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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