Recap of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce State of the County 2023
The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, serving the communities from Goleta to Carpinteria, hosted its annual State of the County event on Friday, September 8, 2023 from 3 to 5 PM at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. The event was attended by over 330 guests and served as a unique and invaluable opportunity for the local business community to hear about the current economy and the critical issues being addressed in local government. Check out event photos here.
The event kicked off with a comprehensive update on the ever-changing business landscape. Attendees had the privilege of hearing from Santa Barbara County Executive Officer, Mona Miyasato, who provided crucial updates on the county’s budget, tax revenue, and projects being funded by the county. Her insights shed light on the financial health of the region and the major initiatives that will shape the future. View the presentation here.
Second District County Supervisor Laura Capps took the stage next, addressing one of the county’s most pressing issues—employee housing and childcare. Her presentation delved into the strategies and measures being taken to address these challenges, underlining the county’s commitment to the fiscal health of families in our community. View the presentation here.
Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce Board President, Joey Zumaya, engaged in a candid conversation with County Chairman, Supervisor Das Williams. The discussion touched upon vital topics such as housing, greenhouse gas reduction, and recruitment and overtime issues at the county level. This conversation highlighted the collaborative efforts between local business leaders and government officials in shaping the county’s policies and priorities. View the presentation here.
The event concluded with a presentation from UC Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project Director, Peter Rupert. Rupert provided attendees with a comprehensive regional economic update, offering valuable insights into the economic trends and forecasts that will influence the business landscape in the Santa Barbara County region.
The State of the County event was presented by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce in partnership with all the chambers of commerce in Santa Barbara County — including the Buellton Chamber of Commerce, Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Santa Ynez Chamber, and Solvang Chamber of Commerce. This collaborative effort emphasized the unity of purpose among these organizations in supporting the county’s businesses and communities.
The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce takes pride in being the unified voice for the business community. It remains committed to serving as the leading business-support organization, providing timely, relevant, and trustworthy information from elected officials and county leadership teams. The annual State of the County event reaffirmed the chamber’s dedication to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and progress within Santa Barbara County.
Read more on the State of the County on Noozhawk.
