News

Businesses of the Quarter

The City of Santa Maria and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce are partnering to highlight different businesses in the City through a Businesses of the Quarter Program. On four occasions this calendar year, this program will recognize local businesses chosen by the Chamber. The criteria are: approximately 20 employees; in operation for at least five years; physically located within the City limits; and being a local Chamber of Commerce member in good standing. Not only does this give them valuable

The Golden Shamrock Event to Support OASIS

Santa Maria Valley Chamber Announces Suzanne Singh as Vice President of Economic Development & Government Affairs

[SANTA MARIA, CA. February 20, 2025] –  The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is proud to announce the promotion of Suzanne Singh to Vice President of Economic Development & Government Affairs. With over eight years of leadership at the Chamber and 15+ years of experience in economic and community development, Singh has been instrumental in driving business expansion, infrastructure improvements, and regional growth initiatives. Throughout her tenure, Singh has successfully led major development projects that

City Budget Document Recognized for Excellence

The City of Santa Maria has again earned two top national awards in government budgeting.The honors signify that its 2024-26 Budget document meets the highest standards for quality and transparency, and clearly communicates the City’s financial story and operations.For the 14th consecutive time, the City’s budget earned both the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA); and the Operating Budget Excellence Award from the

Santa Barbara Humane February Newsletter

Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Volunteer Services Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2025

SOLVANG—February 13, 2025— Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital (SYVCH) Volunteer Services is now  accepting applications for the 2025 SYVCH Volunteer Services Scholarship. This scholarship program provides  financial support to Santa Ynez Valley residents pursuing careers in healthcare and medicine, offering  scholarships of up to $3,000 each.  Funded through the efforts of the SYVCH Volunteer Services’ New to You thrift shop, this annual scholarship is  open to local high school seniors and continuing

Public Review of the General Plan Update Draft Policy Frameworks

The Draft General Plan Policy Frameworks are available for public review and comment from Wednesday, February 5th, to Sunday, March 2nd.  WHAT’S BEING PLANNED: The Community Development Department is preparing a Comprehensive update to the City’s General Plan. This document creates the master plan for Santa Maria’s growth for the next 20-30 years. The City is anticipated to grow by 30,000 to 40,000 residents during that time, meaning the community must identify where and how to build thousands of

Revisión Pública de los Marcos de Política Preliminares de Actualización del Plan General

Los documentos del Borrador de los Marcos de Política del Plan General están disponibles para revisión y comentarios públicos desde el miércoles 5 de febrero hasta el domingo 2 de marzo.  LO QUE SE ESTÁ PLANEANDO: El Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario está preparando una actualización integral del Plan General de la Ciudad. Este documento crea el plan maestro para el crecimiento de Santa María para los próximos 20-30 años. Se anticipa que la ciudad crecerá de 30,000 a 40,000 residentes durante ese

Pioneer Valley High: Disney's Newsies

Santa Maria Valley Chamber Leader Graduates from Prestigious W.A.C.E. Academy

[SANTA MARIA, CA. February 13, 2025]  – The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is proud to announce that Jennifer Harrison has successfully graduated from the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) Academy, a rigorous three-year professional development program designed to elevate chamber leadership across the region. "The W.A.C.E. Academy has been an incredible journey, equipping me with invaluable insights and skills to better serve our members and the broader community," said Harrison. “I look

Cottage Ob/Gyn Clinic Welcomes New Providers to Team

SANTA BARBARA, CA—February 11, 2025— The Cottage Obstetrics & Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) Clinic is  pleased to announce the addition of two obstetrician-gynecologists, Dr. Britta Gray and Dr. Helen  Matthews, along with certified nurse midwife Maribeth Claassen. This expansion of the care team  furthers the clinic’s mission to enhance access to comprehensive Ob/Gyn services for women.  Joining Medical Director Dr. Lisa Lepine, the expanded team will continue caring for patients at the  Cottage Ob/Gyn Clinic,

Santa Maria Youth Protect Los Angeles Waterways from Post-Fire Contamination

Sheccid Diaz, a young adult from Santa Maria, is part of a massive response to protect the burned areas of Los Angeles from taking another hit. This time from winter storms. “We’re protecting the environment—protecting the watersheds—to make sure none of the chemicals that are in burnt homes go into our oceans,” Diaz, from the California Conservation Corps (CCC) Santa Maria Center, said. “There are times where we see the residents come and check on their home and we see them break down. We just take a step

