Chamber CEO Selected as Regional Economic Development Ambassador

By: Josh Cross, CEO & President of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce

Atascadero Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Josh Cross, was recently selected by the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) as the San Luis Obispo County regional Economic Development Ambassador. Cross will remain with the Chamber while serving a one-year term Ambassadorship. Not new to economic development, Cross formerly worked as the Director of Economic Development for the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the Practitioner Network for the Central Coast Regional Economic Action Coalition (REACH). Cross states, “I’m deeply humbled to be selected as Ambassador for our area. The purpose of the ambassadorship program is to promote regional collaboration to tackle our pre and post-pandemic challenges and to develop a unified action plan for economic prosperity. Working together as a region will help us better articulate our strengths and opportunities to private investors as well as enhance our chances for state and federal grant funding.” Mr. Cross’ efforts are intended to support REACH’s work to transform the quality of life on the Central Coast by building a sustainable, inclusive economy with opportunities for all residents to enjoy productive, fulfilling lives.

This fall, Cross will work with the REACH and CALED teams to bring together the region’s top economic development professionals to discuss solutions for economic resiliency, creation of living-wage jobs, and housing.

In Atascadero, Cross has assembled an Economic Prosperity Council that includes over a dozen local working professionals. The Council is working on developing local broadband policy, a business start-up guide, a community economic profile, and an economic dashboard for the Chamber’s website.

To learn more, get involved, or participate in the regional event or the Economic Prosperity Council, reach out to Josh Cross at (805) 466-2044 or .

-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.