number of community members come through the event. They hope the community comes away with a better understanding of just how many women-run businesses we

WHAT’S INSIDE: APRIL 2019 ISSUE

have in Santa Maria, and that other women thinking of starting their own businesses are inspired to do so.

Santa Maria Women’s Network hosts annual “Women of Excellence” Awards

The Santa Maria Women’s Network highlighted two local women going above and beyond in the community at their 29th annual Women of Excellence event. The event honors women who impact our community by exhibiting creativity,

Visitors Bureau Supports Local Eventsp. 3

Chamber Membership Cornerp. 4

Legacy Trail Groundbreakingp. 7

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A number of local organizations held events this past month gathering, recognizing and promoting women in the Santa Maria Valley.

Continued: Women’s Month events

courage, generosity, and support of women above self.

This year’s recipients of the awards were Kathleen Sullivan and April Sargeant.

Kathleen Sullivan is a longtime senior leader for Marian Regional Medical Center, pioneering their tele-monitoring innovation and leading multiple areas that impact our community.

April Sargeant assumed her fathers business in a predominantly male dominated industry, and founded a neueroboxing program to aid community residents with Parkinson’s.

Both women were recognized at the dinner event held March 7th at the Santa Maria Country Club.

“It is important to recognize women in the community because it is a huge inspiration to other women who may not believe they can achieve success,” said Susie Diane, President of the Santa Maria Valley Women’s Network. “Celebrating another

woman that has achieved success opens up a world of possibilities.”

Diane said she appreciates the women’s network group because it is great way for women to network and support one another.

“Many women need to see other women succeeding in business so they believe that they also could have their own business, when they otherwise might have doubts about that being possible.”

This year’s recipients of the Women of Excellence award are perfect examples of the success women have achieved in business in the Santa Maria Valley community.

Touchstone “Leading with Love” Conference Connects & Inspires

The local community group Touchstone believes Amazing outcomes in work and life are recognized when women function from a place of positive support, listening without judging, encouraging efforts and

nurturing dreams in one another. It was with this in mind that they held their inaugural “Leading with Love” event, a day long conference dedicated to inspiring and supporting women.

Over 240 women attended the conference, where they heard from a variety of speakers and had opportunities for open dialogue and networking with one another.

Touchstone says feedback the receive from their inaugural event will help them determine the direction and future plans for the organization.

“We think it’s important to celebrate people, but celebrating women is a reminder of how far we have come and how much more work there is to do,” explained Emily Smith and Diane Adam, organizers of the Leading with Love conference. “If we can get our hearts and head wrapped around the idea of honest, respectful communication and a more loving approach to work and life a lot more can be accomplished.”

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Going Green is Good for the Environment and Good for BusinessYour business can save money and help the environment by becoming a Certified Green Business!The Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County helps businesses in the cities of Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Buellton,

Solvang, Santa Maria, and Guadalupe, as well as the unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County to operate in an environmentally responsible manner and recognizes them for their efforts. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to be one of the many local businesses in Santa Maria who have become Green Certified.

“Businesses thrive when they maximize the impact of every resource available to them. Reducing waste by implementing the practices embedded in the Green Business Program helps achieve that objective “ says Glenn Morris, President and CEO of the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce.

“The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is focused on helping our local businesses succeed,” Morris explained. “When we find a resource or best practice that can help our businesses control costs, expand sales, or create an environment in which their people can thrive, we make sure to share it with them. We see becoming a Certified Green Business as one of those advantages.”

Learn more about how your business can become Green Business Certified by visiting www.greenbizsbc.org.

When Customers see that you are GREEN certified, they know you’re more than just

a business. You are a solution to a real environmental challenge. That translates

into dollars and a good sense.

Conserving energy, water and resources is great for the environment. The California

Green Business Network will show you how. You know what else its great for? Your

bottom line.

Businesses enroll in the Green Business Program for many different reasons. Some

come for th rebates, some do it because it’s the right thing to do. All businesses

stay for the networking and the sense of community. As we build a greener, more

vibrant economy, communities thrive.

