FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 17, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Interim City Manager
Prepared by: Public Information Manager Mark van de Kamp
SUBJECT: Businesses of the Month – October 2023
The Mayor and City Council will present certificates to the featured Businesses of the Month for October 2023 – Akeso Occupational Health and the Santa Maria Valley YMCA.
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 lon gevity 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 Valley YMCA (Y), located at 3400 Skyway Drive. The Y 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, the County made 14 acres on Skyway Drive available 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 will more than double in the fall of 2023. The Y col laborates with many local organizations.
Representing the Y tonight is Shannon Seifert, Chief Executive Officer.
This month’s business being recognized for its healthcare contributions to the community is Akeso Occupational Health (Akeso), formerly known as Industrial Medical Group of the Santa Maria Valley. Its focus is on agriculture, aerospace, municipalities, small businesses, individuals, and the oil and gas industry. Training is a vital part of our mission, providing externships for medical assistant s, phlebotomists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. In addition to the evaluation and management of health conditions related to employment, Akeso provides educational presentations on pesticide safety, workers ’ compensation, First Aid, HAZMAT screening, and substance abuse. Representing the organization tonight are Adora Capiral (Operations Manager) , Gabriela Aguirre (Clinic Manager), Dr. Byer (Vice President of Operations), and Dr. Christensen (Medical Director).