the census count affects every santa marian · carniceria el matador, inc. dunkin' donuts...
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Chamber ConnectionSANTA M ARIA VALLE Y CHA MBER MONTHLY NEWSLE T TER | FEBRUARY 2020
The Census Count affects every Santa Marian
WHAT’S INSIDE: FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE
Why was the calendar nervous? Because its days were numbered! All of us should be excited that the countdown is on to the 2020 Census - only several weeks away - because the results will greatly influence Santa Maria’s quality of life for the next 10 years.
“Ultimately, the census count affects every single person in Santa Maria,” Mayor Alice Patino said. “If you count on health care, be counted. If you count on education, be counted. If you count on good roads, be counted. If you count on food assistance, be counted. If you count on public safety, be counted.”
Currently, the Census Bureau is seeking to hire nearly 1,500 local area census jobs - many in Santa Maria - paying $21 to $23 per hour. You can apply online at 2020census.gov.jobs or call 1-855-JOB-2020. This is an ideal job for students, retirees, or others who are U.S. citizens and at least 18 years old.
That hiring and training effort precedes the National Count Day for the census on Wednesday, April 1st . Every person in Santa Maria needs be counted, including babies, children, and college students, where they reside on that day.
Filling out the census form is easier than every before and can be done online, over the phone, or by a requested paper form. The form itself is only nine questions. It should
Chamber Welcomes United Airlinesp. 3
RMDZ Programp. 5
Leadership Santa Maria Valleyp. 6
take 10 minutes to complete.“Census data are used to help determine
what resources Santa Maria needs,” City Manager Jason Stilwell said. “Each year, tens of billions of Federal dollars are distributed to California state, county, and
local governments who then use that money to fund programs and infrastructure and non-profit organizations for health care, housing, education, and transportation.”
An accurate census count influences
Mark van de KampPublic Information Manager, Santa Maria City Manager's Office
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Be a Champion for our Business Community: Become a Chamber Ambassador!Formed in 1973, the Ambassadors represent the Chamber at ribbon cuttings, volunteer at Chamber events, and generally serve as the face of the Chamber in the community. Participating as an Ambassador allows you to network with fellow Chamber members, grow your business, and connect with the local community in new and exciting ways.
Learn more about becoming an Ambassador by contacting Chief Ambassador Diana Moffitt at (805) 361-1750 or [email protected].
Continued - Census Count Santa MariaContinued from p.1
Santa Maria’s voice in Congress, and its fair allocation of Federal government resources. For each person counted, about $2,000 in Federal funds will flow into the community, each year. An undercount will hurt Santa Maria. For example, if 1,000 schoolchildren are not counted in Santa Maria (which has more than 10,600 children age five or younger), over the next decade that would be the loss of $20 million into our community.
In the 2010 Census, the city’s self-response rate was approximately 72 percent, compared to 74 percent for all of Santa Barbara County. This suggests that Santa Maria has already been significantly undercounted, and is at risk of being even further undercounted in 2020.
“We need to get more than 70 percent of Santa Marians to self-respond to the Census (fill out the form) if we are to have a good chance at a decent population count,” said Mark van de Kamp, Public Information Manager for the City. “Households that do not fill out the questionnaire during the self-response period will be contacted by the U.S. Census Bureau for follow-up.”
The first numbers from the 2020 census are expected to come out March 31, 2021.
Questions about the 2020 Census may be directed to Mark van de Kamp at the City of Santa Maria, at (805) 925-0951 extension 2372 or [email protected]. Also, www.SantaBarbaraCountyCensus.org
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Chamber Welcomes United Airlines Air Service to Santa Maria
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited today to join with the Santa Maria Public Airport in announcing new air service for our community, with flights to Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
“We are thrilled to welcome United Airlines back to Santa Maria,” said Glenn Morris, President & CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau. “We believe that connecting service to three major gateway airports
will be a significant advantage for our local businesses and will help us to increase visitor traffic as more people discover the real value that the Santa Maria Valley represents on California’s Central Coast.”
The Chamber, via its Economic Development Commission, has been an active partner with the Airport in promoting air service. “As part of the Airport’s Air Service Team, we have participated in an ongoing campaign to keep our community top-of-mind with the
route planners at United and other airlines,” explained Suzanne Singh, Economic Development Director for the Chamber. “We have visited airline headquarters, hosted visits to the community, and provided technical and demographic information to demonstrate that there is a real market here for them to serve. We are convinced that connectivity to three of the most important hubs
in the United system will be an important tool for us as we work to attract new businesses and grow our existing businesses, ranging from our hospitality businesses to the growing space operations at Vandenberg Air Force Base.”
