Business & Economic Resources
Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce:
Business Roundtable – 5/19/2020 –10:00am

MISSION: Success in two stages of the Coronavirus threat:

1) Response to the immediate threat
2) Economic recovery when the threat diminishes.
  1. Non-Profits - Katy Castagna (United Way) 211 has been working overtime with over 148 calls yesterday, many related to new "Great Plates" program and screening applications. Eligibility difficult as seniors need to earn more than income level for food stamps (Cal Fresh) and less than self-sufficiency. The program has not started implementation. The Governor also introduced a new program to provide aid to undocumented workers who do not receive relief under the CARES ACT. It is organized out of Santa Cruz, and due to interest the site collapsed within two hours yesterday. The County is working on guidelines for Bright Beginnings and protocols for safe child care for parents, and employers as businesses begin to re-open. Once completed it will be shared with the Chamber and Chamber members.
  2. City of Monterey - Staff have been focused on new budget discussions for the past few weeks, a study session is proposed for 5/27/20. LESP program is scheduled for a special Council session on 6/2/20.
  3. Update: Hospitality & Tourism - The Monterey County Visitors and Convention Bureau Marketing Taskforce has been meeting regularly. Synopsis over 90 days suggests a loss of 500 million over the past 90 days. The hospitality sector has laid off more than half of its employees in Monterey County. On the weekly "Visit California" calls, SLO and Napa counties are gearing up for re-opening with well-funded campaigns. The MCCVB is working collectively with the County to promote the region. A 1% loss of TOT to neighboring counties translates to 780k. Local hotel occupancy has increased from 10% to 25% but it is as high as 60-70% in other counties where there is noncompliance with the SIP. Studies suggest 70% of people want to travel but 60% do not want travelers in their counties. Element of marketing to be clear, consistent guidelines for businesses and travelers. MCCVB to "thread the needle" with approach. Working closely with County to look at alternative funding methodologies. Short Drive market is the target group as well as luxury travel market.
  4. Update: MPCC - In collaboration with Chris Shake, Carole Richmond from Dance Kids Monterey, the Chamber is helping coordinate a positive messaging photo opportunity with area chefs and visuals to bring attention the hospitality industry and our local restaurants. DMT Imaging and Bottega Designs are also helping with this effort.
  5. Update: Health Care - n/a
  6. Update: Community Foundation - n/a
  7. Update: Financial Institutions - Jennifer Kuyper ( Pacific Valley Bank) SBA forgiveness guidelines are being released. During the initial 10 days of the PPP there were 8 revisions. Expect changes to the forgiveness element and keep close contact with you CPA, banker, and keep good records of your payroll and rent etc. By design, loans over 2 million can expect to be audited, but smaller amounts will be audited under remote possibility as the SBA is still making regular loans. Charles Chrietzberg (Monterey County Bank) is still processing regular loans with a few additional steps but loans are moving forward.
  8. Update: State of California - ( John Arreaga) Budget subcommittees have been in session working on revised May budget to reflect the 53 billion deficit over a two year cycle. Deep cuts expected in the 6/15/20 session. 
  9. Update: Education - David Martin-Interim President MPC-Finishing Spring semester -95% of classes fully online for summer offerings. Hoping to invite students on campus for counseling and library services in the summer. Will decide Fall offerings, whether fully-online or hybrid in the next week with County guidance.Manuel Bersamin: Hartnell College-Distance education format in the Fall. 1300 students have registered for the summer and Fall offerings. Registration continues today. Higher numbers than last year and hoping numbers are higher as was the case in the Great Recession. Construction continues on the main campus, Soledad, King City, and Castroville, all of which is a result of the 167 million bond from 2016. Funding will also help provide wifi hotspots and chromebooks. Anecdotally, Manuel mentioned that as High School seniors are not distracted by the rites of passage of Senior year, many are enrolling in summer classes and it is to be seen if less will take a gap year. $500 CARES ACT funds has been given to 500 students to date
  10. Update: County – County Health and Board of Supervisors are working to meet 6 variance criteria to provide data to petition the State. The State loosened the criteria yesterday, 5//18/20. New testing site at MPC, residents are encouraged to test to help county meet tracking requirements, currently set at 650 a day. Supervisors are asking for specific data criteria to be shared publicly by County in the public dashboard. The MPC testing site is hoping to test 100 people per day. MPUSD to host graduations at Laguna Seca.
  11. Update: Chris Shake-received permission from the County to include outside seating

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday 6/2/2020 at 10:00am

Governor Gavin Newsom - Resilience Roadmap

Californians have been staying home and saving lives since the start of our statewide stay-at-home order issued on March 19, 2020. These efforts have allowed the state to move forward on our  roadmap  for modifying the statewide order. 
The Cal Coastal SBDC Is Here To Help

Our business advisors are here to help answer your questions, apply for business resources and plan during a disruption. We can help with applying for relief, guiding you through available resources, cash flow concerns, supply chain interruptions, workforce capacity, insurance coverage and more - at no cost.

Register for no-cost services at  https://ucmsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/signup  and you will be given an appointment opportunity on a first come first served basis.
New Date - Upcoming Webinars
Let's Get Back to Work - The Top COVID-19 Employer Considerations

A Straight-Forward Approach to Re-Opening.

(NEW DATE) Fri, May 29, 2020 / 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT
Member Highlights
Please forward this e-blast to your colleagues, customers, clients, friends, family and fellow community members!