SLO County Recognizes 32 Family-Friendly Workplaces Leading the Way in Employee Support

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Third-quarter award winners demonstrate how family-friendly practices help local businesses retain employees, reduce costs, and strengthen the workforce

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SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. –  The SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Program is celebrating 32 local organizations as its third-quarter 2026 award recipients, recognizing employers that are finding meaningful ways to support working families while building stronger, more resilient businesses.

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From small businesses and nonprofits to wineries and larger employers, this quarter's awardees demonstrate that family-friendly practices are possible across industries and can make a measurable difference in workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and retention.

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Supporting Employees Is Good for Business

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With employers facing rising costs and ongoing challenges in hiring and retaining workers, family-friendly workplace practices are becoming an increasingly valuable business strategy.

According to Gallup, replacing an employee can cost 50% to 200% of their annual salary—potentially $30,000 to $120,000 for an employee earning $60,000. Flexible scheduling, paid leave, childcare assistance, and other supportive practices can help businesses retain experienced employees, reduce absenteeism, and avoid costly turnover. Many of these benefits can be implemented at little or no cost.

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Local third-quarter award recipients are experiencing these benefits firsthand.

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Ten Over Studio, a Red Diamond awardee, reports that family-friendly practices have helped build a workplace culture rooted in trust, flexibility, and mutual respect.

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"Family-friendly workplaces are important because they recognize that employees are whole people, and supporting their lives outside of work creates a more engaged, loyal, and connected team," the organization shared.

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Glick Haupt Marino LLP, a Platinum awardee, describes a similar connection between supporting employees and helping them succeed at work:

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"Family-friendly workplace practices empower our team members to be there for life's milestones—big or small. When they are able to focus on being present outside of work without guilt, they are able to 'show up' at work more fully."

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Other awardees report tangible improvements. Torchlight Marketing credits its practices with increased employee morale and camaraderie, while Badger Branding reports greater job satisfaction. Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance highlights how remote work and flexible time off help working parents manage family responsibilities.

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"These businesses recognize that employees don't leave their family responsibilities at the door when they come to work," said Christina Lefevre Latner, Workforce Development Manager for the SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Program. "Supporting employees through practical, often low-cost benefits helps create workplaces where people want to stay—and where businesses can thrive."

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Hospitality Spotlight: McPrice Myers Wines Challenges Industry Assumptions

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The third-quarter awards were released at the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce's Good Morning SLO event on October 22, featuring Liz Gillingham, the Director of Business Operations with McPrice Myers Wines as the SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Employer Spotlight speaker. A second announcement will occur at the Paso Robles & Templeton Chamber of Commerce Wake Up Paso event on November 7.

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A four-time Blue Diamond award recipient, McPrice Myers Wines offers an example of how hospitality businesses can embrace family-friendly practices despite the industry's unique scheduling and staffing demands.

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In an industry where weekend work, seasonal fluctuations, and customer service expectations can make flexibility seem out of reach, McPrice Myers Wines demonstrates that supporting employees and operating a successful hospitality business are not mutually exclusive.

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Its example challenges the assumption that family-friendly benefits are only feasible for traditional office workplaces and offers inspiration for wineries, restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality employers throughout the county.

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Third Quarter 2026 Family-Friendly Workplace Award Recipients

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Red Diamond — Care Conquerors

• Central Coast Gymnastics

• San Luis Obispo County YMCA

• Ten Over Studio

 

Blue Diamond — Change Makers

• 4Creeks, Inc.

• All Dry

• CAPSLO

• The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County

• Megan's Organic Market

• The Rice Partnership

• San Luis Obispo Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA)

 

Orange Diamond — Hospitality Heroes

• Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground

 

Diamond — Distinguished Champions

• Atascadero Chamber of Commerce

• Firestone Walker, Inc.

• Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo County (HASLO)

• In Balance Green Consulting

• MUST! Charities

• San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce

• Sorona, Inc.

• Torchlight Marketing

 

Platinum — Trail Blazers

• Community Partners in Caring

• Glick Haupt Marino LLP

• Glenn Burdette

• Paso Robles & Templeton Chamber of Commerce

• Templeton Glass

• The Pad Climbing

 

Gold — Committed Leaders

• Badger Branding

• Leticia's First Class Cleaning, Inc.

 

Silver — Rising Stars

• Albert's Florist

• Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery

 

Bronze — On the Pathway

• CultureStoke

• Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

• Spokes

 

More Local Employers Encouraged to Participate

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With more than 400 workplace assessments completed and 300 awards presented since the program's launch in 2021, the SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Program continues to grow its network of employers committed to supporting working families.

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All San Luis Obispo County employers—regardless of size, industry, or Chamber membership—are encouraged to participate. The 15-minute assessment provides personalized feedback, a consultation, and the opportunity to qualify for a Family-Friendly Workplaces Award. The assessment, consultation, and award recognition are all completely free.

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The deadline for the final 2026 award cycle is December 31.

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Visit www.slofamilyfriendlywork.org to complete the assessment and learn more.

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About the SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Program

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The SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Program helps employers adopt practical policies that support working families and strengthen the local economy. Hosted by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce and funded by First 5 San Luis Obispo County, the program works in collaboration with the San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles & Templeton, Morro Bay, and South County Chambers of Commerce.

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Media Contact

Christina Lefevre Latner, MPP
Workforce Development Manager
SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Program
christina@slofamilyfriendlywork.org
(805) 286-2490
www.slofamilyfriendlywork.org

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Source: Gallup, "This Fixable Problem Costs U.S. Businesses $1 Trillion" (2019).