Chamber Connection - September 2025

CHAMBER CONNECTION

CHAMBER HOSTS THE HISPANIC HERITAGE MEGA MIXER

The Hispanic Business Alliance (HBA), a program of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, continues to grow and make a meaningful impact throughout our community. The HBA was created to serve as a bridge for Hispanic entrepreneurs, professionals, and community members, offering access to free resources, education, and connections that help local businesses thrive.

One of the HBA’s core services is providing free business support to anyone looking to open or expand a business. From learning how to obtain a business license to creating a business plan, the HBA helps guide individuals step by step through the process. Over the past few years, this program has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs who did not know where to start turn their ideas into reality and become successful business owners.

CONTINUED - CHAMBER HOSTS THE HISPANIC HERITAGE MEGA MIXER CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee

Chairman: Sandra Dickerson, Your People Professionals

Chairman-Elect: Jason Buchanan, HUB International Insurance Services

Vice Chairman: Shannon Seifert, Santa Maria Valley YMCA

Vice Chairman: Gina Gluyas, BHGRE Haven Properties

Past Chairman: Emily Kitts, Naughty Oak Brewing Co

Board Members

Sue Andersen, Marian Regional Medical Center

Dominick Barry, Quintron Systems, Inc.

Micaela Buchanan, Lark + Sparrow LLC

Jeff Buckingham, Astound Business Solutions Powered by Digital West

Nancy Crawford, Care Connection Transport + Home Care - Santa Maria

Donna Denham

Kelsi Fitzgerald, Veritas Innovative Pest & Termite Solutions

Karen Gjerdrum, Fothergill Andre, Morris & Buttery

Antonio Garcia, Santa Maria Joint High School District

Dave Merlo, Glenn Burdette, Inc

Sylvia Palacios, Santa Maria Town Center

Terè Paredes, Maya Restaurant

Joshua Beau Flores Sahagun, Luttrell Staffing Group

Dr Eric Sauers, A T Still University / College for Healthy Communities

Ryan Swack, Best Western Plus Big America

Dr. Kevin Walthers, Allan Hancock College

Interested in Chamber volunteer leadership opportunities? Contact Molly Schiff, VP of Chamber Operations & Membership, at molly@santamaria.com to learn more about open positions on our committees

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Led by Efrain Salazar, who was recently recognized as a Young Change Maker by SESLOC and Wild 106 for his leadership and community impact, the HBA continues to expand its reach through bilingual “Grow Your Business” workshops. These monthly sessions cover key topics such as real estate, HR law, business development, and immigration, providing practical tools and knowledge to help local entrepreneurs succeed.

In September, the HBA hosted the Hispanic Heritage Mega Mixer, which brought together hundreds of community members and more than 35 local businesses and organizations in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

To close out the year, the HBA invites everyone to the upcoming Posadas Mixer on Wednesday, December 11, hosted by BMW of Santa Maria This community celebration will feature food, drinks, raffles, and local vendors, creating a welcoming space for business owners and residents to connect The HBA welcomes everyone from any background and is proud to serve as an inclusive place where anyone can meet, learn, and grow alongside the Hispanic business community of Santa Maria

For more information on the Chamber’s economic development initiatives, or to learn how your business can get involved, contact Suzanne Singh, Vice President of Economic Development & Government Affairs, at suzanne@santamaria.com.

For questions related to the Hispanic Business Alliance contact Efrain Salazar, Hispanic Business Development and Services, at efrian@santamaria com

KEEP UP WITH OUR OTHER RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Take a look at some of our other recent Chamber publications including our new Local Business Spotlight and editorials.

Business, #SantaMariaStyle is the Chamber’s quarterly digital magazine publication The magazine is another way we highlight local businesses, see what’s going on in the community, celebrate our members and more!

Check out our newest edition, featuring various locations focused on the pets of the Central Coast! Check out features on PETS Hospital, Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic, and That’s FETCH! Lifestyle Center

Scan to read the Spring 2025 Magazine! or go to: https://chambervu.com/ santamariaspring25/

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: POOR RICHARD’S PRESS

In this month’s local business spotlight, we sat down with Ethan Ventura, Owner and Chief Operating Officer of Poor Richard’s Press, who shared insights into the company’s history, mission, and commitment to the Santa Maria Valley community

Pictured: Ethan Venture of Poor Richard’s Press showcases the company’s topquality services, including custom design, printing, mailing, apparel, and promotional solutions designed to help local businesses stand out and thrive

LEARN MORE ABOUT LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SERIES!

