Santa Maria Valley
Santa Maria Valley Chamber | (805) 925-2403 | santamaria.com | santamariavalley.com January-March 2025
Prepared for the Community of Santa Maria
ECONOMIC
IMPACT REPORT
Attachment A
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to present our Quarterly Economic Impact Report from January-March 2025, showcasing our ongoing efforts to support economic growth and development in the region.
Throughout the quarter, the Chamber provided direct assistance to nine potential new businesses and 11 local enterprises, offering guidance on financial resources, community engagement and process navigation. These efforts reflect our commitment to fostering a thriving business environment in the Santa Maria Valley.
The Chamber has been involved in various programs, promotions and initiatives to foster growth in the region.
Multiple large-scale events also took place, such as our annual Business EXPO & Job Fair, State of Vandenberg and Housing Summit. The Chamber also attended the annual Western Association of Chamber Executive’s conference for professional Chamber development. Additionally, high Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rates have increased in 2025 compared to the previous year, demonstrating a potential for strategic tourism initiatives to drive positive results.
Workforce development has been a priority through various programs such as Leadership Santa Maria Valley, Teacher Tours, NextGen CEO, a partnership with SBCEO’s Partners in Education and more.
The Chamber remains deeply engaged with local government and the community through collaborative events and meetings. This report underscores the Chamber’s vital role in driving economic success and supporting a healthy business community.
Introduction
Table of Contents
Economic Development.........................................................................................1 Business Attraction................................................................................................2 Business Retention & Assistance..........................................................................2 Requests for Information.......................................................................................3 Providing Business Support...............................................................................3-6 Tourism.................................................................................................................7-9 Workforce Development.................................................................................10-11 Community Involvement.................................................................................12-13 Media Mentions................................................................................................14-15 Economic Development
9 PotentialNew Businesses
11Business Retentionand Assistance
50+ Events andMeetings
7429
Units in HousingPipeline
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 1
4Requests forInformation
The Chamber’s Economic Development department provided direct support to 9 businesses thinking of starting a business or moving their business to Santa Maria.
Business Type/Idea Support Provided
Fitness Business License
R & D Start up information, bus set up and bus license
Business start-up Information on different business entities and other assistance Fitness business Potential Landlord intro
Janitorial Business Bus License set up
Laundromat/Carwash Questions/location check
Laundromat business Info needed/bus license assistance
Independent Contractor Business License assistance
Dog food company Information needed to start up business Business Attraction
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 2
Business Retention & Assistance
The Chamber’s Economic Development department provided business assistance services to 11 local businesses and residents.
Business Support Provided
SMX Swag for Airport headquarter meetings
Consulting firm Advice on an local issue
West Coast Kustoms AHC outreach for volunteers
SMVRR Meeting with VSFB
Laurus College Collaboration discussion
SMX Tourism info
Communications Company introductions
News Interview Car dealerships econ info
GO Biz Contact info
Planning/Architect firm Communication with city
Realtor Wanting assistance with finding a buyer
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Networking Opportunities
1 , 1 0 0 +
Networking Event Participants
This includes the Chamber’s weekly Build Your Business
networking events, monthly mixers, Open House, ribbon cuttings, Hispanic Business Alliance Grow Your Business monthly meeting, Chamber committee meetings, annual Housing Summit, annual State of Vandenberg, and annual Business Expo & Job Fair.
W.A.C.E. Conference
The Chamber team attended the annual Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) conference for Chamber
development. Jennifer Harrison, VP of Marketing &
Communications, graduated from the prestigious W.A.C.E.
Academy. Molly Alves, VP of Operations & Membership,
completed her two year term as Chair of Emerging Leaders Council.
Requests for Information
Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development (GO-Biz) RFI’s The Chamber’s Economic Development department received 4 RFI’s through REACH. The RFI’s were two for Project Fusion, one for Project Coco and one Project Voltify.
Providing Business Support
Chamber Membership
8 5 3Members 2 9New Members 9 2 %Retention Rate
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 4
Businesses of the Quarter
Xtreme Electronics and The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant were recognized at the Businesses of the Quarter for the 1st Quarter of 2025. The businesses were recognized during a City Council meeting, and presented an award for this recognition.
