11/02/2021 – 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

  1. Healthcare. New HMO in Monterey County - Montage Health and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS) have teamed up with Blue Shield of California to offer the Trio HMO to individuals, and all small, medium, and large businesses starting January 1, 2022. Blue Shield is working directly with Aspire Health Plan to manage various operational services and medical expenses, building on the expertise of Aspire Health Plan, a not-for-profit Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan sponsor that Montage Health and SVMHS created for Medicare contracts in Monterey County. Trio HMO will be available both on and off the Covered California health exchange as of January 1, 2022 - initially in eight zip codes on the Monterey Peninsula from Marina to Monterey, and eventually to all zip codes in Monterey County except for South County (south of Soledad), slated for some time in 2022. To qualify, individuals will need to either live or work in the approved zip codes. Trio represents a comprehensive set of benefits delivered within a defined provider network and entails minimal out-of-pocket costs when obtaining services from in-network providers, no co-insurance or deductibles, just copayments. However, only urgent and emergency services obtained from out-of-network providers are covered. The provider network in Monterey County will largely entail all providers associated with the two main health systems, Montage Health and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, as well as necessary specialties outside of these two health systems, including pediatricians and OB/GYNs. Over 500 physicians will be participating in the Trio HMO product and will be sufficient to meet critical network access standards as required by law. Small group and individual/family (IFP) Trio prices are competitive to current PPO products sold in Monterey County, example: IFP premiums are estimated to be 34% less than the Blue Shield PPO Silver option sold on the exchange (Blue Shield is the sole IFP coverage option for Monterey County residents). This is the first commercial HMO product available in Monterey County outside of CalPERS (and Tricare for military households) in over two decades. This new HMO is in the implementation stage, so information may initially be elusive. For more information, contact a Blue Shield broker, or go visit coveredca.gov or blueshieldca.com/getblue.  
  2. Hospitality & Tourism. 11/8 will see an opening up to international travel.    
  3. State of California. See attached. 
  4. Retail. Report from Del Monte Center - business picking up, mall traffic nearing 2019 numbers. 5 Fall concerts, Tree Lighting, Santa returning. Hiring major challenge. Two leases newly signed, first in two years.
  5. Financial, SBA, Loans, & Grants. Grants of up to $250,000 are available to eligible performing arts venues, including nonprofits, through The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (administered by Lendistry – same entity that administered the CA Relief Grant). The short application window for the California Venues Grant Program opens October 29 to November 19, 2021. Designed to assist venues in CA impacted by COVID-19 closures. Click here for eligibility criteria. If organization meets the eligibility criteria, you can still receive a grant even if you already received a California Relief Grant (although the CA Relief Grant amount will be deducted from this grant award).
  6. Transportation. MST is hiring. Issued 400+ day passes for people who obtained vaccinations
  7. Renewable Energy. Central Coast Community Energy launches new Construction Electrification Program for affordable housing only and Electrify Your Ride Program, inclusive of fleet vehicles.
  8. ARC Redistricting Commission. Next meeting 11/4/21. You are encouraged to review the draft maps-discussion on moving DRO into District 5
California Grants Available Now
 
Homeless Encampment Clean-Up:
 Farmworker Grant Program:
 Housing: 
 Housing/Strategic Growth/Transit:
 Cannabis:
 Homelessness:
 Broadband/Libraries:
NEW: Business Resource Connection Center
This Thursday, November 4 | 11 AM - 1 PM

In an effort to connect local small business owners and entrepreneurs with no-fee business services and resources available in the region, the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has launched the Business Resource Connection Center. Representatives will provide information on business services such as free counseling sessions, access to mentors, human resource guidance, help to acquire loans, how to develop a business plan and many other resources available through its partner agencies free of charge.

MPCC LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
Please forward this e-blast to your colleagues, customers, clients, friends, family and fellow community members!