Chamber News

Each year, our Chamber leaders attend the Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE) Annual Conference. This year’s theme: “IGNITE: Mind, Chamber, Soul,” was all about sparking professional growth, strengthening leadership, and nurturing the personal creativity that keeps our industry vibrant. We’re proud to highlight that President & CEO, Kristen Miller, taught sessions on transformational leadership, sharing her expertise…

TechTopia 2026 Summit is a dynamic, half-day innovation experience at UC Santa Barbara’s OASIS, spotlighting the people and technologies shaping the future of the Santa Barbara South Coast. Experience exclusive tours, interactive tech demos, inspiring speakers, and high-impact networking with regional leaders. The event will feature local companies like Amazon, AppFolio, Curvature, Google Quantum, and more to be announced soon.…

When you shop small in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, and surrounding communities, you’re not just finding the perfect gift, you’re investing in the people and places that make our region special. Every bouquet, handmade candle, artisan chocolate, or locally crafted keepsake supports neighborhood jobs, fuels entrepreneurship, and keeps our communities vibrant. Choosing local means your…

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Annual Membership Meeting & South Coast Leadership Forum. We hope you found the program informative, inspiring, and valuable as the Chamber unveiled its five-year strategic plan, announced the launch of BEAM, shared key initiatives to boost regional economic growth, and introduced the incoming Board of…

The Chamber is celebrating “So Much To Love In Santa Barbara,” highlighting the city’s romantic restaurants, local eateries, date-night spots, and unforgettable experiences just in time for Valentine’s Day. From dining and events to scenic views and local gems, the campaign invites the community to support local businesses and share what they love most about…

AB 671 is a new state law designed to streamline the approval process for restaurant tenant improvement permits by imposing stricter review deadlines on local building departments and providing the option to have plans approved by an experienced architect or engineer, known as a Qualified Professional Certifier. AB 671 took effect on January 1, 2026.  …

Join us on January 27, from 3 to 5 PM at the Hotel Californian for the Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting and South Coast Leadership Forum. Connect with regional business leaders as we install the 2026 Board of Directors and share news and priorities for the year ahead. The program will feature a presentation by Marek…

Last week the Chamber proudly celebrated the 100th anniversary of Hotel Santa Barbara, honoring a century of hospitality and an enduring landmark in Santa Barbara’s history. We also commemorated the grand opening of Elysium Strength & Wellness, welcoming an exciting new business to our local wellness community. The festivities aren’t over yet! Check out the…

The Chamber has released its Q4 2025 Data Dashboard, offering comprehensive insights across key regional indicators, including residential and commercial real estate, building permits, workforce trends, sales tax, tourism, taxable cannabis sales, homelessness, and poverty throughout Santa Barbara County and the South Coast. Source materials and additional details are available in the Data Dashboard webpage.