Featured Businesses of the Month
The City of Santa Maria and Santa Maria Valley Chamber 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 long-standing businesses we are fortunate to have in Santa Maria.
The focus for 12 months, since January 2023, gives recognition to local businesses for their longevity and/or providing significant healthcare contributions. Each month, one business from each of these two categories is recognized during the City Council meeting and publicized by the City and the Chamber.
October 2023 Featured Businesses
- Long-standing business: the Santa Maria Valley YMCA.
- Healthcare business: Akeso Occupational Health.
The Santa Maria Valley YMCA provides numerous healthy lifestyle programs and services to more than 10,000 community members and to all three public school districts. Its first location opened in 1962 as a small Y’s men’s club at 507 South McClelland Street (now the Knights of Columbus Hall). In 1977, 14 acres on Skyway Drive were made available by the County for a full family facility. The building was dedicated in 1984, with an expansion added 10 years later. The Y employs 200; raises $300,000 annually to provide scholarships; and its afterschool childcare is more than doubling in the fall of 2023. The Y collaborates with many local organizations.
This month’s business being recognized for its healthcare contributions to the community is Akeso Occupational Health, formerly known as Industrial Medical Group of the Santa Maria Valley. Its focus is on agriculture, aerospace, municipalities, small business, individuals, and the oil and gas industry. Training is a vital part of our mission, providing externships for medical assistants, phlebotomists, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners. In addition to the evaluation and management of health conditions related to employment, IMG provides educational presentations on pesticide safety, worker's compensation, First Aid, HAZMAT screening and substance abuse.
Businesses are chosen by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. To nominate a business or ask about the program, contact Molly Schiff, Director of Advocacy and Initiatives at the Chamber via email at molly@santamaria.com or by phone at (805) 925-2403 extension 816.
Shannon Siefert, Chief Executive Officer of the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, accepts the October 2023 Long-Standing Business of the Month recognition from Councilmember Carlos Escobedo.
Dr. Michael Byer, VP of Operations; Adora Capiral, Operations Manager; and Dr. Paul Christensen, Medical Director, accept the October 2023 Healthcare business of the Month recognition from Councilmember Carlos Escobedo.
City of Santa Maria
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Mark van de Kamp Public Information Manager
- November 01, 2023
- (805) 925-0951 ext. 2372
- Send Email
