Uncle Joe is visiting from out of town. You love Uncle Joe, but he can get on your nerves. First he trashes your favorite football team, then he needles you about your politics. So you look him in the eye and say, “Uncle Joe, you can go to . . . the Hitching Post for Santa Maria BBQ!”
Then you pull out your “Guest Survival Kit” and reveal all the other Santa Maria Valley attractions that await his exploration. Hey, there’s even a coupon for a discount at a local hotel. Hint, hint . . .
The complimentary Guest Survival Kit is the centerpiece of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau’s new “Company’s Coming” campaign. This campaign aims to help local residents entertain their guests and encourage them to explore all that the Santa Maria Valley has to offer.
The kits come in specially marked bags and contain Santa Maria Valley promotional materials and coupons. They include:
• The newly updated Santa Maria Style Barbecue booklet
• Coupons offered by local businesses and attractions
• Santa Maria Valley Visitors Guide
• A two-sided touring map with local attraction highlights
• The newly updated Santa Maria Valley Wine Country booklet
• An itinerary geared for children and their parents
• Welcome letter
The kits can be picked up by local residents at the Chamber’s Visitors Center at 614 South Broadway in Santa Maria. If you are not a local resident but would like a barbecue booklet, visitors guide or other complimentary materials to help you plan a trip to the Santa Maria Valley, call the Chamber at (805) 925-2403 with your request.
P.S. For a peek at the kits, see the linked video segments on KCOY/KKFX and KSBY.
