Staff Report
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau has announced recipients in the first of two 2018 grant cycles to help nonprofit organizations with marketing help to reach target visitor markets.
Nearly $22,000 was awarded to nine local nonprofit organizations that submitted applications, including the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA).
“Our Special Projects Grant sponsorship program is funded by the Visitor Bureau in order to support events, projects and attractions that strengthen our economy and generate overnight stays in local hotels,” said Jennifer Harrison, bureau director.
Recipients for the first cycle of grants in 2018 are:
- Kiwanis of Santa Maria, in support of the Santa Maria Beerfest
- HCE Productions, for the 805 Country Music Festival & Agricultural Showcase
- Santa Maria Taekwondo Academy, for the 2018 Santa Maria Open Taekwondo Championship
- Santa Maria Bent Axles Street Rods Inc., for its Bent Axles Car Show, Cruise and Barbecue held in July
- Pickups Limited, for its F-100 North-South Run auto show held in August
- Pacific Conservatory Theatre, in support of its year-round community performances
- Elks Rodeo
- Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, for the Christmas on the Trail passport event
- West Coast Kustoms, for the Cruisin’ National Kustom Car Show and the 2018 Santa Maria City Cruise
“The success of these events truly builds on our area’s recognition and economic well-being. We are pleased to offer our support and collaborate on getting the word out,” Harrison said.
“We strategically support a diverse range of events in order to tap different markets and groups. This includes reaching out to meeting planners and sporting event hosts to grow the number of gatherings in the Santa Maria Valley,” she said.
Key travel and tour markets for the Santa Maria Valley include the San Francisco Bay Area; Los Angeles; Bakersfield and Kern County; Nevada; and Washington state, she said.
