Chamber of Commerce names Grenda Ernst ‘Citizen of the Year’
–The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce has announced that the 2016 Atascadero Citizen of the Year is Grenda Ernst.
Ernst is well deserving of the recognition as Citizen of the Year for her many years of selflessly serving in our community. She is largely responsible for opening the new Atascadero Library in 2014, and her energy, intelligence, and good humor are notable to all who come into contact with her. Her leadership and dedication have left a unique mark in Atascadero.
With a background in social work, Ernst began working as the chief of social work after moving to Atascadero in 1972. She remained in the position for eight years, then became program director for four years, and spent three years in Clinical Administration before retiring. During that time, Grenda and her husband, Bill welcomed two children into their family: daughter, Suzanne and son, Joseph. Both her children and their families are very proud of her contribution to her community and view her as a wonderful role model for service and giving back.
Ernst’s passion for the library project developed many years ago. When her mother, Sarah Gronstrand, moved to the area in the 1980s, they both became the driving force for filling the need for a larger, more functional space for Atascadero Library patrons. This led her to join the Friends of the Library to help raise funds that would enhance the Atascadero Library.
As the president of the Friends of the Atascadero Library Board of Directors for seven years, from 2007-2014, Ernst was active in a capital campaign to raise funds for the new library. Her leadership and commitment paid off when the Atascadero Library reopened, looking better than ever with enhanced programs and facilities for the residents of our community.
In addition to her involvement with the library, she also served as the co-president of the Atascadero Branch of the Association of American University Women from 2008 to 2009. In 2009, she was the AAUW Educational Foundation Name-Gift Honoree and the recipient of the AAUW Community Service Award in 2010. For many years, she was a member of the 100 Women Who Care Organization and continues to work with Meals on Wheels to deliver meals to local citizens in Atascadero.
Ernst was a member of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce Centennial Committee from 2012 to 2013, and also received the Community Foundation SLO County Women of Distinction Award for Community and Public Service in 2015. She served as a Colony Days Parade Judge in 2015 and Tent City Judge for Colony Days in 2016. She was honored a Colony Days Parade Marshal this year as well.
