1/17/2022 – 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. City of Monterey. City Manager, Hans Uslar reported that the board of the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) approved a methodology to calculate a Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for each Monterey Bay Area city and county. The City of Monterey was allocated 3,654 new housing units (approximately 10,500 more people for a city with a 2020 census population of 30,218). He noted that “these are planning numbers that do not necessarily translate into construction.” The lack of additional water for the Monterey Peninsula as well as potential zoning constraints such as sea level rise, fire hazard zones, and emergency egress will limit the City in their planning efforts.
  2. City of Sand City. Councilmember Libby Sofer reported that the city council is seeking to hire a new City Manager after the departure of their current city manager, who successfully oversaw the city budget, staff, murals, arts, and outdoor celebrations in the West End. A Total Wine & More store has just opened up in Sand City (at Sand Dollar Shopping Center, 808 Playa Avenue) 
  3. Healthcare. CHOMP reported 28 in-house patients at the hospital because of COVID-19 infection. Almost all of them are unvaccinated. Hospital remains busy with scheduled surgeries.
  4. Financial, SBA, Loans, & Grants. Cal Coastal Small Business Development Center can help businesses that received Paycheck Protection Program loans to get them forgiven. The Center can also help businesses that recently applied for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans but were rejected. King City is now accepting applications for business relief grants for up to 10k. 
  5. Education. Hartnell College reports they will open the newly-constructed Castroville Education Center and the newly-constructed Center for Nursing and Health Sciences for in-person classes on Monday, January 24, 2022.
  6. Transportation. Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) reports continued staffing challenges that has forced MST to cancel some routes. People getting vaccinations can get a free MST ride to and from the site. Students at CSMUB, MPC, and Hartnell College can ride the bus for free with a student ID. 
  7. New Start Recovery Solutions. Sierra Health and Wellness Centers purchased the Beacon House operation in Pacific Grove and is now “New Start Recovery Solutions”.
  8. Hospitality. Groups are postponing events because of COVID-19 infection rates. However, leisure travel is up in numbers over last year and Average Daily Rate (ADR) is up significantly. As of February 1, 2022, the See Monterey app will be available on the Apple or Google app stores. 
  9. MPCC. Seaside City Council at their January 20 meeting will discuss options for a commercial vacancy tax and/or blighted building penalty. Free at-home test kits now available through USPS website.
  10. Utilities. Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) reported more than 400 applications received from customers in the counties of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito for the “Electrify Your Ride” electric vehicle (EV), EV Charger, EV Readiness and Electric Bike Incentives. Find more information on these programs and how you can apply here.

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday 2/1/2022 at 10:00am
2022 Annual Membership Luncheon Postponed

Out of an abundance of caution, the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will be POSTPONING the 2022 Annual Membership Luncheon, originally scheduled for January 26, 2022.

While we have successfully held two of our signature events, we have also cancelled events. We believe we can responsibly hold this as an in-person gathering, but collectively agreed postponing was in the best interest of our community.

The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce looks forward to welcoming Members and guests to the 2022 Annual Membership Luncheon sponsored by Mechanics Bank at a later date (TBD). We hope to announce the new date soon and that you'll be able to join us then.

If you have already purchased tickets for the event, we can hold your reservation for the new date or reimburse your ticket. You can contact morganne@montereychamber.com for reimbursement.

Thank you for your understanding.
Thursday, January 20 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
MPCC Offices - 353 Camino El Estero, Monterey
FREE

Special Presentation: “OSHA COVID-19 Vaccination and
Testing ETS: Everything You Need to Know” presented by Spenser Smith of ARCPoint Labs
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Hybrid Meeting | Get Meeting Link

The Business Resource Connection Center provides access to no-fee business resource partners assisting businesses in the Monterey Bay region in addition to free educational seminars presented by MPCC Members and community leaders.

Saturday, January 2022| 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Del Monte Beach at Tide Avenue
Volunteer Opportunity - FREE

Join us as we partner with Blue Zones Project - Monterey County and Monterey Peninsula Young Professionals for a beach clean up on Del Monte Beach. This will be a fun, safe and FREE outdoor activity perfect for those looking to give back while networking with other professionals in the area. 

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