Celebrating Our Robert C. Littlefield Award for Lifetime Achievement Honoree: Shaw Adams

Shawn Adams is the Owner of Monterey Signs along with his wife, Anjanette Adams. They have two kids Cody and Taylor, who are currently in High School and preparing for college.

Shawn and Anjanette started Monterey Signs in the garage of their home in 2008, on the heels of a recession. Businesses were looking for advertising and promotion without high prices and they promptly filled that demand. Their business doubled every year for the next 10 years and, over time, a talented team of employees was built to offer a high level of service and expertise to go along with fair pricing. Now, the company produces signage for major events and conferences in the area as well as durable electrical and commercial signage across a wide variety of industries.

Monterey Signs is the two time recipient of Business Of The Year (2016 and 2019), multiple Business Excellence awards, and also multiple “Best Business Sign” awards. Monterey Signs is a full service sign company working for the most successful and prestigious businesses and organizations in Monterey and surrounding counties. Protecting the natural beauty of our community has always been a high priority so investments have been made to ensure the company is solar powered, California Green Business certified, and also Blue Zones certified.

When not working or spending time with family you will likely find Shawn on the local disc golf courses where he competes professionally. He also enjoys snowboarding, backpacking, kayaking, and travelling especially if he can do those things with his kids.

Congratulations Shawn Adams on being our Robert C. Littlefield Award for Lifetime Achievement Honoree! We can't wait to celebrate you and your fellow honorees at this year's Annual Awards Dinner, presented by Monterey County Bank, this Saturday, March 29 at the Portola Hotel & Spa.

New Research Brief: California Leads the Nation in Women-Owned Businesses

A new research brief from the University of Southern California highlights California’s national leadership in women-owned businesses, finding that the state is home to 1.5 million women-led companies — more than any other state — among other key insights. The report was prepared for the CalChamber Women’s Leadership Council and was presented at the council’s forum in Sacramento yesterday.

The forum brought together elected officials, local influencers and business leaders from across the state. It began with a research presentation by Katherine Aguilar Perez of USC and was followed by a vibrant discussion moderated by Jennifer Barrera, President/CEO of Cal Chamber, featuring a panel of dynamic women leaders.

Based on several recent comprehensive reports, recommendations to support women-owned businesses include the following actions:

1. Continue research focused on women business needs and the impact of women on California’s business environment
2. Support inclusive policies in California and reduce barriers to women owning businesses
3. Raise awareness of financing options and investment opportunities to increase women’s access to capital
4. Support networks for women business owners, increase contracting opportunities

The California Chamber of Commerce established the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC), a subcommittee of the CalChamber Board of Directors, to elevate the voice of women in business. The WLC brings together accomplished leaders from across industries to strengthen the presence and impact of California’s women business leaders. The council fosters connections with key decision makers in state government and highlights the vital contributions of women to the state’s economy.

Your Chamber President/CEO, Monica Lal, was honored to be invited to serve on the WLC's inaugural committee. She attended yesterday's Forum & Reception in Sacramento, where discussions centered on the contributions, opportunities, and challenges facing women business owners in the state.

Bus Commuter Lane for the Monterey Peninsula Is Fully Funded and Ready for Construction

On Friday, March 21, 2025, the California Transportation Commission allocated Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) $25 million from the State’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) to help fund construction of the SURF! Busway and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. Along with other regional business groups and elected officials, your Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce expressed support for this project. With this $25 million secured, the SURF! project is fully funded, with all other federal, state, and local funding authorizations also obtained. Construction contracts have already been awarded, and groundbreaking is expected to start soon.

The goal of this project is to provide a quick, alternative means of mass transportation for the many people who endure the slow, congested commute on Highway 1 and Highway 68 from Marina, Salinas, and beyond to the Monterey Peninsula for their jobs. The project integrates with plans for the construction of mixed-used, multi-story density housing near the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) stations in Marina and in Downtown Salinas.

Bid & Win at the Annual Awards Dinner!

Indulge your competitive side and bid on exclusive prizes, including:

• A 30-bottle wine collection – perfect for any wine lover
• Two tickets to the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – an automotive experience like no other
• Luxury overnight stays at top-tier hotels – the ultimate staycation
• A 2-hour pickleball tournament for 24 people – bring your A-game

Don’t miss your chance to take home incredible experiences while supporting the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. Bidding will take place during the event, so get ready to raise the stakes and take home something amazing! 

A Special Thank You to Our Silent Auction Donors:

• Adventures by the Sea
• Amadeus Hair Salon
• Café Fina
• California Pizza Kitchen
• Coastal Roots Hospitality
• Crepes of Brittany
• CrushCycle
• Dust Bowl Brewing Co.
• Embassy Suites Monterey Bay Seaside
• Hyatt Regency Monterey
• InterContinental the Clement Monterey
• LadySomm

• Liz Williams — Compass Realty
• Monterey Bay Racquet Club
• Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
• MPCC Board of Directors
• Old Fisherman’s Grotto
• Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
• Pebble Beach Resorts
• Pillar to Post Home Inspectors
• Portola Hotel & Spa
• Prim Hair Studio
• Taste of Monterey
• The Sardine Factory
• Wescom Financial

SPOTLIGHT: Monterey County Bank

Since opening their doors in 1977, Monterey County Bank has been supporting the growth and development of our local economy through small business and commercial full-service banking relationships. MCB prides itself in responsive servicing, one relationship at a time. This focus on relationships does not just include customers, it includes team members and the communities they serve.

In late 2024, Monterey County Bank reinforced their commitment to community banking by investing in new leadership and modernized technology. As they continue to expand throughout Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Salinas, and South County, their mission remains the same: support the success of local businesses and the people who drive them.

With their deep roots in Monterey County, shared values, and focus on community, Monterey County Bank understands and supports their customers' unique needs and are excited to continue their journey, serving Monterey County and beyond.

MPCC LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

Visionary

Cornerstone

Foundational