Great for the Environment Great for CommunitiesGreen Business is Smart Business

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Santa Maria Valley Visitors Bureau Supports Local EventsEvent promotion is a top priority for

the Visitors Bureau as these programs bring visitors – often overnight - year-round. Our mild climate and selection of venues make Santa Maria a strong host city. Whether it is a car show, the Central Coast Airfest, SB County Fair, or the Rodeo, Santa Maria is host to a wide range and large number of events each year.

We appreciate the many organizations who sponsor and produce these events for supporting tourism in our city. We encourage locals to support these efforts through attendance or helping to spread the word. A monthly calendar is available from the Visitors Bureau for just this purpose.

Special Projects Grant ProgramRather than trying to organize a year’s

worth of events ourselves, the Visitors Bureau supports local organizations by providing marketing grants for events held in the Santa Maria Valley through the Special Projects Grant program. The first half of the fiscal year the Visitors Bureau allocated more than $35,000 in Special Project Grant investments.

Recipients included:

• Boys & Girls Club: 2018 Tour & Taste of the Valley

• COAST the Feature Film, LLC: COAST

• Cruzin’ for Life Organization: Cruzin’ for Life

• Dunes Center: Archaeology Study & FAM

• Foxen Canyon Wine Trail: Christmas on the Trail

• Kiwanis: Beerfest • Kiwanis: Cornhole Tournament • Old Orcutt Merchants Assoc.: 2018

OCAF Chalk Festival • Santa Maria Open Streets • Santa Maria Fairpark: Santa Barbara

County Fair • Santa Maria Public Airport: Central

Coast Airfest 2018 • Santa Maria Taekwondo: 2018 Santa

Maria Open• Vintners Association: Santa Barbara

County Vintners Festival• West Coast Kustoms: Cruisin’

Nationals In order to be awarded a grant,

applicants need to agree to use the funding to expand their advertising/ marketing in areas outside of Santa Maria. Events must be held in Santa Maria or Orcutt and priority is given to those scheduled during our “slow season,” e.g. September through May.

In order to extend the impact of the dollars we have available to support events, the Visitors Bureau has created a new Social Media/Digital Marketing Grant program which partners with event organizers and their media teams to significantly enhance their social media presence and marketing.

The Santa Maria Valley Visitors Bureau Special Projects Grant Program allows the organization to support local community events, like last year’s Santa Maria Beerfest put on by the local Kiwanis club.

While the investment in these grants is not large, the potential impact in registrations and community awareness is significant. We look forward to working with a number of organizations to test this program in 2019.

Spring in the Santa Maria Valley means the kick off to some of our favorite happenings! Whether it is yoga, festivals, the rodeo, wine tasting, hiking, painting or car shows you are sure to find the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy our beautiful community!

Stay Connected with the Santa Maria Valley Visitors Bureau!

Wine TrolleyThe Santa Maria Valley Wine Trolley is scheduled to resume service beginning Mother’s Day Weekend. Stay tuned for details!

#SantaMariaStyleVisit santamariavalley.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay current on all that is happening in and around the Santa Maria Valley.

3Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | April 2019

New Members: February 15, 2019 - March 15, 2019

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome these new members joining the Chamber. We appreciate their vote of confidence in our ability to add value to their business and to create a strong local economy together.

Rodan + Fields - Executive Consultant Laura SinghSanta Maria(805) 345-1527www.lsingh.myrandf.com

Shred-it6100 Condor Drive, Ste. B, Moorpark(805) 206-5216www.shredit.com

California Highway Patrol1710 N. Carlotti Drive, Santa Maria(805) 349-8728www.chpsantamaria.com

Eds Coffee Plus731 S. Lincoln St., Santa Maria(408) 569-3945www.elevacity.com/edscoffeeplus

Abilities For Kids, Inc.522 E. Main Street, Santa Maria(805) 925-1107www.abilitiesforkids.org

Armando’s Autobody & Paint Inc.315 Dal Porto Lane, Unit C, Santa Maria(805) 354-0436www.armandosautobody.com

Premier HOA Management, Inc.731 S. Lincoln St., Santa Maria(805) 310-4550

Chamber Membership Corner

Ribbon Cuttings: February 15 - March 15

Chick-fil-A (1 Year Anniversary)605 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau, and Economic Development Commission are led by a unified Board of Directors, made up of senior executives from member companies and partner organizations. The Board provides strategic and policy guidance to ensure the Chamber’s program of work serves the best interest of our members and the Santa Maria Valley community. Board members serve a three year term on the Santa Maria Valley Chamber the Board of Directors.

