Business Roundtable – 3/9/2021 - 10:00am
MISSION: Success in two stages during the Coronavirus threat:
1) Response to the immediate threat
2) Economic recovery when the threat diminishes.
Recap
Response to immediate threat
1. City of Monterey. Recap of current measures within the City. Vaccination efforts for first responders is a priority; doses received are also directed to homeless population; testing remains a priority to move to Red tier.
2. Hospitality & Tourism. Competing destinations are moving to lower tier and the perceived safety attracts travelers; continued efforts are underway to increase vaccinations and acceptance of testing needs; Monterey Conference Center to be equipped with a high-end studio production module, enhancing hybrid events. Gina Phinney of Turn 12 Bar & Grill gave a first-hand experience of her challenges of operating a restaurant during the pandemic: disappearance of her trained staff, needs to maintain optional outdoor dining as guests may prefer it vs. indoor dining; excessive heating costs.
3. Retail. Reported interest in leasing at The Barnyard; ribbon cutting of a new business on Alvarado Street this Friday March 12th: Board & Brush – 2:00pm.
4. Health Care. CHOMP reports only 10 cases, 4 of which are active; vaccine clinics going smoothly; hospitality and restaurant workers can inquire about vaccinations by calling 211 or United Way; volunteers can help in clinics.
6. Financial, SBA, Loans & Grants. PPP applicants for the second round to apply by March 31st; California Grant program opens Round 3 until March 11th and a fourth round will open on March 16th for arts and culture sector.
7. Non-Profit sector. Arts4MC reports a 32% drop on economic impact of arts organizations; mainly affected are museums and performing arts with over 90% drop; will take 15 years to recover; please support these organizations when they re-open.
8. Education. CSUMB considering in-person instruction in the Fall; reviewing different formulas even with possible large tents for outdoor instruction; anticipate staff and faculty being vaccinated by Mid to late June; MPUSD doing a hybrid re-opening of all grades to be conceivable by mid-April.
9. Transportation. MST to provide free transportation for those who need a vaccine; proof of appointment and ID needed.
Next teleconference will be held Tuesday 3/16/2021 at 10:00am. General Conversation with Dan Baldwin, President/CEO Community Foundation of Monterey County. Update on the efforts of the collaborative initiative in Monterey County.
