11/8/2022

MISSION: To support Member success and promote the regional economy

Recap

1. City of Monterey. Election Day - we may know tonight who will be the next Mayor. 2 councilmembers running against each other and will surrender their seats and all their appointed positions, including TAMC, M1W, MPWMD. Then reappointed by the Council. December 6 certification of election. We will publish tomorrow the application package to fill the vacancy city council seat. Kevin Dayton has announced his intention to apply. Wash and close The tunnel will be closed for washing in anticipation of Monterey Bay Half Marathon this weekend.  Find your polling location or closest mail-in ballot drop off site here. For those voting in person, polling places are open from 7 am to 8 pm. Learn more about California's ballot measures here. Learn about the county level measures: Monterey County.
2. Transportation. Better Bus Network - marketing campaign starts this week. Implement December 10. First week free. More frequent services where most demand. Rumor on-call ADA/paratransit RIDES is discontinuing, partly due to misinformation spreading on Nextdoor. MST is discontinuing one bus in Marina. Free bus fares today to get to polls.
3. Non-Profit. Veteran’s Transition Center. 80%-85% success rate getting people off the street if they go through VTC and sign the accord. Martinez Hall VTC HQ was former Fort Ord HQ building. Arriving vets go into one of seven programs. 20 old duplexes. Hayes Circle complex. Approved for expansion of Lightfighter Village. Funding approved for $48 million. 2 years to build. Hans notes very high cost per unit. $675,000.  VTC owns Last Chance Mercantile. Planning through the VA’s Enhanced Use Lease (EUP) program to convert unused former VA Monterey Community Outpatient Clinic on CSUMB campus in Seaside into a “Center of Excellence.”
4. Hospitality. MCCVB will be promoting the Veteran’s Day Parade in Salinas on social media. Thanksgiving Holiday Event page featuring all of the Thanksgiving dinner specials over the holiday weekend.  Also looking forward to Black Friday and Small Business Saturday during same weekend. Promoting shopping locally at Monterey County businesses; Monterey County holiday gift guide here. 
5. Construction. As discussed by Keith Severson: today’s Monterey County Board of Supervisors appointments to Monterey County Economic Development Committee: Catherine Stedman to the Economic Development Committee as a Climate & Clean Energy Representative; Dan Ripke to the Economic Development Committee as a Higher Education Representative; Ida Chan to the Economic Development Committee as a Minority Owned Business Representative; Janine Bouyea to the Economic Development Committee as a Healthcare Representative; Janine Chicourrat to the Economic Development Committee as a Tourism Representative; Norman Groot to the Economic Development Committee as an Agriculture Representative; Terice Clark to the Economic Development Committee as a Finance Representative; No other appointments have been made.
6. Financial. 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. Go to Small Business Revolving Loan Fund for more information. Interest rates.75% interest rate raise on 11/2.  The hikes seen in 2022 are the most in one year since 1980, equaling 3.75%. FMOC has alluded to the likelihood of an additional rate hike as well. 
7. MPCC. Nov 15 Quarterly Business Insights Breakfast discussing Sustainable Energy with Vistra. Register today!

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday 11/22/2022 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.

RIBBON CUTTING: Gateway Center of Monterey County

Thursday, November 10 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 AM

850 Congress Avenue, Pacific Grove

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 >