Santa Maria Valley
Santa Maria Valley Chamber | (805) 925-2403 | santamaria.com | santamariavalley.com April-June 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 April-June 2025, showcasing our ongoing efforts to support economic growth and development in the region.
Throughout the quarter, the Chamber provided direct assistance to eight potential new businesses and 13 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 Strawberry Industry Recognition Dinner and State of Education. The Chamber’s various committees also supported various community efforts. 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
8 P o t e n t i a l
N e w B u s i n e s s e s
1 3
B u s i n e s s R e t e n t i o n
a n d A s s i s t a n c e
1 3 0 +
E v e n t s a n d
M e e t i n g s
5 6 3 8
U n i t s i n H o u s i n g
P i p e l i n e
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 1
2 R e q u e s t s f o r
I n f o r m a t i o n
The Chamber’s Economic Development department provided direct support to 8 businesses thinking of starting a business or moving their business to Santa Maria.
B u s i n e s s T y p e / I d e a
S u p p o r t P r o v i d e d
J a n i t o r i a l b u s i n e s s s t a r t u p
S t a r t u p i n f o a n d s t e p s
B e a u t y p r o d u c t s e l f c a r e
m a n u f a c t u r i n g a n d s a l e s
R e f e r r a l w i t h s o m e o n e w h o h a s d o n e t h i s t y p e o f b u s i n e s s , s t a r t u p i n f o a n d s t e p s D o g g y D a y c a r e
L o c a t i o n / z o n i n g / s t a r t u p i n f o e t c … M a s s a g e
B u s i n e s s s t a r t - u p s t e p s & i n f o , & S M c i t y l i c e n s e H e a v y M a c h i n e r y r e n t a l
C o n t a c t s f o r l a n d t o l e a s e
N o n - P r o f i t
L o o k i n g f o r s p a c e t o l e a s e
A i r S e r v i c e
P l a n n i n g o f a n n o u n c e m e n t
Business Attraction
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 2
Business Retention & Assistance
The Chamber’s Economic Development department provided business assistance services to 14 local businesses and residents.
B u s i n e s s
S u p p o r t P r o v i d e d
I n s u r a n c e B u s i n e s s
F i r e C h i e f c o n t a c t i n f o - f i r e z o n e s P r i n t i n g M a r k e t i n g b u s i n e s s
I n t r o d u c t i o n s t o s o m e c o n t a c t s C i t y o f S M
P r o p e r t y s e a r c h f o r I C S C p r e p
H o t e l
A d v i c e a n d h e l p w i t h b u s i n e s s i d e a s L a r g e A u c t i o n c o m p a n y
L o o k i n g f o r l a n d / c o n n e c t i o n s m a d e F i r e D e p t
L e t t e r o f s u p p o r t n e e d e d
M e d i a / N e w s c o m p a n y
I n f o r m a t i o n r e q u e s t e d
P l u m b i n g
E m a i l i n t r o f o r h i m f o r s u p p o r t E n e v i - R e c y c l i n g
S t r a t e g i c p l a n n i n g / d i s c u s s i o n B a t t e r y S t o r a g e
L e t t e r o f s u p p o r t f o r P C m e e t i n g R e c y c l i n g c o m p a n y
H e l p w i t h p o t e n t i a l f i n a n c i n g
P l a n e s o f F a m e
I n f o r m a t i o n g i v e n
C a l R e c y c l e – S o l a r c l a s s
W o r k i n g t o f i n d l o c a t i o n f o r c l a s s e s B a t t e r y S t o r a g e
I n f o r m a t i o n , c o n n e c t i o n s
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 3
Networking Opportunities
2 , 1 0 0 +
Networking Event Participants
This includes the Chamber’s weekly Build Your Business
networking events, monthly mixers, ribbon cuttings, Hispanic Business Alliance events, Chamber committee meetings, annual State of Education event and annual Strawberry Industry Recognition Dinner.
Requests for Information
Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development (GO-Biz) RFI’s The Chamber’s Economic Development department received 2 RFI’s through REACH. The RFI’s were one for REACH RFP, and one for Project Divert.
Providing Business Support
Chamber Membership
8 4 9
M e m b e r s
1 9
N e w M e m b e r s
9 0 %
R e t e n t i o n R a t e
Strawberry Industry Recognition Dinner
In partnership with the Santa Maria Fairpark, the
Chamber proudly celebrated the 33rd Strawberry
Industry Recognition Dinner, bringing together hundreds of attendees to honor excellence in the local strawberry industry. This year’s award recipients included Providence Farms as Grower of the Year and Driscoll’s as Partner of the Year. The evening recognized outstanding
contributions and continued support for the region’s
leading agricultural sector. Keynote speaker was
California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross,
presented by Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong.