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is asking membership to submit names of individuals who should be considered to join the Board of Directors for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. All recommended individuals must be part of a Chamber Member business in good standing.

Recommendations will be accepted through April 15th, 2019. Please send all recommendations to Glenn Morris, President/CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber, at glenn@santamaria.com with the subject line “Board of Director Recommendation”.

805 Juice Bar & Bistro600 S McClelland St., Santa Maria

Santa Maria Wisdom Center2255 S. Depot Street, Santa Maria

Mariscos Ensenada Seafood1127 W. Main Street, Suite C, Santa Maria

Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County124 West Carmen Lane, Suite C, Santa Maria

Now Accepting Nominations for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber Board of Directors

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The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to recognize these partners who strive each day to create jobs, boost our local economy and build a community of which we can all be proud. Thank you for your continued membership with the Chamber.

39 yearsAmerican Cancer SocietySanta Maria Country Club

27 yearsAmerican Red CrossApio, Inc.KSBYTarget Stores, Inc.Tri W Enterprises, Inc.

26 yearsFidelity National Title InsuranceAllan Hancock College

24 yearsCrystal Springs Water CoAmerican Medical Response, Inc.Cottonwood Canyon WinerySigns Of Success, Inc.

23 yearsKlondike Pizza

22 yearsHitching Post Of CasmaliaMcKibben Enterprises

21 yearsSanta Barbara Taxpayers Assoc.

20 yearsWalMart #2507

19 yearsApex Auto Glass and Tinting

18 yearsCommunity Bank of Santa Maria

17 years5 Star Business ServicesStreator Pipe & Supply

16 yearsFletcher-Cross & Assoc.United Staffing Associates

15 yearsAir Pollution Control DistrictSanta Maria Valley Humane Society, Inc.Mooncatcher Communications

14 yearsCentral Coast Remedial Resources, IncPathPointLeona DoidgeAmerican GI Forum

Renewing Members: March 2019

13 yearsGlenn Martin CompanyValley Awards

12 yearsSubwayKiwanis Club of Santa Maria Valley

15 yearsTyler Wilson DDSValley Yellow Pages

11 yearsPacific Coast SmilesSanta Maria Breakfast Rotary Club

10 yearsSanta Maria PeriodonticsSemplice

9 yearsStaples & AssociatesClark Center Association

7 yearsNipomo Swapmeet & Mini Storage

6 yearsSanta Maria Valley Railroad

5 yearsMoxie Cafe

4 yearscnagy winesMs. Cardel Planner & Event Design

3 yearsO’Connor Pest ControlBien Nacido & Solomon Hills EstatesState of CA-Employment Development Dept.J. Wilkes WinesDunn-Edwards Paints2 yearsPets HospitalHarvest Community Center Inc.Alliance for Pharmaceutical Access, Inc

1 year Pawtree - Independent PetproRural Planning ServicesRockin Body Care SpaMariachi Alma de Jalisco de Serafin MendozaPhoto Cell Service.

Chamber Board of Directors:2018-2019

Executive CommitteeChairman: Ray Arensdorf, Arensdorf Chiropractic Chairman-Elect: Jean-Luc Garon, Radisson Hotel Santa MariaVice Chairman: Janet Silveria, Community Bank of Santa MariaVice Chairman: Kevin Walthers, Allan Hancock CollegePast Chairman: Cameron Stephens, SM Tire

Board MembersMark Allen, Marian Regional Medical CenterEd Carcarey, Mega 97.1Ron Cossa, Tolman & Wiker InsuranceEdgar Gascon, Hacienda RealtyDavid LeRoy, Toyota of Santa MariaButch Lopez, V Lopez Jr. & Sons General Engineering ContractorsEddie Murray, Murray Group-Morgan StanleyEra Polly, Era Polly Real EstateHugh Rafferty, Coast Hills Credit UnionCynthia Schur, Santa Maria TimesMichelle Shipman, Searchlight PropertiesLaurie Tamura, Urban Planning ConceptsTim Williams, Digital WestTim Woodbury, Woody’s Butcher Block

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger Santa Maria Valley.