Pathways to Success Collaborative Evening at AHC

You are cordially invited to a special event focused on enhancing career pathways for students and the local workforce.PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS is a networking event designed to connect industry partners with AHC and High School Faculty.Please join in our collaborative evening as we invest in the needs of our students and local employers.  WHEN:  Tuesday, March 4, 2025   |  4–8 p.m.  WHERE:  Allan Hancock College, Fine Arts Complex 800 S. College Dr. Santa Maria, CA 93454   Please Sign up

ROSS DRESS FOR LESS® HOLDS IN-STORE FUNDRAISER TO HELP LOCAL KIDS THRIVE ON THE CENTRAL COAST

Every year, more than two thousand young people are served by Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast across the Central Coast region. To show their continued support in preparing today’s youth for a brighter tomorrow, Ross Stores, Inc. is partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America for the 11th annual three-week in-Store “Help Local Kids Thrive” fundraiser. Beginning February 8 through March 2, Customers in Santa Maria and Paso Robles can donate to Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast during checkout

BUDGET PROPOSAL: FILM AND TELEVISION TAX CREDIT SUPPORT

February 4, 2025 The Honorable Scott Wiener The Honorable Jesse Gabriel Chair, Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review Chair, Assembly Committee on Budget 1021 O Street, Suite 8620 1021 O Street, Suite 8230 Sacramento, CA 95814 Sacramento, CA 95814 SUBJECT: BUDGET PROPOSAL: FILM AND TELEVISION TAX CREDIT SUPPORT Dear Chairpersons Wiener and Gabriel, The California Chamber of Commerce and the undersigned are pleased to SUPPORT the Film and Television Tax Credit contained within the 2025-26 Budget

Santa Maria Valley Chamber Reintroduces Leadership Team with Jennifer Harrison as Vice President of Marketing & Communications

[SANTA MARIA, CA. January 31, 2025] – The Santa Maria Valley Chamber proudly reintroduces its leadership team with the appointment of Jennifer Harrison as Vice President of Marketing & Communications. A dedicated advocate for the region’s economic growth, tourism, and community engagement, Jennifer has played an integral role in shaping the Chamber’s tourism marketing and communications strategies for nearly two decades. Having worked with the Chamber for 19 years, Jennifer has been instrumental in

ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ ELECTED TO HONORARY COMMANDERS PROGRAM AT VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE

Santa Maria, CA, JANUARY 31, 2025 — Roberto Rodriguez, the Chief Impact Officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, has been nominated to participate in the Vandenberg Space Force Base Honorary Commanders Program effective immediately. This two year program aims to enhance public understanding of VSFB's mission and serve as a platform for exchanging ideas, experiences, and friendships between local community leaders and the Vandenberg military community.   Honorary Commanders are selected every

New Women’s Boutique Brings Latest Fashion Styles to Santa Maria

New Women’s Boutique Brings Latest Fashion Styles to Santa Maria   Apricot Lane Offers Quality, Affordable Branded Apparel and Accessories for Women of All Ages   Santa Maria, CA -  Apricot Lane, a locally-owned women’s fashion boutique franchise offering branded apparel, jewelry, handbags and accessories, is having a Grand Opening Celebration in Santa Maria, CAat the College Square Shopping Center located at 530 E. Betteravia Rd Ste B2.  Local owners, Kerri and Enrique Limon are inviting the

Planes of Fame Air Museum Presentation

The City of Santa Maria Public Library in partnership with the Planes of Fame Air Museum will host a presentation on Santa Maria’s future aviation museum. This event will be held Saturday, February 1st  from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Library’s Shepard Hall. The Library is located at 421 South McClelland Street.   The Planes of Fame Air Museum strives to build a world-renowned interactive center at the Santa Maira Airport to preserve aviation history, inspire interest in aviation, educate the public, and

Much Ado About Nothing

PCPA proudly presents William Shakespeare’s beloved romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing, bringing wit, romance, and intrigue to the Marian Theatre stage from February 13 through March 2, 2025.  In Shakespeare's cherished comedy, love, wit, and mischief entwine, and the results are hilarious and heart-aching in this timeless battle-of-the-sexes. Fresh from victory, the prince's army returns home, stirring the air with romance for the tender Claudio and Hero and an unparalleled battle of wits between

$20,000 in STEM & Trade Scholarships - Shared Energy Future Foundation

The Shared Energy Future Foundation is accepting applications for its 2025 scholarships awarding $20,000 for STEM education and trade schools. High school seniors or those in first-year apprenticeships can apply for one of (10) $1,500 STEM scholarships or (5) $1,000 trade school scholarships. The deadline to apply has been extended! Apply by Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT.     SEFF’s STEM scholarships aim to empower students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,

Chamber Welcomes New Members from December 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of December!December 2024 New MembersLLCArclight MediaEdward Jones - Office of Alid GonzalezLittle House by the Park Santa Maria Youth and Family CenterWilliams Bros. Properties, Inc.

