Vision Atascadero is a non-profit organization formed by an independent group of Atascadero citizens whose goals are

• To foster a greater sense of community in Atascadero;
  
• To encourage positive, proactive approaches to community issues;
  
• To promote thoughtful, informed citizen involvement in our community;
  
• To educate citizens about local issues.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vision Atascadero

1. What does Vision Atascadero offer the Atascadero community?
More people are turning to Web sites for information today. Vision Atascadero's Web site provides information about community resources, such as local businesses and local artists—information that is not readily available elsewhere.

2. Why did Vision Atascadero start a Buy Local program?
In other communities existing organizations, like the Chamber of Commerce, sponsor Buy Local programs. Since there was no such program here, Vision Atascadero launched a Buy Local program. Our purpose is to educate consumers about the unique and diverse businesses in Atascadero and the many ways that locally-owned businesses benefit our town.

3. Why not include national chains?
Buying from local merchants stimulates our economy by re-circulating the profits. Local business put their profits back into the local economy; they use local suppliers and local services. They participate directly in the life of the community. Vision Atascadero is not opposed to chains, and some local chains meet our criteria, but chains don't need promotion as much as locally-owned businesses do. We encourage consumers to think local first.

4. Is Vision Atascadero associated with other local groups?
No. Vision Atascadero is an independent, non-profit organization with no ties to local advocacy groups. The mission of Vision Atascadero is to educate local residents about community issues, seek proactive solutions to problems, and create a greater sense of community by increased awareness of local resources.

5. Who supports Buy Local?
Over one hundred businesses and dozens of local artists currently participate in Vision Atascadero's Buy Local and Buy Local Art programs. Many community members have praised the efforts of Vision Atascadero.

6. Why does Vision Atascadero sponsor a Buy Local Art program?
Many people don't realize that Atascadero has an abundance of artistic talent. Our goal is to educate the public about unique local resources—and our artists are certainly such a resource. The Vision Atascadero Web site is a place where people can learn about the work of many of our fine visual artists.

7. What's next for Vision Atascadero?
Vision Atascadero is committed to being an educational forum for community resources and community issues. Web pages concerning tourism and local resources are now in the development stages.

8. How can I get more information or become involved?
Contact our spokesperson, Michael Latner, at mlatner@visionatascadero.com to learn more about Vision Atascadero or how to become involved.