Providing Business Support
Open House
The Chamber officially launched its newly remodeled office and brand new Visitor’s Center with an Open House to the public for an opportunity to mix with Chamber staff, ambassadors and other members. The event was a success with over 80 people attending.
The first 25 people were given a tote bag with Chamber swag. The staff took turns giving tours of the remodeled space.
Housing Summit
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber and the Home Builders
Association of the Central Coast for the 2025 Santa Maria Valley Housing Summit. Attendees learned about current and future housing inventory, market trends, and the positive or negative causes of those trends. Featured speakers included Chenin Dow, Community Development Director of Santa Maria; Mark
Schniepp, California Economic Forecast; Chris Guillen, Attorney with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck; Matt Bronson, City Manager of Grover Beach; Jeff Pemstein, Western Region
Governmental Advocate for the National Association of Home Builders.
State of Vandenberg
This annual event is an exclusive opportunity to connect with the Lompoc Valley and Santa Maria Valley communities at the State of Vandenberg luncheon, held at Vandenberg Space Force Base. This informative event features Base leadership providing critical updates on the mission, priorities, and developments at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 5
Providing Business Support
Business EXPO & Job Fair
This popular event, in partnership with the Workforce Development Board of Santa Barbara County, offered the opportunity for Chamber members to showcase their products and services to other local professionals, gain exposure, find their future workforce, and network with fellow Chamber members and area business owners to build their business. The “I Heart Santa Maria” theme was a festive way to get involved with the local business community! Military Affairs Committee
There were 5 committee members and 2 chamber staff present for the first meeting in January. After self-introductions, we brainstormed on ways that our committee might support
Vandenberg Space Force Base and on who would be good speakers to invite for future meetings.
In March, three members of the VSFB Military & Family Readiness came and spoke of their programs. A few of the needs that they shared were housing, information on what is available in the Santa Maria area for the airmen and families and job placement for spouses and for those transitioning into retirement from active duty.
Business & Government Roundtable
Laurie Tamura of Urban Planning Concepts & Rural Planning Services spoke at the first Business & Government Roundtable of 2025.
Topics discussed included the General Plan Update, ways the community can get involved in this process, and challenges around growth and development in the Santa Maria Valley community.
EconAlliance did a presentation about who they are and what they do for the second meeting.
Ambassador Committee
The 2025 Ambassador Committee’s first meeting of 2025 included an orientation where Ambassadors learned about their role in the committee, and sub-committee volunteer opportunities.
For the second meeting, there were 11 Ambassadors, 1 staff and 1 board member in attendance. The meeting included an update on a successful Expo & Job Fair and a report on new member outreaches. An announcement was made of our upcoming meetings and events as well as Ambassador assignments for these events. Our Ambassador profile for the month was presented by Noemi Robles of Northern Santa Barbara County United Way.
Business Outreach & Assistance was provided to the following Hispanic businesses:
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 6
Business Type/Name Support Provided
Trucking Business Start Up Helped in starting business plan Salsa Business Start Up Explained all the steps and details they would need to start a business Cleaning Business License Assistance
Barbershop Renovation Questions/Guidance
Trucking Business Potential New Business Support
Trucking Business New Business Inquiry Support
Meeting with local media about HBA (Jan 30th)
HBA Committee Meeting (Jan 29th)
Meeting with local Medical non-profit about HBA
(Jan 10th)
HBA History & Creation Meeting (Jan 14th)
Potential Immigration in the Workplace Webinar
Watch Party - 21 attendees (2/26)
HBA Committee Meeting (2/26)
Grow Your Business Event - March 6th (16
attendees)
Meeting w/ WEV (Women’s Economic Venture)
March 5th
HBA Committee Meeting- March 19th
Additional Activities
Providing Business Support
Hispanic Business Support
The Chamber’s Economic Development department helps support Hispanic business outreach efforts through the Hispanic Business Group, which organizes educational and networking events. 215
Hispanic Business
Group Members
Tourism
Transient Occupancy Tax Data
The Santa Maria Valley’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) data for 2025 started off on a positive note, with January recording a notable increase of 5.4% compared to the same month in 2024, totaling $210,060.22. This promising start indicates successful early-year tourism efforts and community engagement. While previous months did not maintain the same momentum, this initial growth highlights the potential for strategic tourism initiatives to drive positive results.
