10/25/2022

MISSION: To support Member success and promote the regional economy

Recap

1. City of Monterey. The City of Monterey Planning Commission will meet tonight (Tuesday, October 25) to vote on a new Wireless Communication Facilities ordinance, which will relate to implementation of 5G technology. See Item 7 here. A subcommittee met 20-30 times, with some sessions lasting 4-8 hours. City Council will vote on it at its 2nd meeting in January. Local communities have little ability for control of this federally-regulated industry. City hosted a "Trunk-or-Treat and Movie in the Park" event on Saturday, October 22 on the lawn of Colton Hall. 750-1000 people attended. City wants to see more businesses participating next year. The Monterey City Council will hold a study session on the city’s Climate Change endeavors on Wednesday, October 26 in recognition of retiring Mayor Clyde Roberson’s long-standing local leadership in this area of public policy. See agenda.
2. County of Monterey. The rejuvenated Monterey County Economic Development Committee will meet on November 9. Five seats on the committee are still vacant, and the Board of Supervisors wants to consider applicants for the following areas of community representation: Labor, Micro Business, Research & Development, Non-Profit, and Construction. For more information about this committee and your possible application, see this website: County of Monterey Economic Development Committee. Monterey County has funds available to lend through its Small Business Revolving Loan Fund, which is ideal for micro businesses who struggle to obtain capital in traditional ways. Following the Monterey County Board of Supervisors meeting today (Tuesday, October 25 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm), the Arts Council of Monterey will be hosting a closing arts reception event in the lobby of the County Administrative Building for the new art in the County Building.
3. Healthcare. The hospital systems of Monterey County are working together as the Monterey County Health Needs Collaborative to conduct a comprehensive community health needs assessment (CHNA) for Monterey County. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System has just released its assessment (see it at SVMH Community Health Needs Assessment) and CHOMP will be releasing its assessment shortly. CHOMP and outpatient clinic services - busiest in 7-8 years. A robust flu season after virtually nothing during COVID. ER has a very busy year too. Doctors - a struggle to recruit, but recruited 40 physicians since January 1, some not starting until 2023. Major focus on urology, neurology, cardiology Nursing - always recruiting, engaged in management of nursing school and MPC. Just closed an agreement with CSUMB, MPC, CHOMP to operate a concurrent MPC/CSUMB program in nursing. Provide academic scholarships to young people with interest in health care, internship for HS students. Contact Kevin.Causey@montagehealth.org for details.
4. Construction. Update from Avila Construction. Interest rates higher - we see people backing off of projects. Non-profits with access to government funds less sensitive. A few investors with cash-on-hand unchanged. Banks are loosening standards for other metrics, relaxing some traditional standards as response to interest rates. Electrical & HVAC equipment, and generators suffering from supply chain shortages, sometimes up to 3 years.
5. Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca. John Narigi: $15 million from county to begin project. New start/finish bridge. Includes ADA improvements. Site work. Resurface 14-year old track. Closed for 7 months. See the planned 2023 schedule. Tickets go on sale on December 7, 2022. Sea Otter Classic will run on time in April, Trans-Am Speedfest in May, IMSA in May. Track will be operational, not bridge. Potential Music fest in June. Truck Show in November. 8 events next year (one more than previous year) Porsche reunion. August/September. Use permit for WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca allows for concerts. 10,000 in lake bed and hillsides. A facility rental. Everything falls on the promoter, and will have to go through permit process. Doesn’t foresee any strong opposition. Advance ticket sales. Very strict with use of 68. Currently directing traffic to South Boundary. Top Problem: electronic traffic apps direct vehicle drivers to the main gate on Hwy 68. Service Club staffing was a problem on two occasions. Hopes to see more Monterey County residents in the crowd.
6. Human Resources. New state employment laws. Employment landscape indicates COVID still around. Supplemental paid sick leave extended through end of December for 26+ employments. 80 hour sick leave - 2 buckets. Includes grants up to $50,000 - not clear where to apply for that. Cal-OSHA - emergency standards expire at end of December, expect a new regular standard. Also new state law - exposure notices. 15 days notice rather than emailing employee every time someone is exposed. 15+ employees - Pay Scale Information law. Provide pay scale information on job announcements, postings, on request. 100+ employees - median and mean rates of pay. Huge for smaller businesses. Law for Designated Person legible for benefits - related by blood or equivalent. 5 days unpaid bereavement leave. Cannabis. Exempted roles are few. Also drug testing restrictions. 2024. Learn more here.
7. Financial. Interest rates. Defaults up. EIDL - those borrowers are coming off a 30 month repayment deferral and getting bills, but this is not forgivable. Many questions. SBA webinars. 11:00 am Upcoming events include Grow with Google, Changing Face of Retail webinar, Thursday - MCBC Cash Flow Management workshop, SBA financial manufacturing exports County micro business grant program still has money (see above) - especially appropriate street vendors and food trucks. Visit the Monterey County Workforce Development Board website for additional loan program options.
8. Hospitality. New aircraft 2x from MP airport to Dallas - see Expansion of Service from Monterey Regional Airport to Dallas-Fort Worth: Upgraded Aircraft Brings Mainline Service to the Airport. MCCVB hopes will increase conference attendance. Group & business travel still not near pre-COVID. Mild recession anticipated but more group business expected. Monterey Herald has a Hospitality/Tourism special section that will be released at MCHA luncheon Nov 9.
9. MPCC. Nov 15 - Quarterly Business Insights Breakfast: Sustainable Energy Breakfast with Vistra - Register Today!

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday 11/8/2022 at 10:00am

If you are interested in participating on the teleconference or being added to the list please contact monica@montereychamber.com. We seek to provide timely, informative updates on regional topics relevant to our members.

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 > 

American Airlines Announces Expansion of Service from Monterey Regional Airport to Dallas-Fort Worth

As Monterey Regional Airport continues to increase in popularity amongst local and visiting travelers, American Airlines announces that starting in February it will begin using larger aircraft for its twice-daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth.

“American Airlines is excited to introduce mainline service between Monterey Regional Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport this February,” said Philippe Puech, American’s Director of Short-Haul Network Planning. “We look forward to serving MRY with an Airbus A319 aircraft, offering local residents with greater access to hundreds of destinations in American’s global network and connecting more customers to experience the beauty of the California coast.”