Learn more about the Chamber by visiting www.santamaria.com.

5Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | April 2019

Santa Maria Pride Trickles Down from the Top

“No one loves Santa Maria more than me!” is often a sentiment heard at chamber events or community gatherings. The Leadership Santa Maria Valley class had the unique opportunity to really see that Santa Maria Pride during their government topic day on March 1st.

The day began with Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino. “It was the first opportunity I’ve had to hear her speak, as a woman in leadership I was inspired by her attitude and perseverance! She would always ask herself, what’s the worst that can happen? And then just go for it. I can relate to that!” commented Kira Farrell, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for CASA of Santa Barbara County. The class also toured City Hall and learned about its rich history in the community.

From learning about Santa Maria’s past, the class transitioned to looking at what’s in store for the future of Santa Maria heard from the Planning Commission about the new downtown streetscape plan. The class then participated in the focus group research the commission conducted before drawing up the plans. How much landscaping should you add? Do you want it on the side walk or in the center divider? Should you have parallel parking or angled parking? There are so many factors that go into city planning, and Neda Zayer, the City of Santa Maria’s Principle Downtown Project Manager took all those factors into consideration. Community members can view the results of the surveys and renderings at www.cityofsantamaria.org/downtown

When talking about passion and pride for Santa Maria, one of the last places you might think of is the Santa Maria Landfill, but you couldn’t be more wrong! While the Leadership class was on the tour, the landfill team was joyful to share their daily practices, how our Santa Maria landfill is strategically set up, and the state-of-the-art tools and machinery they operate. But the highlight was seeing the hawk ward off all the other birds, circling the site and flying right past members of the class.

The class also got to hear about government operates at the county level during a discussion with Santa Barbara

County 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino and 4th District supervisor Chief of Staff Bob Nelson. While 4th and 5th district agendas are not always in agreement, we saw in action how the supervisors and staffs can be cordial and find common ground to work together. They discussed many of the large issues facing Santa Barbara County, including the management of the oil industry, the cannabis industry, and the deferred maintenance issues. We also discussed the uniqueness of County Board of Supervisors in relation to other political positions within state and federal government.

The Government Topic Day ended with

Robert Farrell, retired Assistant Chief of California’s Fish and Wildlife Department. He gave some insights to the job of a Game Warden, and told a few stories about his time with the department setting up elaborate checkpoints.

Hearing from so many Santa Maria community leaders, the Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2019 walked away with a better understanding of our city’s rich history, and exciting future. From the city departments all the way up to county government, the class saw a consistent sense of pride and passion for the jobs our local leaders have to help to make a positive impact on our city.

Leadership Santa Maria Valley learns about local government during March Topic Day

Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class members give feedback on the new Santa Maria downtown streetscape plan during their government topic day.

Now Accepting Applications for Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2020!

Leadership Santa Maria Valley is an 11 month program designed to foster and create future community leaders. The program allows participants to increase their understanding of local issues, challenges and solutions while expanding their personal and professional networks and refining their leadership skills.To learn more & apply for the program, visit santamaria.com/leadership-santa-maria-valley or contact Program Coordinator Terri Oneshuck at (805) 925-2403 x 824 or email terrio@santamaria.com.