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 4
Providing Business Support
State of Education
The State of Education event featured local educational leaders providing insightful updates on the progress and future of education in Santa Barbara County. It served as an opportunity to hear about innovative initiatives
shaping the success of our students, workforce, and
community partnerships
Military Affairs Committee
In April, the group discussed the needs of the military personnel and their spouses. In May, Bob Hatch and
Dave Cross joined us and shared about the history,
purpose and future of the Freedom Monument. The
Monument and annual celebration held on Veterans
Day remembers the fallen soldiers of Santa Maria
Valley.
Business & Government Roundtable
In April, SpaceX’s Blake Bradley came and spoke
sharing some of the challenges they face with hiring
and keeping employees. They have found that their
employees are generally younger, finding there aren't
enough late night entertainment. Housing is also a
known issue, including finding rentals and purchase
isn’t attainable. In May, Laurus College shared
information about their history, college and programs.
In June, 3CE REN shared about opportunity for
businesses through Santa Barbara County.
Ambassador Committee
In April, a report was given on new member outreaches.
Our Ambassador profile for the month was presented by
Alma Reyes of Central West Produce. In May, our
Ambassador profile for the month was presented by
Garrett Matsuura of Arclight Media. In June, we
discussed BYB starting at 8:00 a.m. Our Ambassador
profile was presented by Andrew Hernandez of Deep
Clean Crew.
B u s i n e s s T y p e / N a m e
S u p p o r t P r o v i d e d
C l e a n i n g B u s i n e s s
A s s i s t a n c e w i t h f o r m s o f l i c e n s e s D e t a i l i n g B u s i n e s s S t a r t - U p
G e n e r a l b u s i n e s s s u p p o r t
C l o t h i n g B u s i n e s s S t a r t - U p
G e n e r a l b u s i n e s s s u p p o r t
C l o t h i n g S t a r t - U p
B u s i n e s s p l a n n i n g s u p p o r t a n d r e f e r r a l t o a p p r o p r i a t e r e s o u r c e s M o b i l e W a s h i n g B u s i n e s s I d e a
S u p p o r t w i t h m o b i l e c a r w a s h s t a r t u p g u i d a n c e S a l s a S t a r t - U p
B u s i n e s s P l a n S u p p o r t / S t a r t - U p G u i d a n c e P h o t o g r a p h y B u s i n e s s ( I n s t a g r a m S e t s L o c a t i o n )
B u s i n e s s P l a n S u p p o r t / S t a r t - U p G u i d a n c e / L o a n R e f e r r a l Providing Business Support
220
Hispanic Business
Group Members
Business Outreach & Assistance was provided to the following Hispanic businesses:
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 5
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.
Providing Business Support
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 6
Retail Store at Santa Maria Town Center
Retail Store at Santa Maria Town Center
Retail Store at Santa Maria Town Center
Jewelry Store at Santa Maria Town Center
Jewelry Store at Santa Maria Town Center
Jewelry Store at Santa Maria Town Center
Real Estate Business
Vine Yard Winery
Outreach Efforts
The following Hispanic businesses were visited for Chamber outreach.
Restaurant Santa Maria Town Center
Restaurant Santa Maria Town Center
Restaurant Santa Maria Town Center
Restaurant Santa Maria Town Center
Non-Profit
Jewelry Store at Town Center Mall
Restaurant
Supermarket
Additional Activities
HBA Interest Meeting- April 1st
HBA Grow Your Business: Immigration
Enforcement- April 3 (21 attended)
Restaurant Pop Up/ Food Truck Meeting with
City- April 7th
HBA Committee Meeting- April 17 (6 attended)
Cinco De Mayo Mixer (05/01/2025)- 250
attendees
HBA Committee Meeting (05/22/2025)
Corazon Del Pueblo Event
HBA Committee Meeting (06/18/2025)
Open Streets Meeting (06/05/25)
Neighborhood Block Party Vandenberg,
(06//11/25)
Tourism
Transient Occupancy Tax Data
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 7
Month 2025 Monthly Totals 2024 Monthly Totals Monthly Percentage Change January $210,060.22 $199,345.75 +5.37%
February $203,468.55 $210,286.10 -3.24%
Through February 2025, the Santa Maria Valley’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collections total $413,528.77 year-to-date (YTD), showing a modest year-over-year (YOY) increase of 0.95% compared to $409,631.85 collected by February 2024.