By building on the success of January and leveraging the strong community and visitor interest seen at the start of the year, the Santa Maria Valley has a solid foundation to revitalize and sustain tourism growth throughout the remainder of 2025 and beyond.
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 7
Month 2025 Monthly Totals 2024 Monthly Totals Percentage Change January $210,060.22 $199,345.75 +5.37%
Tourism
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 8
Website Traffic
Our tourism website (santamariavalley.com) remains a strong driver for hotel referrals. 140,000+Website Visits
2,600+Website Hotel Referrals
Brochure & Visitor Guide Distribution
1 7 7 5
Visitor guides
distributed to local
hotels, businesses and
through Certified Folder
Display placements
6 0 0
Wine guides and mapsdistributed to localhotels, businesses andthrough Certified FolderDisplay placements Group Leads and Details
Dayton Corvair Club
Western Region Convention for the VCCA (vintage Chevy club of America) 50 Welcome Bags were requested on 2/19/25 for the upcoming Western Region Convention of the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America (VCCA), which is scheduled to take place from April 29 to May 3. The event will feature a dinner in Santa Maria, driving tours of the area from Agoura Hills to Solvang, and visits to attractions such as the air museum at the airport and the Mendenhall Museum in Buellton. Participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy wine tastings along the wine trail and attend a judged car event.
Community Support
The Visitor’s Bureau provided support to community events by providing complimentary services to two groups by assembling 50 welcome bags and providing hotel rate sheets for their attendees.
Tourism
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 9
Cocktail Contest
2025 Dine Out #SantaMariaStyle was held from Jan. 10 to Feb.
9. Numerous local restaurants offered special menu items and discounts as part of a promotional campaign. The Craft Cocktail contest showcased participating establishments that crafted unique cocktails reflecting the area's history and culture. Select judges voted for their favorites while patrons sampled these creations and voted for their favorites via social media.
For 2025, Maya Mexican Restaurant won the People's Choice award, while Huckleberry’s won the Judge’s Choice award.
Paid Advertising
The Visitor’s Bureau was featured in CCTC’s CA Road Trip Guide and Central Coast Map.
We hosted 2 FAM tours from January-March:
Russ Winton
Wine columnist
Alec Sills-Trausch
Outdoor Photographer and owner of Explore with Alec
Familiarization (FAM) Tours & Media
Trade Shows & Industry Partner Events
Los Angeles Travel Show
WACE Conference
Travel & Adventure Bay Area- March 14-16 (Jennifer/Efrain attended) TMD Advisory Committee Meeting
Teacher Tours
The February Teacher Tour focused on Tourism, Agriculture & Hospitality. 10 high school CTE teachers who teach in the agriculture, culinary arts and hospitality industries spent the day touring Babe Farms, Blast 825 Restaurant and Naughty Oak Brewing Company.
In March, over 25 educators from across the county participated in the Teacher Tour at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Stops included the Hawk’s Nest, Museum, and Environmental Briefing. Teacher tours connect high school CTE teachers with local industry so they can better prepare students for local careers.
Workforce Development
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 10
The Chamber partnered with Santa Barbara County Education Office’s Partners in Education to host a Meet & Greet aimed at connecting North County businesses with the organization and raising awareness about ways to support student programs, such as internships and computer donations. Seven local businesses attended, resulting in several new partnerships. Chair Emily Kitts also participated in a Board Meeting recognizing sponsorship support.
Additionally, the Chamber launched its third year of involvement with Partners in Education’s Career Coaching program by supporting the “Networking & Career Exploration” workshop and participating in the 8-week Career Readiness Training. This program equips students with skills like networking, resume writing, and financial literacy, and gives them the opportunity to apply for paid internships upon completion.
