Chamber Committees
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber invites community members to get involved and make a difference by joining one of our committees. These committees offer a unique opportunity for volunteers to contribute to essential initiatives that support local business growth, community development, and regional advocacy. By participating, you’ll have a direct hand in shaping policies, fostering economic progress, and addressing the needs of our area. Engaging with our committees is a meaningful way to give back, connect with other leaders, and create a positive impact on the Santa Maria Valley.
Committees members are selected through an application process and serve a 12 month term beginning in January. Applications open in November - we encourage you to apply and be a part of building a stronger, more vibrant community!
Below you'll find an outline of each committee, including meeting information and committee member requirements. Please review prior to completing the committee application.
Chamber Committee Policies
Committee policies guide our work to ensure that all actions and recommendations align with the Chamber’s values and goals. Members are expected to uphold confidentiality, attend meetings consistently, and act in an advisory capacity, offering insights to strengthen the Chamber's programs and advocacy efforts. Through your service, you are helping to represent the interests of our local businesses and community members, contributing to meaningful progress in the Santa Maria Valley.
- Representation: Committee members are expected to consider issues on behalf of the entire Chamber membership, not individual business, organization, or personal interests. Members represent themselves as individuals, and no substitutes are permitted to attend in place of an absent member.
- Appointments & Terms: Committee members are selected to serve a one year term. Committee membership is reviewed annually by Chamber staff and the Board of Directors, with new committee members and chair appointments presented to the Board for approval at the December meeting. Committee chairs serve a term of one year unless reappointed.
- Advisory Role: All committee action is advisory only and does not become official policy until approved by the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
- Confidentiality: All discussions, deliberations, and decisions made during committee meetings are confidential. Members must not disclose any committee information to the public or outside parties without authorization from Chamber leadership.
- Attendance: Committee members are limited to a maximum of two absences during a calendar year. More than two absences may result in removal from the committee, pending review by the committee chair and Chamber staff.
- Guests: Guests are not allowed at committee meetings unless approved in advance by the committee chair and Chamber staff.
Other Committee Information
Questions about Chamber Committees? Contact Molly Schiff, Director of Advocacy & Initiatives, at molly@santamaria.com.