Chamber News

Last week, the Chamber hosted another Tech Roundtable, bringing together employers and industry leaders from the tech and manufacturing sectors. The event focused on connecting employers with valuable resources to support talent development, improve workforce retention, and address ongoing workforce challenges. A highlight of the event was a presentation by the Santa Barbara County Workforce…

The Chamber is excited to spotlight 2025 new board member, Teddy Cabugos, President of Sunstone Winery! Teddy is the passionate leader behind Sunstone Winery, where he combines his love for wine with a commitment to sustainability and community. With a wealth of experience in the wine industry, Teddy has been instrumental in Sunstone’s growth and…

Check out the special feature on the State Street Visitor Center in the South Coast Chamber of Commerce magazine! Nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, this center offers more than just information—it’s a true experience. Since opening in 2019, it has become a hub for hospitality, helping visitors discover the essence of the…

March 13, 2025 Dear Members,  Many of you have shared your thoughts and concerns about recent immigration issues and their effects on our businesses, workforce, and broader community. These conversations have been candid, heartfelt, and deeply personal. You, our members, have shared recent experiences and situations that are having a direct and profound effect on…

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Chamber, in collaboration with Agilent Technologies Women in Tech, hosted a leadership lunch on Thursday, March 6. Kristen Miller, President and CEO of the Chamber, was the main speaker, joined by an inspiring lineup of speakers including Nina Green, VP of the Companion Diagnostics Group at Agilent Technologies;…

After 22 years of visionary leadership as the founder and CEO of the Housing Trust Fund of Santa Barbara County, Jennifer McGovern has announced her plans to retire in the Summer of 2025. During her tenure, Jennifer has profoundly shaped the Housing Trust Fund organization and the affordable housing landscape in the Santa Barbara community.…

Mark your calendars for Friday, April 11, at 11 AM, and join us at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort for an exclusive event. This is your opportunity to hear directly from leaders across Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Carpinteria as they come together to share valuable insights into the future of our community, key developments,…

The Chamber is excited to spotlight 2025 new board member, Blake Bradley, who serves as the Spaceport Integration Manager for SpaceX at the Vandenberg Space Force Base launch site. In this role, Blake oversees government and community affairs, launch site certification, management of sensitive government programs, and strategic growth projects. The Chamber looks forward to…

The recent Home Insurance Town Hall, hosted by State Senator Monique Limón, provided valuable insights into the future of fire insurance in California. With State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and industry experts in attendance, discussions centered on new policies, industry commitments, and the broader economic impact of rising insurance costs.  Commissioner Lara discussed the California…

The Chamber has been awarded a transformative $100,000 AHEAD Grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, facilitated by American Riviera Bank. This funding will support initiatives to strengthen the local economy, enhance workforce development, and address critical housing challenges in Santa Barbara County’s South Coast region. The grant will directly benefit programs…