Congratulations to Our 2025 Business Excellence Awards Winners!

Last Thursday, we gathered to honor the outstanding achievements of more than 55 local businesses at the 38th Annual Business Excellence Awards. These businesses and organizations represent the innovation, resilience, and heart that make our Monterey County business community so exceptional.

A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, West Coast Community Bank, the MPCC Board of Directors, Ambassadors, Special Events Committee and Chamber staff.

Please congratulate these businesses on achieving excellence in their fields next time you see them!

Accommodations

& Visitor Services

(Full Service)

Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay Seaside

Accommodations

& Visitor Services

(Limited Services)

Carriage House Inn

Advertising,

Marketing

& Media Services

TMD Creative

Art, Attractions, Entertainment,

Event Services & Recreation

Monterey Museum of Art

Construction

& Building Services

Ausonio Incorporated

Education & Training

Monterey County Office of Education

Financial

& Insurance Services

Integris Wealth Management

Food & Beverage

Baker's Bacon

Government, Public Utilities

& Transportation

City of Seaside

Real Estate

& Property Management

Sotheby's International Realty

Retail, Wholesale,

Distributors & Manufacturers

The Crossroads Carmel

Healthcare, Wellness

& Senior Services

Coastal Kids Home Care

Professional Services

TPO HR

Services to Businesses

K&D Landscaping, Inc.

Services to Residents

Sullivan's Auto Service & Tire Pros

Nonprofits, Clubs & Organizations

CASA of Monterey County

New Business of the Year

Tutu School Monterey

Design-A-Table

People’s Choice Award

Cagwin & Dorward

Design-A-Table

Board of Directors Award

K&D Landscaping, Inc.

Design-A-Table

Special Events Committee Award

Montage Health

Monterey City Manager Announces Retirement

After seven years as City Manager and a total of 28 years working for the City of Monterey, City Manager Hans Uslar announced his December 2025 retirement. Uslar stated, “I am proud of the progress we have made together. With the support of our City Councils and a highly engaged community, we significantly strengthened Monterey’s financial reserves while maintaining the high level of service our residents expect and deserve.”

Leading the City team through the unprecedented health and fiscal challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic is merely one defining moment of many that underscored Uslar’s exceptional dedication to the Monterey community. During his tenure, Uslar also managed other major initiatives including implementation of the City’s Fiscal Health Response Plan, renewal of the Measure P/S Sales Tax, passage of the Measure G ½-cent sales tax, launch of rental and housing assistance programs, strengthening of Monterey’s fiscal reserves, acquisition of the Old Capitol Site, and sustaining the Presidio of Monterey’s base operations contract, known as the Monterey Model, a benchmark for public-public partnerships.

Internally, Uslar has remained committed to building a stronger workplace culture, supporting professional development, and working to make staff feel connected and supported. “Our City employees represent the very best of public service. Their dedication, professionalism and reliability – 365 days a year, 24/7– are what truly keeps our city thriving. I have always been

deeply honored to work alongside such an exceptional team.”

First joining the City of Monterey in 1997 as a management analyst, Uslar was promoted through the Plans and Public Works Department. He became Assistant Director of Plans and Public Works in 2008 and Deputy City Manager/Plans and Public Works in 2012. He was named Assistant City Manager in 2014 and served as the City’s Interim City Manager. He was appointed to the City Manager role in 2018. 

Uslar added, “In the months ahead, I remain fully committed to supporting a smooth and effective transition. Monterey is a remarkable place to live and serve, and I look forward to continuing to be part of this special place."

Congratulations from your friends at MPCC, Hans!

SPOTLIGHT: Mechanics Bank

Mechanics Bank bankers endeavor to help you achieve your financial goals through offerings including personal banking, business banking, trust and estate services, brokerage and wealth management services. It’s a commitment they've taken seriously since 1905, when railroad workers, ship builders and immigrants from around the world placed their trust in them. They believed in them, instilling a sense of personal accountability and responsibility that remain part of our culture today.

Every client has a story and dreams. So do our communities, which grow and prosper through the people who contribute and the businesses that produce. Passionate about giving back, Mechanics Bank stands with our communities, giving their time and financial resources to achieve lasting improvements.

With branches spanning everywhere from the Imperial Valley to the Cascades, and from the coastal cities and towns to the Sierra Nevada foothills, they serve California. No other bank is more passionate about providing for its clients’ banking and lending needs, and giving back to its communities across the Golden State. 

MPCC LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

Visionary

Cornerstone

Foundational