The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce joined the Santa Maria Public Airport earlier this month in announcing new air service for the community, with flights to Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

“We are thrilled to welcome United Airlines back to Santa Maria,” said Glenn Morris, President & CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau. “We believe that connecting service to three major gateway airports will be a significant advantage for our local businesses and will help us to increase visitor traffic as more people discover the real value that the Santa Maria Valley represents on California’s Central Coast.”

The Chamber, via its Economic Development Commission, has been an active partner with the Airport in promoting air service. “As part of the Airport’s Air Service Team, we have participated in an ongoing campaign to keep our community top-of-mind with the route planners at United and other airlines,” explained Suzanne Singh, Economic Development Director for the Chamber. “We have visited airline headquarters, hosted visits to the community, and provided technical and demographic information to demonstrate that there is a real market here for them to serve. We are convinced that connectivity to three of the most important hubs in the United system will be an important tool for us as we work to attract new businesses and grow our existing businesses, ranging from our hospitality businesses to the growing space operations at Vandenberg Air Force Base.”

Jennifer Harrison, Tourism Director for the Chamber, also welcomed the announcement of new flights into the Santa Maria Airport. “Santa Maria offers a really unique and value-oriented experience for people looking to get away from the crowds of California’s major metros and experience a more authentic and relaxed connection with our outdoor attractions and our world-class wine region,” she said. “Today’s announcement means that people wanting to experience true Santa Maria Style hospitality have a new option for getting here!”

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is the largest business organization in Northern Santa Barbara County. The Chamber is committed to championing a vibrant and successful Santa Maria Valley and to being a catalyst for business growth in our region. Our partnership with the Santa Maria Public Airport on air service development is one representation of how we are making that commitment real.

Serving the greater Santa Maria Valley in the heart of California’s Central Coast, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau is a nonprofit association that provides services for the local business community, facilitates local tourism and is a resource of information on the region’s many attractions and visitor services. The Santa Maria Chamber prides itself on being a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger Santa Maria Valley. For details on the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, visit www.santamaria.com or call (805) 925-2403.