In January 2025, TOT revenue reached $210,060.22, up 5.37% from January 2024’s $199,345.75. However, February saw a slight month-over-month (MOM) decline of 3.24%, generating $203,468.55 in 2025 compared to $210,286.10 the previous year. Despite the monthly dip, the overall upward YTD trend highlights continued demand and resilience in local lodging activity.
The data reflects stable tourism-related revenue early in the year, setting a positive tone for continued growth in 2025.
Tourism
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 8
Website Traffic
Our tourism website (santamariavalley.com) remains a strong driver for hotel referrals. 1 3 0 , 0 0 0 +
Website Visits
3 , 3 0 0 +
Website Hotel Referrals
Brochure & Visitor Guide Distribution
1 , 0 0 0 +
Visitor guides
distributed to local
hotels, businesses and
through Certified Folder
Display placements
2 5 0 +
W i n e g u i d e s a n d m a p s
d i s t r i b u t e d t o l o c a l
h o t e l s , b u s i n e s s e s a n d
t h r o u g h C e r t i f i e d F o l d e r
D i s p l a y p l a c e m e n t s
Group Leads and Details
Jay E. McCord: Jay McCord, the Car Show Chairman of the Santa Maria Model A Ford Club, requested 100 welcome bags the 23rd Annual Santa Maria All Ford Car Show and Swap Meet.
Bonnie Abramson: Bonnie Abramson, Co-General Chairman of the California Council of Square Dancers, requested 30 goodie bags for her planning meeting at the Best Western. She also asked for informational brochures to display at her booth while promoting the 64th California State Square Dance Convention in various cities.
Tina Tonascia: Tina Tonascia, Chief Operations Officer of Elks Recreation Inc., requested 100 pieces of Santa Maria Valley swag, promotional items, and print materials to include in the Rodeo's VIP swag bags.
Community Support
The Visitor’s Bureau provided support to the following community events:
West Coast Kustoms Cruisin’ Nationals
23rd Annual Santa Maria All Ford Car Show and Swap Meet 64th California State Square Dance Convention
82nd Santa Maria Elks Rodeo providing marketing and Santa Maria Valley swag and promotional materials.
2025 Santa Maria Elks Lodge Car Show providing 50 welcome bags for guests.
Tourism
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 9
Paid Advertising
The Visitor’s Bureau was featured on CA Travel Guide’s website and Sunset CCTC Coop.
Familiarization (FAM) Tours & Media
Trade Shows & Industry Partner Events
2025 California Central Tourism Council
Annual Retreat & Planning Session - April 21
- 23, 2025
2025 SLO Expo - Attended the SLO Expo
to represent Santa Maria Valley on May 21,
2025.
Vandenberg Space Force Base
Neighborhood Block Party on June 11, 2025
Represented Santa Maria Valley and
local attractions to those stationed at
Vandenberg Space Force Base
We hosted 3 FAM tours in April....:
Pam & Gary Baker
Freelance food, wine, and travel writers who contribute articles for LuxeBeat Magazine
Alec Sills-Trausch
Outdoor photographer with an active blog, Explore with
Alec
Jordan Reid
Social Media Influencer
...and 1 FAM tour in May:
Matthew Kaner
Journalist for an online publication focused on wine, dining, and travel called "Will Travel For Wine.”
Teacher Tours
On April, 11 High School CTE Teachers toured
the Santa Maria Airport, Mob Armor, and Diani
Companies to round out the academic year.
In June, a planning meeting was held for our 25-
26 Teacher Tours kicking off in the fall.
Workforce Development
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 10
The Chamber donated 10 laptops to Partners in Education’s Computers for Families program. We also attended Partners in Education Board Meeting & Strategic Planning Session. We also went to Visalia with our SBCEO education partners to be a guest at the Tulare-Kings Healthcare Partnership meeting to better understand their model of connecting industry and education so we could create something similar in the Santa Maria Valley Community.
Partners in Education
NextGen CEO
NextGen CEO hosted its Spring Session partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mid-Central Coast at Evans Park & Railroad club sites, featuring 20+ student participants graduating and launching their businesses to the public. NextGen CEO is planned to launch two fall cohorts at Kermit McKenzie Intermediate School in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club and ASES.
