Celebrating 40 Years: 1984-2024
2605 S. Miller Street, Suite 107, Santa Maria, CA 93455
May 16, 2024
Santa Maria City Council
Via Email
Council Members:
As a long time business owner in the City of Santa Maria, as well as a current Chamber board member, I am writing to oppose the proposal to move economic development from the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce to the City.
The Chamber has provided robust economic development work for many years, helping create economic growth and improved quality of life for all Santa Maria citizens. Under the 10 year leadership of Glenn Morris, the level of that work has been enhanced. That has included a critical regional approach to identifying and working to attract businesses and opportunities that will continue to drive our community forward. I’m confident that the next Chamber CEO will further expand that work with the highly qualified and professional team at the Chamber.
I understand the interest in seeking parking fees from the County for use of the city’s parking structure, along with other direct tax revenue generating ideas. Those are practical, impactful sources of revenue generation. Respectfully, however, those are not economic development.
The work performed by the Chamber is not done solely by our full time Economic Development Director; multiple other professionals contribute to the work performed to fulfill the existing contract with the City. Therefore, it is highly unlikely the City can perform the same scope of work by creating an internal staff position.
Lastly, this decision can have a long-term impact on the city and our residents. For that reason, I do not believe it’s a decision that should be made quickly, and before a regular City Manager has been hired.
Sincerely,
Sandra J Dickerson
CEO
From: Brad Vernon
To: Web-City Clerk; Alice Patino; Maribel Hernandez; Mike Cordero; Gloria Soto; Carlos Escobedo Cc: Suzanne Singh; Glenn Morris
Subject: Letter of Support for the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce May 21st 2024 Date: Friday, May 17, 2024 12:52:19 PM
*** EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please use caution when opening links or attachments.*** May 17th, 2024
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
It is my understanding that the City Council of Santa Maria is considering non-renewal of the Economic Development Contract with the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce. I felt it would be important to share my experiences as it relates to the Chamber and the level of engagement that we as a developer, contractor, operator, and commercial landowner have experienced.
Firstly, the work that Glenn Morris, and Suzanne Singh have contributed to the re-development of downtown has been elemental. It was the catalyst for us to go into partnership with the City, and we feel they will be essential with future business development both on our projects and the surrounding properties. Their efforts have continued to move forward a project value of over $300,000,000 with us alone. I do believe that the Chamber efforts with other developers will continue to attract more like-minded developers to further invest in greater Santa Maria.
In addition, The Chamber has worked hand-in-hand with our new Flow shared office concept to realize a success in a new market, not only has Flow succeeded at it 1414 Miller location, but the team is now looking to open at two additional locations in Santa Maria. These ‘shared office/ incubator” spaces will provide a
stepping stone for over 50 new businesspeople in the
city.
Lastly, the Chambers’ assistance in building relationship bridges with the local business operators, has created a brand new exciting space/concept; The Collective at Skyway Drive.
This is something new and fresh, and it is being well received. If not for the Chamber, we may not have pursued the concept; something that will be bring new revenues to the City.
The benefits that are brought through this Economic Development; although intangible, are significant…and we are just one story, I am aware of many other successes in the community, and I know they will continue.
Respectfully,
BRAD VERNON - CEO
The Vernon Group
Direct: 805-305-0105
1 www.fletchercrossconsulting.com
801 S. Broadway, Suite 1, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Tel: (805) 928 -6463
E-mail: [email protected]
May 17, 2024
RE: Economic Development Funding for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce
Dear Members of the City Council,
I strongly urge the City Council to con�nue economic development funding for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has historically leveraged connec�ons with business, industry, and other economic development resources to provide an extremely valuable service to the City of Santa Maria.
When you weigh the true cost of adding a government posi�on that includes wages, insurance, and benefits, and compare it to all the services and resources the Chamber provides for the same amount of money, I believe the clear e d g e g o e s t o t h e Chamber of Commerce.
Consider also, that once a new government posi�on is in place, it is permanent, and the cost of that posi�on will grow exponen�ally over �me.
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce provides direct connec�ons to resources such as the State of California Go-Biz and the Small Business Development Center. It also taps into the wealth of knowledge and exper�se of local leaders in business and industry. It connects poten�al businesses to available sites and local brokers. It also provides a regional economic development presence. There are even more services that the Chamber provides for economic development with its contacts and rela�onships.
For these reasons, I urge the City Council to con�nue funding the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce for economic development services.
With great regard,
David Cross
Fletcher-Cross & Associates
[email protected]