Business Roundtable – 6/8/2021 – 10:00 am

MISSION: success in two stages of 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. Continued vaccination clinic effort during Farmers Market in downtown Monterey; rental assistance still ongoing in partnership with United Way; City Council of June 15 will be seeking adoption of 2021/2022 budget; hybrid meeting now allowed: 50 people maximum, mask and social distancing protocols in place.
  2. General Conversation: Food Bank of Monterey County: Status After a Year of Pandemic. Melissa Kendrick, Executive Director. One in four adults in Monterey County is receiving food from Food Bank; 60,000 families each month, via 100 weekly distributions; in partnership with 160 non-profit organizations, and great collaboration between agricultural and hospitality organizations; thanks to over 500 volunteers, National Guard and a staff of 28; many new programs (mobile pantry, food truck, kids food fix, more at www.foodbankformontereycounty.org); revenue mainly from individual donations, grants and produce donations. 
  3. Agriculture. Very successful vaccination campaign for farmworkers; Salinas recognized as low spot in country for infections; harvesting underway on first crops, planting starting for second crops; ag and hospitality working closely together for recovery funds to bring back tourism in Monterey County.
  4. Retail. Cannery Row: Optimism as rent revenue for April 2021 exceeded April 2019; sales are down even though some businesses doing better than ever.
  5. Financial, SBA, Loans & Grants. Many government programs for additional business assistance have ended their application periods; shuttered venue grant application period is still ongoing; SBA focus is now on loan forgiveness; additional rounds of CA small business relief grants will be determined in the next few weeks.
  6. Non-Profit sector. SCORE: Sean Devine is new local contact; Chamber room will be available for hybrid meetings.
  7. Transportation. MST: Board meeting of June 14 will vote on SURF project and 2-year budget; more than 200 free trips for vaccines were given; 244 free passes distributed.
  8. Government Affairs. Monterey One Water voted last night to authorize an abrupt and important rate increase of sewer service (112% over the next 5 years); see table showing how the board voted at the June 7 meeting here.

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday, June 22 at 10:00am.

Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is Now Hiring

1. Accountant/Bookkeeper: the candidate will be processing accounting entries related to billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable and prepare monthly financial statements. Must have knowledge of basic accounting, Excel and MS Office. Ideally 5 years or more of similar experience. Income commensurate with experience. Benefit package available.

2. Salesperson: a self-starter is sought to sell membership, advertising, and other marketing tools to the local regional business community. The ability to make a sale is the ultimate condition. Income is basis plus commission. Benefit package available.

Please submit resume or inquiries to communications@montreychamber.com or call 831-648-5383
Inns of Monterey proudly announce the appointment of Tim McGregor as Vice President and General Manager, responsible for all aspects of management, including staff development, guest satisfaction, and financial performance for our collection of hotels, including Monterey Bay Inn, Spindrift Inn, Victorian Inn, Wave Street Inn, and Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa.

McGregor brings 28 years of hospitality management and customer service experience to his dynamic new post. Extensive knowledge of food and beverage operations compliments his hotel experience.

The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a warm welcome and congratulations to Tim McGregor and the Inns of Monterey!
MPCC LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
Please forward this e-blast to your colleagues, customers, clients, friends, family and fellow community members!