Kristen Brown, New Santa Cruz Chamber Executive Director Advocates for Local Businesses

By Jennifer Mount

Santa Cruz is a bustling county with everything that life has to offer. One of the unique qualities of our county is that the majority of our economy is derived from small businesses. In a world where commerce is constantly changing and has steep competition, small business owners question their sustainability. They have to be willing to change with external forces and to find new network connections in order to survive. Small businesses advocate for and satisfy the variety of needs in our county. Who advocates for our small businesses?

A new advocate has come to support our county’s economic vitality. Kristen is the new Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce (SCACC) and she is the perfect fit to lead this long-standing organization. The Chamber is a vital resource as it works to bring resources and people together that support opportunities for growth.

Kristen has deep roots in our county as a 4th generation resident. You may have been treated to Kristen’s stunning vocals as she strummed a guitar standing next to her mother on stage at local Santa Cruz musical venues. You may also have encountered her at the Capitola City Council during her tenure there. Maybe you have waved to her when she and her husband leave for a road trip adventure. Kristen’s reach is widespread and you will at some point be touched by her service and positive impact within our community. As a previously elected official, it is her well established network that makes Kristen the perfect fit to usher in a new era for the Chamber.

As the Executive Director of the Chamber, Kristen sees that it is her role and responsibility to steward the chamber in a direction that allows it to be influential in ensuring economic vitality.  Kristen’s vision is for the Chamber to be in every room and have a voice in the discussions that impact our business community. One of the benefits the Chamber provides is business advocacy. The Chamber writes letters of support or opposition of local issues to elected officials and drafts positions that influence public policy. Kristen wants us to know that her door is open for feedback, ideas, and potential partnerships.

With Covid, several natural disasters, government policies, and general small business sustainability challenges, the future outlook for our local economy and small business owners may appear bleak. However, Kristen’s perspective is that the doors of opportunity are wide open and we are in a position to harness these opportunities. She has been engaging with Chambers around the state to learn including upcoming meetings with the San Jose and Santa Clara Chambers. With the Superbowl and World Cup both coming to Santa Clara in 2026, Santa Cruz County can expect an influx of visitors and a boost to our tourism economy. 

As mentioned, it is Kristen’s skill for building relationships and developing collaborations that position her to be an excellent leader of the SCACC. Through networking mixers, educational workshops, and media amplification, our local Chambers brings members together so they can amplify each others’ work. Remember that Chamber events are open to the public so be sure to join in the fun and camaraderie. 

If you want more ideas for shopping locally or are looking for business opportunities, the Santa Cruz Area Chambers of Commerce has plenty of resources. Visit the  Chamber Events Calendar or contact Kristen at kbrown@santacruzchamber.org for more information.  

We look forward to a new era of economic vitality and thank Kristen Brown and the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce team for leading the charge!

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