In previous years, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber has joined its Strawberry Industry partners to recognize local businesses and nonprofits that support the Strawberry Industry in a multitude of ways. The Annual Strawberry Industry Recognition Dinner returns this year at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 6.

The event, at the Santa Maria Fairpark Convention Center, will celebrate and honor the companies and people who work at producing, packaging, and selling one of the key local commodities – strawberries.

The dinner also serves as a chance to identify those who help ensure the Strawberry Industry continues to thrive in Santa Maria, and continues to be the premier industry.

“Agriculture, and strawberries in particular, are foundational to our local economy,” said Glenn Morris, president/CEO of the chamber. “We’re thrilled each year to partner with the leaders and employees of this industry to celebrate the crop, the industry, and most importantly, the people who make it so successful.”

This Santa Maria Valley Chamber-hosted event will include cocktail hour and dinner, and feature entertainment from Mariachi Alma De Jalisco, as well as a raffle, whose proceeds benefit the Strawberry Commission’s Scholarship Program.

Direct questions about the Annual Strawberry Industry Recognition Dinner to Alex Castillo, the chamber’s strategic initiatives manager, 805-925-2403 ext. 814, or email alex@santamaria.com.