Jennifer Harrison, Tourism Director for the Chamber, also welcomed the announcement of new flights into the Santa Maria Airport. “Santa Maria offers a really unique and value-oriented experience for people looking to get away from the crowds of California’s major metros and experience a more authentic and relaxed connection with our outdoor attractions and our world-class wine region,” she said. “Today’s announcement means that people wanting to experience true Santa Maria Style hospitality have a new option for getting here!”
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is the largest business organization in Northern Santa Barbara County. The Chamber is committed to championing a vibrant and successful Santa Maria Valley and to being a catalyst for business growth in our region. Our partnership with the Santa Maria Public Airport on air service development is one representation of how we are making that commitment real.
City of Santa Maria officials, the Santa Maria Public Airport District Board and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber's Economic Development Director pose with United Airlines executives during the press conference announcing new service to Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
A United Airlines executive announces new flights out of Santa Maria Public Airport.
3Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce |February 2020
New Members: December 15, 2019 - January 15, 2020The 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.
Heartland Payment Systems(805) 302-2109Santa Maria, CAwww.heartlandpaymentsystems.com
Chamber Membership Corner
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.
68 yearsOlivera Properties, LLC
51 yearsThe Okonite Company
49 yearsRancho Maria Golf Club
39 yearsElks Lodge #1538KCOY KKFX/NPG (News Press Gazette) CBS12Santa Maria Association of RealtorsTomooka Brothers Ptr
27 yearsCuration Foods
24 yearsAloha Family Chiropractic
23 yearsKTAS TV TelemundoSpencers Market
22 yearsSt. Andrew United Methodist ChurchWestar Associates
20 yearsCommunity Partners in Caring
19 yearsAmerican General
Renewing Members: December 2019
MediaCounty of Santa Barbara- Purchasing Div.
18 yearsCommunity Health Centers Of Central CoastLPL Financial ServicesPeople for Leisure & Youth
17 yearsGolden State Recovery, Inc.
16 yearsCommunity Auto Group
15 yearsPlus Property ManagementTyler Wilson DDS
14 yearsChiropractic Wellness Group
13 yearsCentral Coast Visionary Insurance & Financial Services LLCPacific Coast Energy Co.
12 yearsRiverbench Vineyard & Winery
Ribbon Cuttings: December 15 - January 15
Zyia Active - Desirae Dugger, Independent Representative(805) 621-2767www.myzyia.com/desiraedugger
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce enjoyed celebrating these Chamber members this past month.
Creme de la Ice Cream1102 E. Clark Ave #110, Santa Maria(805) 539-3881www.cremedelaicecream.com
The Chamber is offering substantial discounts on mandatory 2020 employment notices! If you haven’t ordered yours yet for 2020 - there is still time to save through the Chamber!
To order, visit bit.ly/RequiredEmploymentPosters2020 or contact Terri Oneschuck at the Santa Maria Chamber at (805) 925-2403 x 824 or [email protected]
Still Time to Order: Mandatory 2020 Employment Notices!
11 yearsAlzheimer's Association
8 yearsAdam Bros. Farming, Inc.Children's Resource & ReferralFortress-Secure Mini- Storage
7 yearsEra Polly Real EstateFirst Command Financial Planning/BV Enterprises
6 yearsMaya RestaurantSA Recycling
5 yearsAllstate - Michelle Horenberger Central Coast Insurance Services
4 yearsCamino Real Mortgage BankersAdvanced WirelessFirst 5 Santa Barbara CountySleepfit Corp. / Mattress Land StoresState Farm Insurance - Ed Kertis
Solutions On 2nd, LLC(805) 325-9747Buellton, CAwww.solutionson2nd.com
3 yearsUtility Telecom2 yearsCarniceria El Matador, Inc.Dunkin' DonutsEddie San Jose - Envoy MortgageHomeBridge Financial ServicesLa Tradicional Ice Cream ShopLowe'sMoats Laser & Skin CareNaughty Oak Brewing Co.Neuroboxing Santa MariaPetDoors.comThe Garden Mediterranean Restaurant & CafeWinn Hyundai of Santa Maria
1 year Budget Blinds of Santa MariaCommunity CarpentersOperation WEBS OPWEBSQuality Wine BarrelsSanta Maria Properties, Inc.
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Chamber Board of Directors:2019-2020
Executive CommitteeChairman: Jean-Luc Garon, Radisson Hotel Santa Maria Chairman-Elect: Edgar Gascon, Hacienda RealtyVice Chairman: Janet Silveria, Community Bank of Santa MariaVice Chairman: Laurie Tamura, Urban Planning ConceptsPast Chairman: Ray Arensdorf, Arensdorf Chiropractic
Board MembersMark Allen, Marian Regional Medical CenterRon Cossa, Tolman & Wiker InsuranceDanny Deveraux, CalPortlandDonna Farrell, Santa Maria Town CenterDoug Janzen, The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes CenterEmily Kitts, Naughty Oak Brewing CompanyDavid LeRoy, Toyota of Santa MariaButch Lopez, V Lopez Jr. & Sons General Engineering ContractorsEra Polly, Era Polly Real EstateHugh Rafferty, Coast Hills Credit UnionRick Rust, Aera EnergyCynthia Schur, Santa Maria TimesMichelle Shipman, Searchlight PropertiesKevin Walthers, Allan Hancock CollegeTim 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.
