Business Roundtable – 3/31/2020 – 10:00am
MISSION: success in two stages of the Coronavirus threat:
1.) response to the immediate threat
2.) economic recovery when the threat diminishes.

Summary
Response to immediate threat

  1. Update: City of Monterey. In addition to the April 7 meeting about rent relief measures, the Council will review the honest impact outlook on its budget during the April 21 session. Projections will be based on June-September period. Hotels are to forward their TOT & CCFD payments to the City as agreed. City will waive late penalties if above monies are not received by the 1st of the month. No decision made about beach closures yet.
  2. Update: Hospitality & Tourism. The messaging will be that this is not the time to visit… for now. Virtual tours and images are produced. Leisure travel is not totally absent and there are good signs about future conferences. The Conference Center mentions about good activity for 1-3 years coming. Visitor Center is closed indefinitely. Current efforts are centered around a)Marketing b)Operations c)Funding. 
  3. Update: Health Care: Currently counting 40 COVID-19 cases in Monterey County, 8 of which are at CHOMP. Resources at the hospital are good. Watching closely for possible shortages. Emergency Department is screening hundreds per day (some are not necessary…). County tests 80 per day. www.CHOMP.org has also a e-Visit available. Revenue of the organization has been severely impacted as many centers have shut down. MoGO is open on Del Monte Avenue and will be open in Marina on 4/6/2020. Support front line staff by sending email or good vibes, nothing else as nothing can be accepted. Stay Home! Wash your hands!
  4. Update: Financial The passage of the CARES Act creates a lot of questions. Particularly regarding PPP (Payroll Protection Program) and the forgiveness aspect of the loan. There is a need to create a single sheet describing the details and access to this program. Monterey County Business Council (4/3/2020) and this Chamber (4/7/2020) are both proposing webinars to help businesses and give practical advice in this field.
  5. Foundation: Community Foundation has now $1.6 million in its COVID-19 fund. Disbursed about $750,000 to non-profits. The creation of a small business relief fund was considered in partnership with this Chamber. Discussed at 3/31/2020 Board meeting and decision to explore concept is made. Issues are to realize real capacity. Not a conflict with CARES Act.
  6. Human Resources: Quick overview of the eligibility and legal questions surrounding payroll reduction and lay-offs. A more complete summary is available online at www.montereychamber.com
  7.  Next teleconference will be held Tuesday 4/7/2020 at 10:00am