Workforce Development
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 11
Workforce Development Board
In April there was a Workforce Development Board Adult Special & Special Projects Committee meeting - heard from a number of WDB program operators about the work they do and how they performed on meeting state requirements, changing being made to better meet requirements and serve more individuals this coming fiscal year. The Chamber serves on this committee to provide insight, connections and support around the Adult Programs operated by the Workforce Development Board.
In May we held an information session on the WDB’s “Paid Work Experience” program in partnership with the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber. Focused on programming that connects justice-involved individuals to work opportunities. Had 15 businesses attend. We continue to promote the “Build Your Workforce” program to connect businesses with opportunities to provide paid work experience, hire and upskill local talent.
In June we had a kickoff meeting for the Industry Sector Committee Coordinator contract, which will focus on highlighting businesses in manufacturing and healthcare, and spotlight local women working in STEM careers.
Advocacy
During Q4, the Economic Development team issued letters of support for the following organizations and initiatives:
• April 22 – Fire Department: Letter of support for department funding. • May 29 – Renewable Battery Storage Project: Support letter submitted for Planning Commission review. • June 18 – Lompoc Chamber of Commerce: Letter support for continuance of city funding.
Leadership Santa Maria Valley
April’s topic day was Sustainability & Natural Resources: There were 20 people attending. We toured the Santa Maria Landfill, learned about Pacific AgriTec and how they are transforming CO2 in algal biomass, toured the salamander habitat on the property of the Santa Maria Airport and went to Cambria Winery and learned about their sustainability in growing grapes and producing wine.
In May, Leadership Santa Maria Valley (LSMV) focused on Arts & Recreation. There were 22 people attending this month.
We toured PCPA and the Fine Arts Center at Allen Hancock College. Our leadership speaker was Dr. Monique Diaz speaking on being a “recovering perfectionist”. We heard from Angela Oslund and Dennis Smitherman about the City’s recreation department and their community art projects. The day ended with a trip to the Hagerman Sports Complex to learn and play pickleball. LSMV also hosted an Alumni Event, an Annual Alumni Meeting and Reunion at Naughty Oak Brewery.
Workforce Development Board Adult Special & Special Projects Committee meeting
State of Education
U.S. Chamber Business Leads Fellowship Program Orientation Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.)
Marketing Committee Meeting
W.A.C.E. Emerging Leaders Council
State of Education
US Chamber Business Leads Fellowship Program speaker series:
The k-12 Honesty Gap & What to do About it
Elks Rec Community Partnership Meeting
Tulare-Kings Healthcare Partnership meeting
Economic & Community Development
WDB Paid Work Experience Information Session in Santa
Barbara
WACE Emerging Leaders Council Meeting
Partners in Education Board Retreat
YMCA Board Meeting Presentation
US Chamber Institute for Organizational Management
(IOM) Year 1
Chamber Staff Strategic Planning Sessions
US Chamber Business Leads Fellows Program - Civics
Education
Western Association of Chamber Executives Emerging
Leaders Council
New Member Orientation
Ribbon Cuttings
Chamber Executive Committee Meeting
Chamber Board Meeting
LSMV Board Meeting
US Chamber of Commerce Meeting
Business Government Roundtable
Allan Hancock Meeting
REACH Roundtable
Airline Headquarter meeting
Meeting with Community Development Director
Restaurant Pop up & Food Truck meeting
Veterans Stand Down Transportation Meeting
Veterans Stand Down General Meeting
LSMV Board Meeting
Chamber Executive Committee Meeting
Chamber Board Meeting
New Member Orientation
Business Support
WACE Membership Committee Meeting
Lafco
Bess Storage Facility – prep for PC meeting 6/4
Internal Social Media Meeting / Start up business
classes launch
Internal – trailing spouse meeting
Downtown Project meeting with Vernon’s
Meeting with City Planner
Cen Cal Business Finance Group
RRM Design meeting
SMX meeting
United Way Executive Committee Meeting
United Way Board Meeting
WACE Board Meeting
WACE Marketing & Communications Committee
Meeting
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.
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.
