COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: David W. Rowlands, City Manager
DATE: February 17, 2026
SUBJECT: Businesses of the Quarter – January to March 2026
The City Council will p resent certificates to the feature d Businesses of the Quarter (January to March 2026 ) – Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library and Advanced Wireless
BACKGROUND:
The City of Santa Maria and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce are partnering to highlight different businesses in the City through a Business of the Quarter Program.
On four occasions this calendar year, this program will recognize local businesses chosen by the Chamber. The criteria are: Approximately 20 employees; in operation for at least five years; physically located within the City Limits; and being a local Chamber of Commerce member in good standing. Not only does this give them valuable exposure, it also reminds the community of the unique, diverse, and long-standing businesses we are fortunate to have in Santa Maria.
Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1982. Their mission is to pr omote reading and the Santa Maria Public Library. They conduct fundraisers through the year, request grants in support of the Library’s services and programs, and operate a used bookstore in the Santa Maria Mall. The organization raised over $35,000 last year for the library through sales at their Mall location, contracting with a bookseller who sells their books on Amazon, and their quarterly book sales.
Volunteers provided over 4,000 hours in support of outreach, volunteering at the Library Shop, being part of the Chamber's BYB, Rotary Club, assisting high school students in earning community service hours, collaborating with "Momentum" in providing retail experience for disabled individuals. Representing the organization tonight is Kathleen Gabel, President.
Advanced Wireless provides high -speed internet service, specializing in reaching rural areas that other providers may not reach. For over 40 years, they have grown their business and focus branching out from pagers and two-way radios to high-speed internet.
Being able to shift gears has allowed them to stay relevant through every economic change. Chamber members for many years, they have helped events like the Elks Rodao by providing them with internet and radios for the event to stay connected when needed.
Representing the business tonight is Kim Rudnick-Chavez, Account Manager