The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce announced the transfer of the successful SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Program to their chamber as its new home. This strategic move will ensure the continued growth and impact of the program, which provides resources and support to businesses throughout San Luis Obispo County to foster a strong and inclusive local workforce through the implementation of family-friendly workplace practices. The next phase of the program will benefit from additional funding provided by First 5 San Luis Obispo County, supporting its continued expansion and service to regional businesses.
“We are honored to become the new home of the SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Program,” said Josh Cross, President/CEO of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce. “This program is a natural fit with our mission to support businesses and strengthen our workforce. By helping employers adopt family-friendly workplace practices, we’re not only supporting local families but also boosting the economic vitality of our entire region.”
Originally launched in 2021, housed at the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce with financial support from both the County of San Luis Obispo and First 5 San Luis Obispo County, the SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Program was created to help employers implement family-friendly benefits that attract and retain talent—often without significant financial investment. Examples of such practices include flexible and predictable scheduling, pre-tax spending accounts, paid and unpaid leave, and lactation accommodation.
“First 5 SLO County is proud to continue to support this innovative program which has the potential to positively impact children and families throughout our region,” said District 3 Supervisor and First 5 Commission Chair, Dawn Ortiz-Legg. “By helping more parents get to work, the SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Program strengthens families, supports businesses, and fuels our local economy while fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce.”
The program has played a critical role in addressing local workforce challenges. A Cuesta College-funded study found that nearly 1,400 parents in San Luis Obispo County are unable to work due to family obligations. By adopting family-friendly workplace practices, local employers can tap into this skilled workforce—potentially increasing the county’s gross regional product by more than $108 million annually.
Under the transfer, Christina Lefevre Latner, Workforce Development Manager and program lead since its inception, will continue to head the program to ensure a smooth transition and sustained impact. Although the program will now be administered by the Atascadero Chamber, it will continue to offer free services throughout the entire county and maintain important collaborations with all county chambers of commerce, as well as other professional organizations.
“I’m excited to continue this work with the Atascadero Chamber. Their deep connection with the business community makes them a strong partner to expand access to the program and create more opportunities for families and employers alike. This program is a powerful tool for businesses across the county and the more businesses that utilize these benefits, the stronger and healthier our community will be,” Lefevre Latner said.
Lefevre Latner and the Atascadero Chamber will now serve as the primary contact for organizations interested in participating in, or learning more about, the SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Program. The program website, www.slofamilyfriendlywork.org offers resources and education, an assessment, toolkit, and information on the popular award program. The deadline for businesses to apply to become a 2025 SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Awardee is December 31st. You can view a list of current and past award winners on the program website.
The Atascadero Chamber is also inviting local businesses, organizations, and community leaders to partner as program sponsors. Sponsorship helps sustain and expand the program’s reach—allowing more employers to implement family-friendly practices that benefit working families, strengthen recruitment and retention, and build a more resilient local economy. At its new location sponsorships can now be accepted as tax-deductible donations.
For more information on how to become a SLO County Family-Friendly Workplace —or a program sponsor—contact Christina Lefevre Latner at christina@slofamilyfriendlywork.org or call (805) 466-2044.
