On April 18, Emily Reneau greeted merchants at the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce Mixer. It was a golden opportunity for business owners and residents to meet the new CEO/President of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce.
“We are excited to have Emily Reneau as our incoming CEO,” said Angela Cisneros, the 2019 chairperson of the Atascadero Chamber Board of Directors. “As a longtime resident of North County, Emily has a passion for the community, and she succeeds wherever she directs her energy.”
Emily and her husband Scott Reneau moved to north San Luis Obispo County from Southern California in 1996 with their then-18-month-old baby girl to work for Scott’s family dealership, Jerry
Reneau Chrysler Dodge. Emily, the consummate volunteer leader, donated her time for many local charities.
Once her children were in school, Emily landed the role of Parent Teacher Organization president and auction chair at Saint Rose Catholic School. As non-traditional as she may seem, Emily finds motherhood to be the biggest accomplishment of her life. Her daughter, Shelby, 24, is a comedian in Los Angeles. James Sloane, 20, is a musician who attends Cuesta College. Carson, 15, is a high school student who is active in drama and choir.
Emily’s relational approach to community involvement has extended to performing arts in previous stage work with Pioneer Players community theater and in education as a board member of the Paso Robles Library Foundation, the Paso Robles Education Alliance, and the REC Foundation in Paso Robles.
Emily reached a satisfying milestone in 2007 as the project manager for the $1.5 million construction of Paso Robles Children’s Museum. The 7,000 square-foot former city fire department at 623 13th Street received extensive renovation to the ground-level space and basement. Emily achieved the $1.5 million dollar funding goal through generous community donors and memorial foundations, sweat equity, and a $135,875 Community Development Block Grant.
When Paso Robles had fewer than 30 active wineries, Emily worked on the ground floor of Paso Robles Vintners and Growers Association. In her liaison role as the Marketing and Events Manager, Emily managed the Zinfandel Festival, Paso Robles Wine Festival, and Harvest Wine Affair. Emily planned and organized events at Cal Poly and managed the students who host the Cal Poly Wine Festival.
Over almost eight years at the American Heart Association, Emily worked as the Business Development Director, initiating a new heart walk and luncheon in the North County and overseeing the existing heart walk and luncheon in San Luis Obispo and events in Santa Maria. Most recently, Emily has worked as the Business Development Associate for H.M. Holloway, Inc., opening up the company’s Paso Robles office and leading the firm’s community outreach on the Central Coast.
Emily’s hire at the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce comes after much hope and anticipation of one day being the lead for a North County community organization.
“Ever since working with Walt Disney Company as the Community Relations Coordinator for the expansion of Disneyland Resort, I’ve always wanted a position as a chamber director,” Emily said.
“For the past few years, Atascadero has made some fabulous strides. I’m excited to be part of the development going forward and helping to position Atascadero as a catalyst in tourism in North County.”
“I’m thrilled about the La Plaza project to enhance Atascadero,” Emily said. “BridgeWork is another feather in the Chamber’s cap. Creating a coworking space for telecommuters and nonprofit executives can only help the economy in North County and allow for double-income families and young entrepreneurs to better their businesses.”
The “Creekside Building” in Colony Square at 6907 El Camino Real, previously used for mixed retail and City Hall offices, has been repurposed courtesy of a $15,000 pledge and partnership with
Pacific Premier Bank. The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce will oversee a new visitor’s center and 3,200-square-foot public office space will enable people to work remotely from downtown and even cross-pollinate skillsets with other professionals.
“I am collaborative, yet competitive,” laughed Emily. “I believe in empowering people and using their creative energy to generate new ideas. It’s an exciting time in Atascadero and I’m so glad to
take part in all of it!”