For more information or if you are interested in being featured, please reach out to the Chamber marketing team via email at marketing@santamaria.com

Scan to view this month’s spotlight.

SANTA MARIA COMMUNITY INVITED TO THE ANNUAL VETERANS DAY CEREMONY AT FREEDOM MONUMENT VETERANS MEMORIAL

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber and the City of Santa Maria invite the community to the Veterans Day & Wreath Ceremony at the Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial, dedicated to honoring all veterans and commemorating those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

This year’s ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. at the Freedom Monument, located at 600 S. McClelland St. in front of the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center. The ceremony will begin earlier than in previous years, to allow the community to take part in other Veterans Day activities

The Chamber collaborates with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2521, and the Santa Maria Valley Honor Guard to organize this annual event, with logistical support from the City of Santa Maria’s Recreation and Parks Department

Established in 2001, the Freedom Monument stands as a lasting testament to the sacrifices of 113 local Santa Maria Valley veterans who died in combat from World War I to the present day, as well as honoring all veterans who have served. Throughout the monument area are plaques and monuments that honor veterans and veteran groups.

This year’s ceremony will feature remarks from several distinguished speakers, including Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino and Chamber President Michael Boyer The program will include the reading of the 113 names listed at the Freedom Monument by the students from St Mary of the Assumption School, and pre-ceremony entertainment by the Young Voices of Santa Maria Youth Choir Representatives from local veteran groups, including Michael Stadnick Jr , Dr Joseph Skoda, and Robert Tolan, will also participate

The keynote address will be delivered by Bob Hatch, with Dave Cross serving as Master of Ceremonies, the respective then-President of the Chamber and thenChairman of the Board during the monument’s original dedication in 2001. Hatch is a highly decorated U.S. Army veteran who served in combat in Vietnam, and Cross is a U S Army veteran of the Cold War

There will be a wreath presentation, and organizations, individuals, or businesses wishing to present a wreath are encouraged to do so

“We invite everyone in our community to join us to honor our veterans,” said Hatch “This is a special occasion to show the community’s appreciation to all who have served to defend our country and protect the freedoms we enjoy We should also reflect on the sacrifices made by our service members and celebrate their enduring legacy ”

For more information, visit the 24th Annual Freedom Monument Ceremony page For other inquiries, please contact Yuliana Nelson, Strategic Initiatives Manager, at yuliana@santamaria com

By Dave Cross

CHAMBER IN ACTION

Here’s a look at what our Chamber & our member businesses have been up to this past month.

1 The Santa Maria Valley Chamber welcomed new members for the month of August

2 The Sana Maria Valley Chamber hosted their 100th Annual Awards Gala Bringing the community together to celebrate the exceptional members recognized

The Chamber was delighted to celebrate celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at our Hispanic Heritage Mega Mixer This special evening brought together members of the business community, local organizations, and residents to recognize culture, community, and connection

The Chamber partnered with the City of Santa Maria to highlight different businesses in the City through a Businesses of the Quarter Program. This Quarter’s recipients were Benedetti & Associates and M&W Pumps.

5. See previous

GROWING MEMBERSHIP: CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

As champions for a stronger Santa Maria Valley, the Chamber is excited to welcome more businesses to our growing organization. Please join us in welcoming the following new Chamber members, who joined in the month of September 2025!

Member: Central Coast Portables (805) 621-3144

SYV Fruit & Vegetable Rescue ((805) 350-9154

http://www veggierescue org

Royal Flush Restroom Rentals ((805) 714-3665

http://royalflushrestroomrentals com

DO YOU HAVE EMPLOYEES OUT ON CALIFORNIA PAID FAMILY LEAVE?

The California Paid Familiy Leave Grant (CPFLG) allows eligible small businesses with at least one (1) employee utilizing California’s Paid Family Leave program to apply for grants up to $2,000 per employee to offset the increased costs associated with the employee out on leave.

Businesses impacted by California’s Paid Family Leave program will have increased costs such as training and upskilling existing staff to cover the duties of the employee on California’s Paid Family Leave; hiring and training additional staff to cover the duties of the employee on California’s Paid Family Leave; and marketing, recruitment, and other reasonably foreseeable training costs For more information, eligibility details, and to apply, visit CaliforniaPFL.com.