Santa Maria businesses looking forward to 2018

The overall economic outlook in the Santa Maria is positive and has the city and businesses excited for the start of 2018.

Linda Greco is the owner of ‘That’s FETCH,’ a pet boutique and grooming business on Skyway Drive.

“For many many years people have been saying, ‘why don’t we have this or have that in Santa Maria,’ and now we are finally getting it,” Greco said. “I think there is a positive feeling around, and people are looking forward to the coming year.”

Chamber of Commerce President Glenn Morris says construction growth in both commercial and residential sectors spells another year of expansion. But Morris says new laws and regulations, like the increase in minimum wage, can hold businesses back.

“Even if they are doing well in sales, they are afraid to make that move of adding another person, or growing some things,” Morris said. “But I do believe we are headed towards another good year.”

“We continue to see some modest growth like we’ve seen in the last few years” says city manager Jason Stilwell. “We have good employment numbers here in the Santa Maria valley. We’re still seeing companies expanding, we’re still seeing business grow, so we’re cautiously optimistic.”