Business Roundtable – 7/13/2021 – 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:
- City of Monterey. Recap of current measures within the City. Gradual re-opening (Library, Colton Hall, Doc Rickett’s Lab, Schultze Park Senior Center); re-hiring some employees; heavy traffic produces record parking garage use; TED Conference returns to Monterey August 1-4.
- Hospitality & Tourism. Countywide hotel capacity: 73% (weekdays) – 80% (Fridays) – 90% (Saturdays); still below 2019 figures but gap has shrunk due to leisure travel; Visitor Center will be replaced by a virtual kiosk; Aquarium has a daily capacity to accept 9000 visitors and masks required inside; trolley is operational; time ticketing to spread out crowds.
- Agriculture. 72% of farm workers vaccinated in County (better than State); crop report for 2020 will be out next week; expect decrease in output.
- Retail. Downtown Monterey and Cannery Row see great traffic; finding enough employees still problematic; increase in vaccine demand at Farmer’s Market; Golden State Theater sold has positive prognosis; some restaurants are down in revenue because loss of employees (government benefits or left area.)
- Sacramento Report. Schools and masks are important issues; recall election is on September 14; deadline for replacement candidates to file paperwork is July 16; State budget was signed by Governor; many relief programs funded.
- Community Foundation for Monterey County. Collaborative program still active and effective; emphasis is on vaccines with two project managers and third-party funding; success with webinar with CalOSHA and HR consultants on safe return to workplace.
- Financial, SBA, Loans & Grants. State and Federal portals for assistance now closed; banks still processing PPP applications; grants for Monterey County.
Next teleconference will be held Tuesday, July 27 at 10:00am.
