By Josh Cross

Nine years ago, Sue Hubbard of Farmers Insurance in Atascadero saw a need for Hispanic businesswomen to have a collaborative space to discuss their unique challenges as minority business owners. Now as we move into 2023, I’m thrilled to share about an exciting new partnership between The Hispanic Business Association and our Chamber. To ensure the Hispanic Business Association members are equipped with the tools and resources they need for continued success, the association has merged with the Atascadero Chamber. 

There’s a growing need in our community for representation and resources for minority-owned businesses. According to Maria Elena Garcia, former president of the Hispanic Business Association, about 20 percent of residents in Atascadero and 36 percent in Paso Robles are Hispanic, with a growing population in San Miguel. Through this partnership, our goal is to better reach and serve the needs of our diverse businesses. In addition, we’re keen on understanding their day-to-day challenges from human resources to bookkeeping — and addressing them. To facilitate this, we’ve recently brought on board three bilingual staff members, two of which have been funded by regional grants. 

I anticipate a lot of learning from our combined and growing business community. Our Chamber team is looking forward to building our knowledge and understanding of the diverse business community we serve. This merger demonstrates what makes our community great — our readiness to work together to lend a hand and help out other local businesses.  

For more information about the Hispanic Business Association, its history, mission, and how to join, please visit hba-cc.org. You can also reach Maria Elena Garcia at (805) 835-7900 or mariacchba@gmail.com.

May New Chamber Members

AT&T, Prime Communications

primecomms.com 

 Boone Printing and Graphics 

 boonegraphics.net 

 Cattos Graphics 

 cattosgraphics.com 

 El Paso Restoration (HBA Member) 

 pasorestoration.com 

 Masons 

 (805) 610-8009 

 Native Nations Group, Inc. 

 (805) 310-1860 

 Pasolivo 

 pasolivo.com/downtown 

 Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden 

 sculpterra.com 

 The Carlton Hotel 

 the-carlton.com 

 Third Wheel Tours 

 thirdwheeltours.com 

 Timshel Vineyards 

 timshelvineyards.com 

 Uncle Ed’s Outfitters

 atascaderogunshop.com

Two Knights Insurance Services, LTD

twoknightsins.com

 July Events & Programs:

Chamber Mixer — La Plaza

 July 20 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

 6490 El Camino Real, Atascadero 

Join us for our July Membership Mixer on July 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at La Plaza. This event offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with local business leaders and engage with our remarkable community. You’ll also have the chance to meet new businesses with Member Alley while enjoying complimentary drinks and bites.

Tickets for the mixer are free for Members and $10 for Non-Members; registration is encouraged to assist with food and beverage planning purposes. Even if you cannot register ahead of time, we still happily welcome your attendance. Register at atascaderochamber.org.

2023 — Atascadero Lakeside Wine Passport

Good for all of 2023. For only $75, you can enjoy complimentary tastings, one per location, at 53 wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries, olive oil tastings, and more. You will also receive complimentary corkage fees at participating restaurants and discounts on local hotel stays. In addition, a portion of the proceeds will help support the Atascadero Charles Paddock Zoo. 

Purchase your passport at atascaderochamber.org/wine-passport or by contacting the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce at (805) 466-2044.

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