Our Atascadero community truly is remarkable. It hardly seems like one night a year at the Annual Gala & Awards is enough to celebrate all the incredible work our community is doing. Over 100 businesses generously donated items and services for the auction that helped raise a record amount of funding so that the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce may continue its mission of supporting the local business community. Around 250 individuals, businesses, families, and leaders attended the evening to demonstrate support and partake in this celebration of Atascadero. The focus of the evening centered around the following individuals and businesses that were nominated and awarded for their outstanding work in our community.
Ambassador Of The Year: Jill Glover
Our Ambassadors at the Chamber have an essential role to fill. They are the champions for a stronger and better-connected community. As the official greeters for Atascadero, they provide an enthusiastic welcome and offer assistance to all businesses in the city. As an Ambassador of the Chamber for years, Jill Glover has always been one of the first folks to step up and help out at events. You have probably talked with her at a Membership Mixer, Ribbon Cutting, Art & Wine Tour, or a different Chamber event. Jill is known throughout the community as a friend and advocate for local businesses. Her actions, leadership, and passion for Atascadero speak loudly as she acts as a champion for our amazing community. Don’t forget to say hello when you see her at the next Chamber event.
Women Of Influence: Penny Monroe
This is the first year that the Women Of Influence Award has been awarded. Tragically, Penny Monroe passed just late last year; however, her powerful legacy in Atascadero and as the owner of Hush Harbor Bakery continues strong in our community. Penny and her husband left their jobs in the aerospace industry to chase their passion of opening a bakery. They came to the Central Coast and soon opened a bakery that we all know and love, Hush Harbor Bakery. Her memory lives on through her bakery and her family as they continue to create artisan bread, fresh pastries, and mouth-watering lunches. We encourage you to stop by and enjoy lunch there soon!
Women Of Influence: Angela Cisneros
Angela Cisneros was another fantastic individual who was awarded the Women Of Influence Award. She established the first-ever Jewelry Concierge business in Atascadero, Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge. By serving customers by appointment, Angela ensures that customer service and shopping experience are customized and the number one priority. This means there are no lines, no hassle, and plenty of experience as you work with her to find or create your perfect piece of jewelry. Opening just before the pandemic, Angela worked hard to continue to serve her customers and establish her business during that challenging time. The immensely positive reviews that her business has received speak for the quality of her work and passion for jewelry! If you haven’t booked an appointment with her, we highly recommend it.
Community Organization Of The Year: The Printery Foundation
The Printery Foundation is working to transform the historic Atascadero Printery building into a modern community facility. Their goal is to have it serve as a venue for the performing arts, an innovative printing museum, and an office/meeting space for community members to use. They’re currently working on shoring the building, reworking the grand entryway, restoring the windows, constructing an outdoor stage, and removing the falling Karate Studio to keep it from pulling down and collapsing. They’ve hosted several events to raise funds to support this large undertaking to benefit our Atascadero community.
Business Of The Year: The Central Coast Distillery
As the first distillery in downtown Atascadero, The Central Coast Distillery has been serving incredible artisan cocktails and distilled spirits to the community. Their Forager spirit brand is handcrafted in single-batch spirits bottling only the heart of each run. Not only does the quality of their drinks speak for themselves, but this business is also one of the first to step up to help support local events. They go above and beyond in supporting our community, and serving up some of the finest cocktails on the Central Coast. We’d encourage you to swing by their distillery on Traffic Way and congratulate them over drinks.
Citizen Of The Year: Kevin Campion
More than likely, you know Kevin Campion; he’s a strong advocate for the community in Atascadero. As the owner of ATown Park, the only indoor skate and scoot park on the Central Coast, and 805 Boardshop, he’s spearheaded numerous local events for the children of Atascadero. With events ranging from camps, sports contests, and more! Thanks to the world-class training facility found in ATown Park, several local kids have become competitive athletes that have competed around the globe. Make sure to skate on by and say hi!
While the evening of the Annual Gala & Awards has ended, I want to encourage all of us to keep the spirit of celebration. We have an amazing community, and when we all work together, there’s nothing we can’t do.
-Josh Cross, Atascadero Chamber CEO
President & CEO of the Atascadero Chamber | Josh Cross
