10/11/2022

MISSION: To support Member success and promote the regional economy

Recap

1. City of Monterey. It’s Election Time - two candidates for mayor. May be certified at first meeting on December 6th, along with seating the new council and saying goodbye to Mayor and whoever loses the mayoral election. Conference Center general manager job is advertised (Doug Phillips is retiring at end of this year). View job description.
2. Transportation. TAMC (Transportation Authority of Monterey County). Highlights: Measure X, approved by Monterey County voters in 2016, helps fund county and city transportation projects. Imjin Road widening/roundabout conversion is scheduled to start in summer 2023. State Route 156/Castroville interchange safety improvements. A local organization is trying to block the permit at the Monterey County Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, and maybe at the California Coastal Commission in the future. SURF! Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) dedicated bus lane adjacent to Highway 1 between Marina and Seaside, to improve commute with mass transit. Local organizations are trying to block the project. Safe Routes to School program. Chamber supports these projects.
3. Hospitality & Tourism. MCCVB Executives attended Cal Travel Summit - it will be held in Monterey in 2023. Strategic Plan is available on website and implementing it now. Download the Plan. 
4. Cannery Row Update. Hotels in summer 2022 at 90% occupancy rate, now 75% in off season.. Monterey Plaza Hotel has experienced an outstanding year. Salty Seal - having a very good year. Ghirardelli, Louie Linguine’s,         5 and Dime, Fish Hopper, Sly McFly, Adventures by the Sea - up dramatically from 2019. Bike rental businesses are big hit. Taste of Monterey - holding its own, a couple % less than 2019. Jewelers are down a little bit. Bubba Gump - down due to labor challenges, with drop of 20-25%. Chart House - up significantly. Cannery Row rents up 7% from 2019. Compare with CPI they actually are a little down. “Percentage Rent” up. Sapporo’s up dramatically (1st time in top 25- see list below), London Bridge about the same. Significant foot traffic seen going to Fish Hopper. Traffic 15% less on water side. Prior study on foot traffic count identified - Prescott/Cannery row had 6 million in foot traffic over 1 year period, pre-COVID. Foot traffic goes to the Aquarium, but substantial numbers travel throughout Cannery Row.
5. Financial, SBA, Loans & Grants. Interest rates continue to rise 
6. Measure Q. Thanks to Chamber for endorsing Measure Q - Yes 4 Monterey County Kids. Only countywide child care ballot measure in the state. Mailer sent over the weekend. Please help to get word out. Over 21,000 signatures collected to qualify as citizens initiative.  The Chamber supports child care as critical and part of the infrastructure that fuels our economy. Every industry has been affected by the lack of affordable, quality child care. This effort is multi-partisan; multi-sectoral work. The Chamber has been a part of crafting the language with the help of our Government Affairs Liaison and a broad coalition of over 210 organizations and individuals.
7. Non-Profit. First 5 sponsored James Heckmann Sonja First 5 Lecture. There were over 220 attendees.  He spoke here 10 years ago. It was pivotal and he identified a  14% annual return on early education investment in 0-5 age group. Bright Beginnings launch inspired by him. All kids can do great things, regardless of socio-economic status of parents. Invest early on with children, allows for Intergenerational mobility. “Skill Enhancement Policy” 90% brain development first 5 years. Chamber representatives attended, as it provides context for Measure Q.
8. Quarterly Business Insights Breakfast. Meet industry leaders and join us for an informative presentation on "Sustainable Energy in Monterey County" presented by Vistra Moss Landing Power Plant and Energy Storage Facility. Register now.

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday 10/25/2022 at 10:00am

REFERENCE: Top 25 Sales Tax Generators for the City of Monterey

** Sorted in Alphabetical Order NOT by Revenue **

RIBBON CUTTING:  Connally Insurance Agency 

Thursday, September 29 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

404 W Franklin St, Suite 102, Monterey

JOINT RIBBON CUTTING: Ami Carmel

Thursday, October 27 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

5 SE of 5th and 6th on Dolores, Carmel

Quarterly Business Insights Breakfast: Sustainable Energy in Monterey County presented by Vistra 

Tuesday, November 15 | 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Ferrantes Bay View Meeting Room at the Monterey Marriott

$45 for Members | $65 for Non-Members

Meet industry leaders and join us for an informative presentation on "Sustainable Energy in Monterey County" presented by Vistra Moss Landing Power Plant and Energy Storage Facility. 

Register Now >