Leadership Santa Maria Valley Youth & Education Day

“Messy Play” encouraged in Certified Outdoor Classrooms at two different facilities and a Community College program that boasts a nearly 100% transfer rate were just a couple of highlights at Leadership Santa Maria Valley’s most recent session as we gathered to learn more about Education and Youth Services.   The day began with breakfast sponsored by Celeste Coelho-Hudson, and food provided by Panera Bread at the YMCA. Following breakfast, we enjoyed an in-depth tour of the YMCA Preschool where we

Chamber Welcomes New Members from November 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of November! November 2024 New MembersLLCBBSI - Santa MariaBBSI - Santa BarbaraEb5 Investors Mision Libertad Vasquez Financial Group

Chamber Welcomes New Members from October 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of October! October 2024 New MembersLLCBeen There Caught That LLCCentral Coast Web DesignEdward Jones - Troy ProberIdler's HomeIdler's Home - SLO Sleep & Comfort StudioJAYBIRD Brand + Creative + Marketing ConsultancySerendipity Event RentalsSMI HVAC ServicesValley View Estates Homes

Chamber Welcomes New Members from September 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of September! September 2024 New MembersDiversity Coalition San Luis Obispo CountyNow Realty Brokered by eXp Paul CookRed RobinSanta Maria Firefighters Local 2020U.S. Bank U.S. Bank Mortgage

Chamber Welcomes New Members from August 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of August! August 2024 New MembersAdi Ringer PhotographyCen Cal Business Finance Group Glenn MorrisLincoln Group Inc. & Lincoln IndustrialReadyWork IncWicks Roofing and Solar

Chamber Welcomes New Members from July 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of July! July 2024 New MembersBeso Cocina / 1920 SpeakeasyCapuno’s Lutong BahayOld Orcutt YarnerySanta Maria Tax and Bookkeeping ServiceSKYWAY NIGHTSVere Marketing Group

Chamber Welcomes New Members from June 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of June! June 2024 New MembersA Mi Manera Mexican Cuisine & MariscosCassia ApartmentsAmeriCorpsCity of Santa Maria Transit DivisionCentral Courier LLCTheodore Harmand AppraisalsWalkthrough ProductionsWater Fixers Plumbing & Filtration, Inc.

California Small Businesses Eligible for Paid Family Leave Grants - Online application is open

[SANTA MARIA, CA. July 1, 2024] -- Eligible small businesses across California can now apply for grants of up to $2,000 per employee through California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. This initiative, funded by the California Employment Training Panel and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, aims to support small businesses in managing the additional costs incurred when employees take leave.These grants are designed to help small businesses cover expenses such as cross-training existing

Chamber Welcomes New Members from May 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of May! May 2024 New Members 1st Gen - GOC Insurance & Financial StrategiesBrightStar Care of Santa Barbara CountyCoast Valley CremationsDr. Leslie K. Empowered WellnessEl Sabor ProductsFellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) JET Art & GraphicsKaleidoscope CompassPhotobooth Parlor Co Semilla Finances Sweet Creations by IssaTeamLogic IT Santa Maria

Chamber Welcomes New Members from April 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of April! April 2024 New MembersElements Apartments LLCEl Pollo Loco unit 3882Goetz ManderleyInsight Agency GroupJamba - Santa MariaJamba - Arroyo GrandeJamba - Chorro, SLOJamba - Downtown SLOKerosky & Gallelli LLP - Santa RosaKerosky & Gallelli LLP - Paso RoblesSanta Maria Civic TheatreSimple CafeThe CollectiveThe Management Trust - Central Coast Division

Chamber Welcomes New Members from March 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of March! March 2024 New Members805 InvestigationsGold Star Event CenterGolden State Nonprofit SolutionsMaria Elena Lopez of Valley Hills RealtyMariscos La CoquetaMaya @ The CollectiveMONA Payment SolutionsPismo Beach HomesTaqueria La Coqueta

Chamber Welcomes New Members from February 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of February! February 2024 New MembersDan Williams Floor CoveringFull Draw Strategies, LLCHuckleberry's Breakfast and Lunch - AtascaderoHuckleberry's Breakfast and Lunch - Santa MariaIntegrity Restorations & Floor Covering Inc.ProTac SecurityRoot One - GuadalupeSLO CAL Roots - San Luis ObispoSLO CAL Roots - Grover BeachSpotless JanitorialSt. Peter's Episcopal Church/Iglesia Episcopal de San