JanuarQy1M-: a r c h
Presented by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Bureau:
Prepared for the City of Santa Maria
P e o p l e
and express gratitude.
Our C o r e V a l u e s
highest standards.
R e s p e c t
E x c e l l e n c e
We strive for excellence in service, rigorously measure impact, and support creative solutions to challenges. We are We prioritize people, cultivate authentic relationships, open to new opportunities and we work to continuously improve ourselves and our organization.
Accountability Collaboration
We deliver on our promises and hold each other to the We work effectively within and across organizations, empowering one another to accomplish our goals. We celebrate our shared successes.
We value every individual's contribution and foster an Integrity inclusive environment where all are welcome. We are authentic, honest, and transparent in all that we do.
Our Misson
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is committed to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and resilient community by leveraging resources, strengthening partnerships, and promoting economic vitality. We strive to enhance quality of life, support community initiatives, and create pathways to opportunity for all residents and businesses in the Santa Maria Valley.
TERRI
ONESCHUCK
VP of Finance &
Administration
Program Director,
Leadership Santa Maria
Valley
JENNIFER
HARRISON
MOLLY
ALVES
SUZANNE
SINGH
L e a d e r s h i p T e a m R o l e s
VP of Marketing &
Communications,
Tourism Marketing District
VP of Operations &
Membership
VP of Economic
Development &
Government Affairs
In Q1, the Chamber supported both established and potential local businesses, answered 4 Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development (GO -Biz) RFI’s, supported the development of 7,000+ housing units and hosted 50+ events/meetings.
B u s i n e s s Support
9 Potential
N e w B u s i n e s s e s
11 B u s i n e s s Retention
and A s s i s t a n c e
50+
E v e n t s and
M e e t i n g s
7429
Units in H o u s in g
Pipeline
4 R e q u e s t s for
Information
853
M e m b e r s
92%
29 N e w M e m b e r s
215
Hispanic B u s i n e s s
Alliance M e m b e r s
C h a m b e r Membership & Networking
Retention R a t e
1,100+
N e t w o r k i n g
E ve n t P a r t i c i p a n t s
Chamber hosted various major annual events: Housing Summit, State of Vandenberg, and Business EXPO & Job Fair.
E v e n t s
TMD A s s e s s m e n t
(TOT) data for 2025 started off on a positive note, with January recording a notable increase of 5.4% compared
to January 2024. This promising start indicates
successful early-year tourism efforts and community
engagement.
TMD Increase from 2% to 2.5% (impact on overall
assessments and TOT based on Wherabout data)
Tourism Impact
Chamber of Commerce | Visitors Bureau | Economic Development 140,000+ W e b s i t e Visits
2,600+ W e b s i t e Hotel Referrals
1775
Visitor g u i d e s
distributed to l o c a l
hotels, b u s i n e s s e s and
through Certified Folder
Display p l a c e m e n t s
600
Wine g u i d e s and maps
distributed to l o c a l
hotels, b u s i n e s s e s and
through Certified Folder
Display p l a c e m e n t s
2025 Dine O u t
#SantaMariaStyle
From Jan. 10 to Feb. 9, local restaurants offered special menu items and discounts as part of a promotional campaign and accompanying cocktail contest. Select judges voted for their favorites while patrons sampled these creations and voted for their favorites via social media.
9 participants in Restaurant Month specials
5 competitors in the Cocktail Contest
Judge's Choice went to Huckleberry's Breakfast and Lunch's cocktail, Gator Juice. The People's Choice award went to Maya Mexican Restaurant for the classic Original Michelada.
California Tourism Month
Santa Maria Valley is celebrating with a special “Show Us Your Key Card” promotion, rewarding overnight hotel guests with exclusive perks at local businesses, while the digital Central Coast Road Trip Guide and events calendar make it easy to plan an staycation or weekend getaway.
Tourism Month & O t h e r E v e n t s
Partnering Strawberry & Industry events
Barbecue Month/Festival - Saturday, May 10, 2025
West Coast Kustoms - May 23-25, 2025
Later events: Rodeo, Airfest, Santa Barbara County Fair E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t
International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Retail & Brokers - we will be meeting with our shopping center landlords and other potential retail companies
Research/Data Collection
Placer.ai, Costar- currently purchased license use and
will be able to provide data to the community and use
for attraction purposes
OmniTrax & SMVRR partnerships
Official partnership between Large OmniTrax and the
SMVRR
Chamber of Commerce | Visitors Bureau | Economic Development E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t
Hispanic Business Alliance (HBA) update
Cinco De Mayo mixer went well
Working on further outreach into the community & supporting our Hispanic businesses
SMX infrastructure talks
Future planning of SMX land/infrastructure to become site ready Customs Building at SMX
HISPANIC BUSINESS ALLIANCE
Workforce D e v e l o p m e n t
W o r k f o r c e D e v e l o p m e n t B o a r d Pa r t n e r s h i p Industry Sector Committee Coordinator Contract (July 2025-June 2026) Foster relationships between industry, education, and workforce with a focus on women in manufacturing. Scope of work includes business tours and awareness campaign.
Continue promoting “Build Your Workforce” program
Connect employers to funding & other resources to hire, upskill and provide paid work experience to job seekers.
Completing Second Chance Hiring Program
Connecting businesses to paid work experience programs for justice- involved individuals
Contract ends October 2025
Workforce D e v e l o p m e n t
S a n t a B a r b a r a County E d u c a t i o n Office Partne rship Teacher Tours
Continued partnership with SBCEO CTE programs to connect teachers and industry.
May Mixer with Partners in Education at CTE Center
Continued support of Internship placement (Partners in Education Paid Internship Program)
Workforce D e v e l o p m e n t
N e x t G e n CEO P r o g r a m
Continued partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs
Current Spring Session: 20+ participants
Business Launch Day May 22nd, Graduation May 29th.
Summer, Fall, & Winter Sessions for 2026.
Exploring funding opportunities to expand program.
R e c R e a d y P r o g r a m
Developed by the City of Santa Maria Recreation & Parks Department; partnering with Allan Hancock College and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber
Career preparation in recreation and hospitality through paid internships, mentorship, and hands- on experience
Includes leadership development, networking events, and a student-led capstone project Workforce D e v e l o p m e n t
T h a n k you!
Presented by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Bureau.
Prepared for the City of Santa Maria