Welcome, 2023! We have an exciting year ahead of us. It’s our 100th anniversary here at the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce and we’re pulling out all the stops! There’s no better way to celebrate than with new programs to help our local business community thrive in the new year. The team and I have worked hard and we’re in the process of rolling out three new programs to benefit you.

First is the Get Your Business Online! Program; this initiative supports assisting small businesses to modernize the way they conduct business in 2023 and beyond. The trend of online shopping and booking has only grown, and COVID-19 only accelerated this trend. Now, it’s even more essential that local shops get online to meet the new way customers are shopping and booking. This program seeks to bridge the gap between stores and the digital space by offering in-person training, expert guidance, and creative assistance online.

The second program we’re working on addresses one of the top challenges faced by our region’s businesses – workforce development. The COVID-19 Pandemic brought significant and unforeseen impacts to the local business community. That’s why immediately after the economic shutdown in 2020, our Chamber team began partnering with local employers regarding funding assistance and business retention solutions. Now, we’ve agreed to serve as the Contract Lead on behalf of the San Luis Obispo County Chambers of Commerce for our Workforce Development Program to engage our business community with workforce development programs to keep, create, and promote local jobs.

Last but not least is our Jr. CEO Program, a five-week digital business education course that teaches children the basics of starting their own company. It includes a fall and spring program around scenarios like opening a hot chocolate stand or an orange juice stand. This program is great for 6th graders and above and covers essential concepts like business fundamentals, cost models, safety/food prep, marketing, customer service, and money management.

The Chamber team and I want to thank you for your support over the years. Every day that we can work to help local businesses is another day well spent. Thank you for an amazing 100 years – let’s keep this going strong for another 100!

– Josh Cross, Atascadero Chamber CEO

Josh Cross

President & CEO of the Atascadero Chamber | Josh Cross

Josh Cross is a longtime Central Coast local, having grown up right here in Atascadero. He has a strong knowledge of governmental and community issues, in addition to economic development. Previously he worked as the Director of Economic Development for the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, and has always been passionate about the incredible work Chambers can do for their community.