FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 21, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
Prepared by: Public Information Manager
SUBJECT: BUSINESSES OF THE MONTH — FEBRUARY 2023
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Mayor and City Council present a certificate to the featured Businesses for February 2023 — Santa Maria Counseling and Santa Maria Times.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Santa Maria and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce have partnered to highlight different businesses in the City through a Business of the Month Program. For the next year, this program gives recognition to local businesses for their longevity and/or for providing significant healthcare contributions. Not only does this give valuable exposure to these local businesses, but it also reminds the community of the unique, diverse, and long-standing businesses they are fortunate to have in Santa Maria.
This month's long-standing business is The Santa Maria Times. One of the oldest businesses in the Santa Maria Valley, it has chronicled the local news of the region since April 22, 1882. Located at 3200 Skyway Drive, the newspaper employs 30. After previous ownership by larger national newspaper groups, starting in 2020, the business is under local control and ownership here in Santa Maria. Its commitment to reaching the community is not limited to its print publication; its website is updated and the company provides audio interpretation services, including in Spanish for its local stories.
Representing the business tonight is Terri Leifeste, publisher.
This month's business being recognized for its healthcare contributions to the community is Santa Maria Counseling, located at 1505 South Shepard Drive, Suite 204. This business, founded in 2010, provides individual psychotherapy to adults with an emphasis on anxiety and trauma. Owner Greta Pankratz, LCSW, uses one-on-one therapy treatment to help people stay at home or return to work and also provides crisis debriefing and other support services for key agencies. She also volunteers her time as a coach (currently at an elementary school). Representing the business are Greta Pankratz and assistant Brianna Tomlinson.
MARK VAN DE KAMP
Public Information Manager