RMDZ Program Offers Low Interest Rates
The Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) is a program administered by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, which manages the Santa Barbara Region. This advantageous economic development tool for businesses and manufacturers features a low interest, 4% loan for up to $2 million dollars for projects that qualify. The program is under the jurisdiction of CalRecycle, and the goal is to promote the use of recycled materials in the manufacturing process and to eliminate the amount of manufacturing waste.
The loan funds can be used for the purchase of machinery and equipment, working capital, real estate improvements, purchase of real estate, or refinancing onerous debt that results in increased diversion.
While many projects may be eligible, here are a few examples:
• Modifying or purchasing new equipment that reduces the amount waste or reduces the amount of raw material to make a product. An example would be purchasing new CNC equipment that results
in less materials to make a product and accomplishes reduced material waste.
• Using discarded or recyclable materials to create a product. An example would be using recycled asphalt to augment new asphalt. Or, using discarded clothing to create industrial rags for commercial use.
• Cleaning plastic waste and producing recycled-content plastic pellets, flakes or chips. An example would be taking discarded agricultural plastic, cleaning the material and creating pellets that can be recycled for new plastic products.
The maximum loan amount is 75% of project cost or $2 million, whichever is less. Up to $1 million may be borrowed for real estate purchases. The fixed rate for the loan is 4%, and the loan term cannot exceed 10 years.
For additional information regarding the Chamber’s Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) program, contact Dave Cross at 805-680-5016 or [email protected].
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce proudly administers the Santa Barbara County Energy Watch Partnership and the RMDZ program. For additional information on these programs, contact Dave Cross at 805-680-5016 or [email protected].”
5Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce |February 2020
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Learns About Santa Maria Valley’s Community of Service
Bottom line: The care of people requires the work and dedication of caring people. This principle was exemplified during the Health and Human Services (HHS) topic day hosted by Leadership Santa Maria Valley on January 10, 2020. The organizers of the day were Angie Hernandez, Michael Nash, Patricia Horta, Yuliana Nelson, and Steve Williams; along with advisors Frank Mejia, Judith Monte, and Selena Fierro. The committee arranged for the class of twenty future city leaders to visit Marian Hospital, Good Samaritan Services, and VTC Enterprises. The leaders who educated and guided us at the respective locations were Dr. Ketelaar, Kirsten Cahoon, and Erika Weber. Our mission for the day was to bring into focus the problems, solutions, and goals of organizations that provide for mental wellness and elderly care within our community. A great leadership speaker named Billy Mitchell led the day by speaking about work/life balance. Throughout the day we learned how all three locations provide services related to our topic mission; but we also learned that they often collaborate to achieve their common objectives. With that mind, this article will focus on our visit to VTC Enterprises.
We met at the VTC Enterprises A Street Café and were provided a guided tour by
non other than Erika Weber, the Chamber of Commerce 2019 Ambassador of the Year! We were most impressed with her engaged interactions with the developmentally challenged people serviced by the center. Ericka’s tour was followed by a sit-down discussion with Judge Rogelio Flores and Amy Lopez from the Drug Court. Amy
pointed out that the most prevalent drugs used in our area are methamphetamines and opioids, the most popular being heroin. Judge Flores realized early in his career that drug abuse and mental wellness issues were not suited to the traditional mores of court litigation. In these cases, the perpetrator always losses because the underlying issue is not properly addressed. Judge Flores and Amy took ownership of the problem by helping to create and implement the Veteran’s Treatment Court in Santa Maria. They’ve also collaborated with Mr. Cary Gray, LSMV Board member, in providing homes for veterans in recovery. The impacts of Judge Flores’ programs were not lost on our class. Two members took the opportunity to expressly thank the judge regarding how his programs helped their family members recover from drug abuse. Our final speaker, Joyce Ellen Lippman from the Area Agency on Aging, pointed out that the most expensive phase of human life is not only the formative years; but also toward the end of life. She stated the three most common problems of the elderly community are financial, housing, and loneliness. Unlike many other states, senior care facilities are not subsidized by
Steve A. WilliamsSystems Engineer, L3 Harris Corp
Kirsten Cahoon talks about the expansive homeless services provided by Good Samaritan.
Dr. Ketelaar informs class about emergency mental health treatment.
