MARCH 2023
CHAMBER CONNEC TION
SANTA MARIA VALLEY CHAMBER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
KEEPING SANTA MARIA VALLEY A SAFE PLACE FOR BUSINESS The labor shortage has impacted many sectors in Santa Maria. Most notably, the health care industries and public safety. The Santa Maria Police Department unfortunately does not have the resources or personnel to respond to the uptick in service calls regarding transients and camps near businesses. The Chamber recently sat down with Sergeant Felix Diaz, Community Outreach Liason for SMPD, who provided tips on how the local community can be proactive rather than reactive in keeping their businesses safe. Sergeant Diaz encourages citizens to be vigilant, however, he also warns citizens to not try to stop crimes and to ‘leave it to the professionals.’ Continued on p. 2
IN THIS ISSUE Leadership Santa Maria Valley Topic Day: Business & Economics p. 3 Junior Ceo Program Highlights p. 4 Chamber In Action p. 5 New Members p. 6 Ribbon Cuttings p. 6
Pictured above: Downtown Santa Maria, Broadway Street. SMPD reports an uptick in calls regarding loitering and trespassing.
February Businesses Of The Month p. 7