Spotlight

The Committee to Improve North County announced the presentation of a $500 donation to VTC Enterprises on behalf of the late Harrell Fletcher, a longtime community leader.  VTC Enterprises is one of Santa Maria’s 10 largest employers and is currently in the process of constructing a new building, campaigning to raise $1.3 million to complete […]

The 37th District Agricultural Association is looking for nominations of people who’ve made important contributions to the county’s agricultural industry for its annual Agriculture Recognition Awards. Awards will be distributed at July’s Santa Barbara County Fair in the categories of Agri-Business Person of the Year, Farmer of the Year, and Livestock Producer of the Year. […]

Four Nipomo plant nurseries are scheduled to open their doors to the general public as part of the Central Coast Greenhouse Growers’ Association’s 10th annual Open House on April 2. The event is an opportunity to visit with growers and learn about care and handling of plants and flowers. Clearwater Nursery, Eufloria Flowers, Pacific Sun […]

It’s a few months old as an organization, but the Santa Maria Young Professionals Networking Group (SMYPNG) is holding its official kickoff event on March 26. The event will celebrate the group’s official beginning. The organization seeks to connect young professionals on the Central Coast with each other and with community leaders. The event will […]

Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mike Gibson will be the guest speaker at the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce’s March Luncheon on March 31. Gibson has held the position of chamber president since 2004, and will speak about his community and the role of the chamber in economic development and tourism. A […]

New human resources concerns and labor laws for employers will be the topic of a Santa Maria Manufacturers Association meeting on March 22. The “Ask the Experts” format will allow attendees to ask questions of forum presenters Sandra Dickerson of Your People Professionals and Michael Sloan of Kirk & Simas. The presentation will take place […]

Need to satisfy your sweet tooth? Valley Sweets, a new cupcake, candy, and party shop, recently opened its doors in Solvang. Valley Sweets specializes in cupcakes (two flavors per day on weekdays and four on weekends) with full-size cupcakes priced at $2.50. It also offers homemade marshmallows and old-fashioned Whoopie Pies, as well as vintage […]

Locally owned and operated, F&M Jewelry is holding its grand opening in Santa Maria. The store buys, sells, and trades gold, platinum, silver, and diamonds and offers a clothing boutique on the premises. Owner Francisco Arreola Sr. and son, store manager Francisco Jr., say if they can’t match or beat their competitor’s prices, lunch is […]

The Lompoc Chamber of Commerce, an organization with 450 members, is on the hunt for a new executive director. Whoever lands the seat will be responsible for the complete operation of the Chamber and the Chamber’s Foundation, new sales and retention of memberships, implementing fundraising activities to support the Chamber, and participating in community events […]

Testa’s Bistro & Catering, an Italian restaurant and bar in the heart of the Santa Maria Valley, is now an exclusive private party and event location. With a full bar and the ability to accommodate from 12 to 55 guests, Testa’s is available for private party rental seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, or […]

Company coming in from out of town for a visit? Santa Maria Valley attractions await their exploration in the “Guest Survival Kit,” the centerpiece of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor and Convention Bureau’s new “Company’s Coming” campaign. The complimentary kits come in specially marked bags and contain Santa Maria Valley promotional […]

On March 4, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce will begin accepting applications for 2011 Strawberry Queen contestants, open to girls ages 5 to 18. The honor of queen will be awarded to the girl who sells the most prize drawing tickets through April 15. Tickets cost $1 each, and prizes of $500, $300, […]