3/1/2022 – 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. Recap of State of the City. Hospitality had a stellar 2021. 15 of 29 businesses on Wharf exceeded 2019 sales. Hospitality is one of the three economic legs along with Military/Education and Healthcare. TOT in January 2022 already at 90% of projected tax for entire fiscal year (ending June 30, 2022) MCCVB and a respected travel analytic company were used for projections.  MCCVB was closer for estimates.  Although there was lower occupancy, the higher rates (ADR-average daily rates), as well as increase in hotel tax from 10%-12% and ½% increase in sales tax aided “roaring” return. Conference Center lost business to omicron surge and remains sensitive.  ARPA funds helped balance city budget 2020-2021, offset tax losses by 32 million.  Significant one-time budget surplus this year. Eliminated 112 of roughly 480 in workforce, hired back 35 employees.  Visitors have returned but sports center has lost 50% of locals. Library visitor numbers are down. 
  2. County of Monterey. Board meeting item from Economic Development to provide wine signage in unincorporated areas, working with Vintners and Growers Association.
  3. Healthcare. 6 Covid- 19 patients in house, loosening restrictions on visitors.  No evidence of another variant circulation.
  4. Community Foundation.  Continues to oversee CV-19 Collaborative, providing information to employers on state guidelines. VIDA Project - 4.95 million in county funding runs out 3/31/22. County received matching grants form HHS. Since inception of VIDA 12/20 through 1/22 331,000 contacts, 21,900 tests provided, 8700 vaccinated.  East Salinas neighborhood has 100% vaccination rate.  9.7 million in Monterey County Gives funds went out last week in check ceremony on Zoom.
  5. Hospitality. 
  6. Financial Services. The CA Business Comeback Guide released by Governor Newsom and GoBiz. It details currently available State incentives, grants and state loan programs for businesses.
  7. MPCC. Government Affairs Committee discussed - Monterey County Safe, Affordable Child Care Act -  Email Monica to get involved. monica@montereychamber.com


Next teleconference will be held Tuesday 3/15/2022 at 10:00am
The County’s consulting team, led by LeSar Development Consultants, is hosting a series of community listening sessions to raise awareness of the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. These sessions will provide perspective of the magnitude of affordable housing required, on overview of what the Ordinance has achieved, and some of the policy choices that the Board of Supervisors will be considering when the draft Ordinance is presented to them later this year. These meetings are your opportunity to have your questions answered and offer your opinions on what the Board of Supervisors should consider when they hold hearings on the draft Ordinance. The meetings, which will be held on-line, are scheduled for:
 
 
Additional information on the Inclusionary Ordinance and materials that have been prepared for the Ordinance Update may be found here.

1st & 3rd Thursday of Each Month
MPCC Offices - 353 Camino El Estero, Monterey
FREE

The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is pleased to provide ongoing education and resources through the NEW Business Resource Center. MPCC and its partners are offering FREE educational webinars on topics that are timely and matter to our local businesses.

Upcoming Webinars:

Thursday, March 17 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Learn About The Heal Together Hub at The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Business Center
Meeting ID: 860 7374 1230
Passcode: 304241
Thursday, March 3 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Ocean Avenue, between Mission and San Carlos, Carmel-By-The-Sea

Please join us in celebrating Cafe Carmel with a joint ribbon cutting ceremony for their 3rd anniversary! There will be small bites to be enjoyed.
MPCC LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
Please forward this e-blast to your colleagues, customers, clients, friends, family and fellow community members!