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Executive Level

Director Level

Investor Level

Legacy Community Trail Groundbreaking Shows Community a Glimpse of Unique Open Space

Thank You Sponsors

American General MediaBeach Betty Creative/On the 101Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Maria ValleyCentral Coast KindCentral Coast Mechanical ServicesCertified Freight LogisticsComcastCommunity Bank of Santa MariaCostcoDiani CompaniesExpress Employment ProfessionalsGolden State Water CompanyJ. Wilkes WinesLuttrell Staffing GroupMilt Guggia EnterprisesLineage LogisticsMega 97.1/La BuenaNeuroboxing Santa MariaO’Connor Pest ControlOn the 101/ Beach Betty CreativePacific Coast Business TimesPlains All American Pipeline, L.P.RabobankRockin’ Jump - The Ultimate Trampoline ParkSanta Maria Joint Union High School DistrictSESLOC Federal Credit UnionSmith’s Alarms & Electronics, Inc.SM TireSound on Sound/WilWooDuoSunOptaTachi Palace Hotel & CasinoTesta CateringThe Towbes Group, Inc.Urban Planning Concepts/ Rural Planning ServicesVTC EnterprisesWalmart Neighborhood MarketsWave BusinessWells Fargo Bank

Chairman Level

Ceremonially breaking ground at what will become Legacy Community Trail, the Leadership Santa Maria Valley (LSMV) Class of 2019 gave the public a glimpse Saturday of a unique open space in a neighborhood looking to stretch its legs.

Located on Carmen Lane between Blosser and the train tracks, Legacy Community Trail is a 4.6-acre parcel that the Leadership Class is developing for its Legacy Project. After LSMV funds the planning, develops the foundation and infrastructure and installs 1,300 linear feet of finished walking path, the open space will be maintained by the City of Santa Maria for continued development.

Plans include native landscaping, a demonstration fruit orchard and a community garden where residents can reserve space to grow their own plants and

vegetables. It’s ideal for an area where quite a bit of high-density residential development has gone up in recent years.

“There’s space for dog-walking, picnicking, growing your own little garden,” said Class of 2019 spokesperson Joshua D. Scroggin. “And if any of those amenities or the idea of installing art in a park-like setting is something that excites you, we really need you to get involved, donate and help us build the momentum for what really could be a one-of-a-kind open area in our community.”

The leadership class is continuing to fundraise as well as seek in-kind donations. For more information on the project and how you can donate or become a sponsor, please visit https://santamaria.com/leadership-2019-legacy-project.

Members of the 2019 Class of Leadership Santa Maria Valley pose Saturday, March 16, at the groundbreaking of Legacy Community Trail in Santa Maria. The trail is a public open space the class is developing in partnership with the City of Santa Maria to provide a community garden and much more.

7Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | April 2019

614 S. BroadwaySanta Maria, CA 93454

Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria | (805) 925-2403 | santamaria.com | info@santamaria.com

Visit: 614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria

Call: (805) 925-2403

Email: info@santamaria.com

Website: santamaria.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SMVCC

Twitter: twitter.com/SMVCC

Instagram: santamariachamberofcommerce

Email List: bit.ly/SMVCCMailingList

Text Message Alerts: Text "CHAMBER" to 33222

Stay Connected with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber

Chamber Connection is the official monthly publication of the Santa Maria

Valley Chamber of Commerce. For questions about this publication or to be

added to our monthly mailing distribution list, email molly@santamaria.com.

Upcoming EventsEvery Friday: Build Your Business Breakfast8:00am - 9:00am, Denny’s Restaurant Santa Maria

April 3rd: Annual Strawberry Industry Recognition Dinner6:00pm - 9:00pm, Santa Maria Fairpark

April 18th: Chamber Mixer at Community West Bank5:00pm - 7:00pm, 122 E Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria

April 25th: Santa Maria Connect Young ProfessionalsGrow Your Professional Network with LinkedIn5:30pm - 7:00pm, Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winers

May 8th: Business & Education Partnerships Luncheon11:30am - 1:00pm, Santa Maria Fairpark

May 16th: Chamber Mixer with Santa Maria Noontime Kiwanis5:00pm - 7:00pm, 600 W. Enos Drive, Santa Maria

For a full list of Chamber events, details and registration, visit www.santamaria.com/events.

Join 850+ local businesses and organizations...become a member of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce!

With over 850 local business members, joining the Chamber is the perfect way to get your business noticed and make valuable connections in the community.To learn more about membership, contact Membership Manager Cara Martinez at (805) 925-2403 x 852 or cara@santamaria.com.

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