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Investor Level
Thank You Sponsors
American General MediaArmando’s Autobody & Paint Inc.Babe Farms, Inc.Black Bear Diner - Santa MariaBoys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central CoastCALMCentral Coast Mechanical ServicesCertified Freight LogisticsCollege and Career Readiness Santa Barbara County Education OfficeComcastCommunity Bank of Santa MariaCommunity CarpentersDiani CompaniesFamily Care Network, Inc.Golden State Water CompanyJ. Wilkes WinesLuttrell Staffing GroupMega 97.1/La BuenaMilt Guggia EnterprisesMorris & Garritano InsuranceO’Connor Pest ControlOn the 101/ Beach Betty CreativePCPA - Pacific Conservatory TheatrePhillips 66 Pipeline LLCPlains All American Pipeline, L.P.Plantel NurseriesSafran Cabin Santa MariaSafran Seats Santa MariaSanta Maria Bonia School DistrictSanta Maria Country ClubSanta Maria Joint Union High School DistrictSCORE San Luis ObispoSESLOC Federal Credit UnionSmith’s Alarms & Electronics, Inc.Sound on Sound/WilWooDuoSM TireSunOptaTerracore Operating CompanyTesta CateringTileco Distributors, Inc.The Towbes Group, Inc.Urban Planning Concepts/ Rural Planning ServicesVTC EnterprisesWalmart Neighborhood MarketsWave BusinessWells Fargo BankWine & Design OrcuttXtreme Electronics
Continued - Leadership Santa Maria Valley
the state of California, so Joyce often refers clients out of state to receive affordable care. By the end of the day, our class was able to realize how each leader we met exemplified almost selfless devotion to their mission. They all shared the common trait of being motivated by the slightest glimmers of success from the community members they serve.
That’s enough about what I thought. What did other leadership 2020 class members think? For Emily Kitts, the VTC tour was her favorite. She said, “You’re able to see what our town can provide and how much purpose they give people with disabilities. They want just as much purpose and want to stay busy like we do. Now they have an amazing outlet for that purpose.” Manny Fajardo Jr said, “I learned a lot about what is available in our city, so it has been very enlightening for me.” He was most enlightened by the Good Samaritan. He said that “the amount of space provided for a diversity of people is very important and needed, and I’m glad to see we have something that big here.”
Daniel Rubio said he thought Judge Flores and Amy Lopez were great speakers for their topic. He said he knew of Judge Flores years ago, so…”It was a great opportunity to listen to what he’s done and services he’s brought to our city and county throughout the years. His passion made it easier to bring those programs here for people in need… to get the tools and people available to help them.” Finally, Yoshi Jimenez’s favorite part of the day was the leadership speaker, Billy Mitchell. She said, “He talked about bringing both your heart and mind to work. There is no work/life balance… work is life and life is work, they’re that inseparable.”
About Leadership Santa Maria Valley
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. Each Class gives back to the community with their own unique Legacy Project.
Founded in 1995, Leadership Santa Maria Valley has over 330 graduates serving on boards of local organizations and in a variety of leadership roles within government, service, non-profit and business sectors today.
Applications for next year's leadership class will be available Spring 2021. For more information, contact program coordinator Terri Oneschuck at (805) 925-2403 x 824, or email [email protected].
Joyce Azevedo, a thirty-year emergency room RN veteran, guides a class group on tour of Marian Medical Center.
7Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce |February 2020
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria | (805) 925-2403 | santamaria.com | [email protected]
Visit: 614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria
Call: (805) 925-2403
Email: [email protected]
Website: santamaria.com
Facebook: facebook.com/SMVCC
Twitter: twitter.com/SMVCC
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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 [email protected].
Upcoming EventsEvery Friday: Build Your Business Breakfast8:00am - 9:00am, Denny’s Restaurant Santa Maria
February 10th: 2020 Economic Forecast3:30pm - 5:00pm, Allan Hancock College
February 17th: President's Day, Chamber Office Closed
March 5th: 11th Annual Green Business Luncheon11:30pm - 1:00pm, Hotel Corque, Solvang
For a full list of Chamber events, details and registration, visit www.santamaria.com/events.
2020 Economic Forecast: get an exclusive economic update on Santa Barbara County!
Join us for an exclusive economic update for Santa Barbara County! Melissa James, CEO of regional program "The Hourglass Project", will give a preview of their recently developed jobs action plan for the Central Coast region, and Dr. Chris Thornberg of Beacon Economics will unveil a new report about California’s future need for both renewable and petroleum-based fuels. The event will take place February 10th, 3:30pm - 5:00pm, Severson Theatre at Allan Hancock College. Free to attend but RSVP is required at santamaria.com or [email protected]
614 S. BroadwaySanta Maria, CA 93454
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