12/19/2023 - 10:00 AM

MISSION: We seek to provide timely, informative updates on regional topics relevant to our members.

Recap:

1. County of Monterey. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors received a Pajaro River Levee Repair Update at its December 18, 2023 meeting. U.S. Small Business Administration’s regional Small Business Development Center - Monterey County Business Council (MCBC) is only applicant from Monterey County for the contract to administer it. Board of Supervisors has approved $64,000 toward matching funds if MCBC wins the contract. See more information at Small Business Technical Assistance. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors has approved a County Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) Policy: see the agenda item with background material at Monterey County Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) Policy. In 2021, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved an Infrastructure Financing Plan and Memorandum of Agreement with the City of Gonzales, to create an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District to finance infrastructure development within the existing City of Gonzales Agricultural Industrial Business Park. Other cities such as Salinas are working with prospective developers to prepare plans for submission to the county.
2. Healthcare. Ohana campus is open - ceremony last week. See Montage Health Celebrates Grand Opening of Ohana. Half of staff positions filled, continue to recruit nationally. New genetic testing center for pre-cancer screenings now open near Carol Hatton building in Ryan Ranch.  Promoting vaccinations – very virulent Influenza Type A in community, COVID-19 uptick. After a rally of investments in Montage Health, Montage has forgiven/written off personal medical debt for 29k community members for 2020 and 2021; doesn’t have to be COVID related. Vast majority are working families who are uninsured or underinsured. See the announcement. Feedback from people is that they are “over the moon”.
3. Hospitality & Tourism. Cool down in leisure demand in December, part of trend over past few months. Demand down from 2022. Group meetings staying strong. 2022 saw high short term leisure demand. Last 4 - 5 days before New Year’s traditionally good for hotel occupancy with positive spillover effect. Word is not out on 2024 but holding demand with strong group business picking up in January and February.
4. Real Estate. Market has slowed down, but December is slow anyway. Interest rate decline didn’t bring down homes prices.
5. Energy/Utilities. Vistra battery storage expanding in 2024. Submitting permits to Monterey County for Phases IV and V (Eastern Tank Farm on Dolan is site for another 750 MW. Design and geotechnical). Facility and plant operating well, not in a flood zone or tsunami inundation zone.
6. MPCC. Thank you to all who have participated on our Business Roundtable teleconferences and for the input we receive from the many members who provide feedback — We look forward to continuing them in the new year. Please mark your calendars for our 2024 Membership Luncheon.  Sponsorship opportunities available, please contact monica@montereychamber.com.

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday 1/2/2024 at 10:00 AM.

If you are interested in participating on the teleconference or being added to the list, please contact monica@montereychamber.com. 

montereychamber.com

We're hitting the ground running in 2024!

Save the date for these MPCC Signature Events:

2024 Annual Membership Luncheon presented by Mechanics Bank

Tuesday, January 23 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Monterey Marriott, Monterey

Join us in celebrating Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce member milestones. We welcome Secretary Leon Panetta as our 2024 Keynote Speaker. Meet our 2024 Board of Directors, learn about our 2024 goals, and network with fellow members, business and community leaders.

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115th Annual Awards Dinner

Saturday, March 23 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa, Monterey

37th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Thursday, July 18 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Monterey Conference Center, Monterey

Community Human Services is grateful for the enthusiastic and generous support of retired longtime Monterey city manager Fred Muerer. Join him and other community members in supporting homeless families, youth and women locally this winter by clicking here to donate generously to CHS via Monterey County Gives. Thank you for your support and happiest of holidays to all!

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