FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 21, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
Prepared by: Public Information Manager
SUBJECT: BUSINESSES OF THE MONTH — MARCH 2023
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Mayor and City Council present a certificate to the featured Businesses for March 2023 — The Wisdom Center and Engel & Gray, Inc.
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 Engel & Gray, Inc, celebrating its 77th anniversary.
The company is located in the same building (745 West Betteravia Road) where Carl Engel and Joe Gray started their partnership in 1946. It began as a trucking business serving oilfields along the Central Coast and evolved into a small, diversified business with 33 employees. Its operations consist of transportation, waste recycling, and a regional composting facility. The company serves an important role in waste management by transforming organic feedstock - otherwise sent to the local landfill - into its Harvest Blend Compost products. The company is rooted in the community, and active in civic affairs and non-profit organizations. Representing the business tonight are Robert Engel, Vice President; Carl Engel, President; and Dustin Barclay, General Operations Manager.
This month's business being recognized for its healthcare contributions to the community is The Wisdom Center, located at 2255 South Depot Street. Founded in 2020, this is an adult day health care center supporting the elderly and those with disabilities to remain living locally as long as possible. Its 20 employees serve up to 180 persons per day with physical and occupational therapy, nursing, social work, activities, socialization, meals, and transportation to and from its members' homes. The Wisdom Center overcame adversity during the pandemic by working with CenCal to continue many of its services. It recently became an Enhanced Care Management provider. Representing the business tonight are Amanda Sillars, Owner & CEO; Victoria Griffith, Community -Based Adult Services Director; and Tania Rael, Healthcare Management Director.
MARK VAN DE KAMP
Public Information Manager