Atascadero Chamber of Commerce Marks Century of Success and Service to the Community

By Camille DeVaul

For one century, the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce has been an ally for the local businesses that make our community the vibrant and unique place that we know today.

An Atascadero News article dated January 20, 1922, titled “Commerce Chamber to Elect Directors,” is one of the first relics from the Chamber’s origins. The first committee met at the Atascadero Inn and installed the following directors: H.C. Stone, W.F. Graham, W.B. Ewalt, Fred N. Shultz, Charles R. Smith, Leroy H. Dart, B.J. Robinson, John J. Roth, A.M. Newton, F.F. Peabody, Caryl Smith, C.J. Trussler, Carl Peterson, J.H. Driscoll, and J.B. Banker.

Since then, the Chamber has added over 200 members and continued to be a voice for local businesses with programs like the Shop Local Bonus Program, connected businesses with the Employee Retention Tax Credit funding, which has saved members more than $4,000,000 over the past five months, facilitated the Business Walk visiting over 500 businesses in over four hours, expanded the Bridgeworks Coworking Space, and are preparing for the 26th annual Lakeside Wine Fest — a community favorite event.

Since 1972, the Chamber has celebrated individuals with the Annual Community Awards. Over the years, these have included the Business Man of the Year, Retailer of the Year, Community Service Award, and Beautification/ Remodel Award.

Fifty-one years later, we are thrilled to recognize the Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Community Organization of the Year, Woman of Influence, and Lifetime Achievement Award in the following pages.

And to celebrate 100 years, Atascadero News Magazine reached out to three key individuals who have been instrumental in the development of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce and took a trip down memory lane.