Partners in Education
NextGen CEO
NextGen CEO kicked off their Spring Session partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mid-Central Coast at Evans Park & Railroad club sites, featuring 20+ student participants.
Workforce Development
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 11
Leadership Santa Maria Valley
In January, Leadership Santa Maria Valley (LSMV) focused on Business and Economics. Suzanne Singh from the Chamber presented on business support, economic development, and housing. Attendees also heard from the owner of Cool Hand Lukes and toured Safran Cabin and ArtCraft Paint to compare large and small business challenges. Twenty-four people attended. On January 30th, LSMV held an Alumni Lunch & Learn with Fire Chief Brad Dandridge, who shared his leadership journey with 8 attendees.
February’s topic day focused on Government, comparing city management in Guadalupe and Santa Maria through meetings with local officials, offering insights into different municipal approaches.
In March, the focus was Health and Human Services. Participants toured the Wisdom Center, VTC, and Marian Regional Medical Center, and heard from Youth Well and Child Welfare Services— gaining a broad overview of local health services. Twenty people attended. On March 27th, LSMV hosted another Alumni Lunch & Learn with new Santa Maria City Manager Dave Rowlands, who shared his leadership journey with 31 attendees.
Workforce Development Board
At the Workforce Development Board full Board meeting, Michael Boyer was introduced as a new Board member and Molly Alves was introduced as a member of the Adult & Special Projects Programs Committee.
Advocacy
As part of the Chamber’s monthly Business & Government Roundtable to engage in advocacy and understand needs of our community, the Chamber discussed the General Plan Update and also signed onto a Letter of Support for CalChamber Film/TV Tax Credit.
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 12
Community Involvement
Local Meetings & Events
The Chamber’s Economic Development department stays actively involved in the community to build relationships and understand the needs of local businesses and the community.
United Way Board Meeting
Business & Government Roundtable Meeting (attended twice) Upward Mobility Summit at Allan Hancock College
Strategies for Advancing Economic Mobility: Empowering Rural Workers & Learners (ACCE Live Webinar)
W.A.C.E. Emerging Leaders Council Meeting
W.A.C.E. Conference Auction Committee Meeting
W.A.C.E. Conference Planning Committee Meeting
Santa Ynez Valley Chamber Board Presentation – Workforce Development, Tiered Membership & Non-Dues Revenue
Western Association of Chamber Executives Annual Conference Western Association of Chamber Executives Emerging Leaders Council
Workforce Development Board PH2 Monthly Collaboration
Meeting (Second Chance/Justice-Involved Program)
Economic & Community Development
McCarty Davis & Hamed – Cal Poly
Community Development Chenin Meeting
HOA Meeting
EXPO & Job Fair
State of Vandenberg
SLO Housing Summit
Rotary Meetings (2)
Teacher Tour at Vandenberg Space Force Base
Partners in Education Career Coaching Sessions (2)
Workforce Development Board Full Board Meeting
Workforce Development Board Committee Meet & Greet
Partners in Education Career Coaching: “Networking &
Career Exploration”
Housing Summit Meeting
REACH Practitioners Network
Partnership Discussion with Laurus College
Chamber Ambassador Committee Meeting
Solvang Chamber
McCarty Davis
Ed Carcary – HBA Meeting
Objective Design Standards Meeting
Housing Summit Meeting
Glenn Morris Meeting – HDL Prep
Chamber Board Meeting (listed twice)
Chamber Board Culture Task Force Meetings (3) –
Finalizing Chamber’s Updated Mission & Core Values
New Community Development Meeting – Lunch
RRM Design – Erik Justesen
Mark Schniepp – California Economic Forecast / Housing
Summit
HBA Committee Meeting
Jeff Palmer – EV Fleet Business in SM
Employer Info Session with Workforce Development Board
(for Business Expo & Job Fair)
Business Support
Meeting with Family Services Agency – State of
Youth Mental Health Event Planning
Meeting with Elks Recreation – Community
Partnership Discussion
UPC – General Plan Update Discussion
West Coast Kustoms Meeting
REACH / Airport Meeting
SBSCC Workforce Meeting
Lunch with Several After Glines Funeral
City / HDL / Chamber Meeting
BYB Weekly Networking Event (4)
Chamber / Solomon Hills Meeting
Software Platform Meeting (2)
SMVRR / OmniTrax Meeting
SB & Ventura Chamber Meeting
LSMV Board Meeting
Northern Santa Barbara County United Way Board
Meeting
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 13
Community Involvement
Local Meetings & Events
The Chamber’s Economic Development department stays actively involved in the community to build relationships and understand the needs of local businesses and the community.