BYB (Build Your Business) weekly networking breakfasts
Chamber Mixer with Northern Santa Barbara County
United Way
Family Service Agency Sate of Youth Mental Health
Strawberry Industry Recognition Dinner
Hispanic Business Alliance Grow Your Business Event:
Preparing
Your Workplace for Immigration Enforcement Challenges
Marian OB/GYN Residency program announcement
ACPD Ribbon Cutting
State of Education
City Council
Planning Commission
Planning Commission Study Session
Federal Issue’s Roundtable
Calm Fundraiser
Richards Ranch informational
Pacific Coast Business Times “Best Places to Work” Event Community Events
Hispanic Business Alliance Cinco de Mayo Mixer
May Mixer with Partners in Education at the CTE
Center
Rotary Barn Party
“Mapping Ourselves” Leadership Presentation - Rajiv
Mehta
Veggie Rescue Fundraiser
AHC Advisory Board
WDB Meeting in SB partner with SBSCC
Police Memorial Ceremony
Era Polly RE anniversary party
SMVRR Fundraiser
Next Gen CEO launch
AHC Scholarship awards
West Coast Kustoms Car Cruise
West Coast Kustoms Car show judging
Elks Rodeo
Government Relations
Conversations with Elected Officials
Airfest BBQ
OmniTrax/SMVRR ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Jim Glines Celebration of Life
Police Council dinner
Passing the Torch RRM event
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 14
Chamber Media Mentions
April
May
T o p i c
P u b l i c a t i o n
H o u s i n g S u m m i t
S a n t a M a r i a T i m e s
C o c k t a i l C o n t e s t
N o o z h a w k
S a n t a M a r i a T i m e s
S t a t e o f E d u c a t i o n
N o o z h a w k
S a n t a M a r i a T i m e s
S a n t a Y n e z V a l l e y N e w s
L o c a l B u s i n e s s S p o t l i g h t
S a n t a M a r i a T i m e s
R i b b o n C u t t i n g
N o o z h a w k
E d i t o r i a l s
S a n t a M a r i a T i m e s
B a r b e c u e / T o u r i s m M o n t h
P R N e w s w i r e
F O X 8
S t r a w b e r r y D i n n e r
L o m p o c R e c o r d
S a n t a M a r i a T i m e s
T o p i c
P u b l i c a t i o n
C i n c o d e M a y o M i x e r
S a n t a M a r i a T i m e s
N o o z h a w k
S t a t e o f E d u c a t i o n
S a n t a Y n e z V a l l e y N e w s
S t r a w b e r r y I n d u s t r y R e c o g n i t i o n D i n n e r T h e S e n t i n e l
P a r t n e r s i n E d u c a t i o n M i x e r
N o o z h a w k
C h a m b e r E d i t o r i a l s
S a n t a M a r i a T i m e s
S a n t a M a r i a T i m e s
B u s i n e s s e s o f t h e Q u a r t e r
N o o z h a w k
N e x t G e n C E O
N o o z h a w k
G a l a N o m i n a t i o n s
N o o z h a w k
June
T o p i c
P u b l i c a t i o n
P r e s i d e n t ’ s C i r c l e A w a r d
C a l C h a m b e r
S o C a l G a s C i t y o f S a n t a M a r i a R e b a t e N o o z h a w k
S a n t a M a r i a T i m e s
C h a m b e r E d i t o r i a l
S a n t a M a r i a T i m e s
Santa Maria Valley Economic Impact Report | 15
Tourism Media Mentions
April
May
T o p i c
P u b l i c a t i o n
S a n t a M a r i a S t y l e B a r b e c u e
I s l a n d s
T h e T a k e o u t
Y a h o o F i n a n c e
S t r e e t I n s i d e r
W i n e
F o r b e s
G e n e r a l T o u r i s m
V i s i t C a l i f o r n i a
V i s i t C a l i f o r n i a
E x p l o r e w i t h A l e c
T o p i c
P u b l i c a t i o n
W i n e
V i n e P a i r
Y a h o o L i f e
W i n e S p e c t a t o r
K X T V
S a n t a B a r b a r a I n d e p e n d e n t
M S N
S a n t a M a r i a S t y l e B a r b e c u e
E a t e r L A
T r a v e l b i n g e r
A s s o c i a t e d P r e s s
G e n e r a l T r a v e l
K T L A
A o l
June
T o p i c
P u b l i c a t i o n
S a n t a M a r i a S t y l e B a r b e c u e
A O L
Y a h o o L i f e
G e n e r a l T r a v e l
K X A S - T V
G l o b e N e w s w i r e
P h o e n i x F l i g h t
T h e A r i z o n a R e p u b l i c
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