For young local professionals, specifically under age 40, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce offers a unique networking opportunity every other month, starting with the first Santa Maria Connect event of the year on Feb. 28 at Far Western Tavern in Orcutt.
The chamber started holding the event in 2018 to help young professionals connect and engage with their peers through bimonthly get-togethers. Attendees meet at a different venue to network with others, hear presentations from guest speakers, and enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers.
Alex Magana, events and special projects manager for the chamber, describes the program as a window for individuals to gain access to professional development opportunities and connect with other professionals in the community.
“The purpose of this program is not just to come together to socialize, but to foster connection and community growth,” Magana told the Sun. “Attendees can expect to learn something they can use in their career, meet new people they can network and collaborate with, and connect to a broader community that can help them thrive.”
Magana, who’s worked for the chamber since 2016, was tasked with developing and managing Santa Maria Connect last year. The program aims to give future business owners and leaders “a platform to build themselves up and gain real-life knowledge,” he explained.
“As Santa Maria’s local economy is growing, it is attracting new professionals who are either returning to town or moving here to start their careers,” Magana said. “Identifying emerging professionals and helping them to create strong networks and enhance their skills and experiences are important strategies in ensuring a long-term economic base for our community.”
The goal of each Santa Maria Connect event is to cover a wide range of topics including leadership tactics, successful networking strategies, and tips on creating the right personal brand. Most events include Q-and-A segments and open discussions with visiting experts from various industries. These guest speakers are invited to share insights into the latest trends and innovations within their respective businesses, Magana said. He recommends the program to any type of professional under 40 looking to enhance his or her networking skills and build collaborative relationships within the community.
“When it comes to young professionals and their careers, they want to be connected. Whether it’s connecting with colleagues, job hunting, or seeking advice, they want the connection,” Magana said. “Programs like Santa Maria Connect can be powerful tools to build social currency and further their goals.”
The next Santa Maria Connect event takes place on Feb. 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Far Western Tavern, located at 300 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. Admission is free but pre-registration is required to attend. Call (805) 925-2403 or email register@santamaria.com to RSVP. Visit santamaria.com/events for more info.
Hightlights:
• Central Coast New Tech High School is seeking local business owners to help conduct mock job interviews for freshman students during two upcoming panels, taking place March 12 and 13. Volunteers will work one-on-one with students and review their skills and qualifications outlined in their résumés and professional portfolio websites. Visit the event’s SignUpGenius page to register. The school is located at 525 N. Thompson Ave., Nipomo. Call (805) 474-3350 for more info.
• Softec hosts SMV TechBrew, a digital marketing seminar, on Feb. 25 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., located at 560 E. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria. This program covers strategies for entrepreneurs to increase their outreach through social media and current technologies. Visit the event’s Facebook page for more info.
Calendar Editor Caleb Wiseblood wrote this week’s Biz Spotlight. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, mail, or email at spotlight@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Feb 21-28, 2019.