EconAlliance Future Forum
Chamber Mixer at Toyota
Economic Development Webinar
Economic Development Presentation at LSMV
Human Trafficking Event
Vere Marketing Ribbon Cutting
Solomon Hills Open House Event
Upward Mobility Summit
Build Your Business (BYB) Weekly Networking Breakfast
(3)
Chamber Mixer at Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast Softec Workshop: NextGen Leadership
United Way Press Conference with Marian Regional Medical Center on Literacy 2.0 Partnership
CASA Fundraiser
Community Events
Planes of Fame Groundbreaking Ceremony
Literacy 2.0 Event
Pathways to Success Event at Allan Hancock College
HBA Annual Installation and Awards
SBSCC Annual Installation & Gala
Chamber Mixer at Klondike Pizza
Orcutt Children’s Art Foundation Fundraiser
SMV Leadership
Glines Funeral
Oasis Senior Center Fundraiser
NextGen CEO Program Kickoff
Allan Hancock College Pathways to Success Event
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Alumni Speaker Series
with City Manager Dave Rowlands
City Council 6-Month Report & Business of the
Quarter Presentation for Q1
Tri-County Chamber Alliance Meeting (attended
twice)
CalChamber Webinar Watch Party: Preparing for
Potential Immigration Enforcement in the
Workplace
Government Relations
Conversations with Elected Officials (4)
Military Affairs Committee
Planning Commission Meeting
Planning Commission Study Session
City Council Meeting
SMX Board of Directors Meetings
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 14
Chamber Media Mentions
Topic Publication
Visitor Center Santa Maria Times
Jennifer Harrison VP Announcement Santa Maria Times
Suzanne Singh VP Announcement Noozhawk
Santa Maria Times
Businesses of the Quarter Noozhawk
Santa Maria Times
State of Vandenberg Santa Maria Times
Planes of Fame KEYT
Jennifer Ayala Marketing Coordinator Santa Maria Times
Noozhawk
ICE Webinar KSBY
January
Topic Publication
Open House Santa Maria Times
KEYT
Restaurant Month
KEYT
Santa Maria Times
KSBY
Noozhawk
Noozhawk
Ground News
VP of Marketing & Communications Noozhawk
Santa Maria Times
Editorials Santa Maria Times
Santa Maria Times
February
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 15
Chamber Media Mentions
March
Topic Publication
Chamber Leader Recognition Noozhawk
Santa Maria Times
Apricot Lane Ribbon Cutting KEYT
Housing Summit
Noozhawk
KSBY
Santa Maria Times
Noozhawk
Transient Occupancy Tax KEYT
Terri Oneschuck VP Promotion Noozhawk
Santa Maria Times
Business EXPO & Job Fair
KEYT
Santa Maria Times
Santa Maria Times
NextGen CEO Kickoff Noozhawk
Santa Maria Times
Tourism Media Mentions
Topic Publication
Planes of Fame Vintage Aviation News
Music KQED
Wine San Francisco Chronicle
Yahoo
Santa Maria Style Barbecue Islands
General Visit Sacramento Bee
January
February
Topic Publication
Santa Maria Style Barbecue
Barbecuebible
Barbecuebible
Barbecuebible
Food Republic
Beaches Visit California
Wildfire Support Pacific Coast Business Times
Hotel Key Card Promo Bay Area Travel Writers
(805) 925-2403 | santamaria.com | santamariavalley.com