More than 60 Santa Ynez business and community members met at the Santa Ynez Valley historical Society Museum on Sept. 27, to hear a progress report presented by the Development Committee. Two previous meetings were held earlier this year.
“I was extremely pleased with the thoroughness, detail and professionalism I saw. Not only in the materials, but the presentation by the six individuals that have been working so hard to make this dream a reality for Santa Ynez,” said Jay Conner after the meeting.
While waiting for attendees to arrive, the crowd gathered in the courtyard to enjoy local wine and appetizers, to mingle with old friends and get to know other local business owners. Networking is a key element of a chamber, after all.
“I think this is a great thing for the town,” said Steve Reden. “We tried it before and it didn’t work.” Noting that there is now new blood in town, Reden was pleased by the high level of motivation he sees in his fellow business owners.
Marc Owens, who took on the task of “unofficially” being in charge, began the meeting saying: “We fixed the first problem. We now have a sound system so everyone can hear.”
The first thing participants heard was the mission statement. Noting that it was a battle to compose, they kept it to a simple short sentence: “Promote the Township of Santa Ynez, both businesses and the community as a whole, by providing our members with programs, tools and education to support the growth of their businesses.”
The vision statement was “even more fun,” they teased. Earlier in the evening, Chris McClurg explained that they worked hard to consider the diversity of the town, noting that not all the businesses are retail. There are many businesses that cater primarily to the locals and others that focus more on tourists.
Important also was the preservation of our natural assets and the rural, small-town character of Santa Ynez. That is why, it was explained, they will seek to find a balance between the quality of the local environment and commercial interests.
The meeting then moved on to discuss the benefits of creating a local chamber and touted the benefits that membership would offer. Among them, they say, is a stronger local economy, increased local business awareness and educational opportunities. Participants will also be benefited by chamber advertising and community promotion, its events website, directory and maps, and of course, member discounts.
The committee developed a projected budget for the years 2013-2016 and outlined what will be the chamber’s bylaws, which were briefly overviewed in the course of the meeting. Noting that the greatest expenses for the chamber will come during the first year, the initial dues will be higher than in subsequent years.
To encourage a quick response, the committee created a Founders Club. Those who pay their dues in November and a onetime processing fee will be included. They will receive a Founders Club plaque and identification badge to wear to meetings and events.
Fees range from $125 for an individual/retiree membership to $475 for a company with 31 or more employees. Businesses with fewer employees have varying rates. Membership dues are tax-deductible.
Bertha Foxen, one of the committee members, explained that what they need right away is a commitment from those who are joining. The committee determined that there must be at least 70 participating businesses for the venture to work, but she was not collecting checks.
“Isn’t it kind of nice to have a banker say don’t give me any money,” she said, generating a good deal of laughter. Once they determine there is sufficient interest, then they will collect the funds in order to commence. Anyone wishing to join can find a membership application at SantaYnezchamber@gmail.com.
The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 6, with the location yet to be determined. At that meeting potential board members will be nominated, with elections to be had at the Jan. 10, 2013 meeting. Attendees were advised to mark their calendars, as no proxy voting will be permitted.
As a past president of the Pismo Beach and Grover City Chambers of Commerce, Conner said, “I had some pretty high expectations and concerns for the formation of a Chamber of Commerce in the Santa Ynez Valley.” Those expectations were met, he said.
“I was so impressed that I signed up as a Founding Member, and I hope everyone else will see the value to our business community and do the same,” continued Conner, expressing his thanks for committee members Mark Burnett, Foxen, Mark Hemming, McClurg, Susan Asselstine and Owens.
Owens was singled out for praise by both attendees and his fellow development committee members. “There was zero frustration,” says Burnett. “It really went very well.”
“Marc Owens has done a really good job,” added McClurg. struax@syvjournal.com