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Monterey Peninsula Water Agency Will Ask State to Ease Restrictions on New Water Customers and New Meters for Existing Properties
At the Chamber’s October 13 Government Affairs Committee (GAC) meeting, the general manager and assistant general manager of the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) informed the committee that the MPWMD board will vote on October 20 to submit an application/petition to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to modify its Cease and Desist Order WR 2009-0060. Imposed in 2009, the CDO prohibits new service connections and imposes a moratorium on new meters. It was meant to put pressure on the Monterey Peninsula to implement solutions that would end California American Water Company (Cal Am) extraction of water from the Carmel Valley Alluvial Aquifer in excess of its legal water rights, as the SWRCB first determined in 1995 with Order 95-10. During the past four water years, since the original Pure Water Monterey project began operating, Cal Am has not exceeded its extraction limit. Meanwhile, water accumulates as backup storage in the Seaside Groundwater Basin.
The proposed MPWMD application will be posted on the agency’s website as part of the board’s meeting agenda packet. This is a complicated topic with numerous angles and possibilities to consider. Chamber leadership will review a summary of the presentation and the subsequent committee discussion of the MPWMD proposal.
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Monterey County Receives Second Annual Report on Regional Economy
Members and representatives of your Chamber attended a “Building Business Back” breakfast hosted on October 10 by the Monterey County Business Council and the County of Monterey for release of their second annual report on economic trends and business development. In general, data shows that the Monterey County regional economy is doing quite well, including in the dominant agricultural and hospitality sectors. During his slide presentation, economist Chris Thornberg of Beacon Economics pointed out that Monterey County could be an economic powerhouse if the region could supply an adequate amount of housing that’s affordable for its workforce. (Your Chamber has recognized that reality for a decade.) To see the new report, go to the 2025 Economic Forecast Event- Monterey County Economic Trends & Small Business Report. See Monterey County Business Council - Regional Economic Development and County of Monterey - Economic Development for more economic information about the county.
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Major Step Happens This Week Toward Highway 68 Traffic Flow Improvements
At its meeting on October 16-17, the California Transportation Commission is scheduled to vote on approving the Scenic Route 68 Corridor Improvements Project, including environmental review. A vote in support will authorize future state funding for the project, which is a partnership of Caltrans (the California Department of Transportation) and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC). Funded in part by the county’s Measure X sales tax, the project will improve operations at nine intersections on Highway 68 by constructing roundabouts or upgrading signalized intersections with enhanced lane configurations. In addition, wildlife crossings will be created under the highway. See the staff report at Approval of Project for Future Consideration of Funding – Scenic Route 68 Corridor Improvements Project, Resolution E-25-61 and the environmental review documents at Scenic Route 68 Corridor Improvements Project - Documents. Your Chamber supports this project.
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RIBBON CUTTING: Noland Hamerly Etienne & Hoss
Tuesday, October 14 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
548 Munras Avenue, Monterey
Please join us for the Noland Hamerly Etienne & Hoss Ribbon Cutting celebrating their ew office location. Meet the team and enjoy refreshments and great company.
TONIGHT! — Register Now >>
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Monterey Bay Business Expo presented by Rayne Technology Solutions
Thursday, October 16| 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey
Our Monterey Bay Business Expo (MBBE) is designed to promote regional businesses and nonprofit organizations in the community in an effort to strengthen the local economy and encourage consumers to buy locally. This returning event is an opportunity for all businesses in the region to build brand awareness and to showcase and sell their products and/or services to the members as well as to the community at large.
Sign up today and promote your business to hundreds of new customers face-to-face, and network one-on-one with more than 50 other exhibitors in the show. Sell, demonstrate and distribute your products while you introduce your brand to the community. Chamber membership is not required to exhibit at the Expo. For more information, email info@montereychamber.com.
Become an Exhibitor >>
Register as an Attendee (FREE) >>
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MIXER: Post-Expo Chamber Mixer sponsored by Craft Collective
Thursday, October 16| 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey
Wrap up an exciting day of networking at the Post-Expo Chamber Mixer, proudly sponsored by Craft Collective! Enjoy light bites and refreshments as you continue conversations, make new connections, and celebrate another successful Monterey Bay Business Expo.
This year, the Mixer will overlap with the final 30 minutes of the Expo (4:00–4:30 PM), giving Mixer attendees the opportunity to visit exhibitor booths and connect directly with participating businesses before the event officially concludes.
Register Now >>
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MIXER: Chartwell School
Thursday, October 23| 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
2511 Numa Watson Road, Seaside
Please join us for the Chartwell School Mixer! Meet the team, enjoy refreshments, live music, and raffle drawing giveaway.
Register Now >>
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QUARTERLY BUSINESS INSIGHTS BREAKFAST: "California Leads the Nation in Women-Owned Businesses: Insights, Impacts, and Opportunities in Monterey County"
Friday, October 24| 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Ferrante's at Monterey Marriott, Monterey
Taking place during National Women in Business Week, this special program will spotlight California’s leadership in women-owned businesses and explore the impact and opportunities right here in Monterey County.
Register Now >>
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Get ready for a day of growth and success! Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your products and services and expand your business network. Register now at 2025MBBE.eventbrite.com.
Can't make the full Expo? Join us from 4:00 - 5:30 PM for the Post-Expo Chamber Mixer, proudly sponsored by Craft Collective.
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2026 Leadership Monterey County Cohort Applications Now Open!
If you're ready to expand your leadership skills, deepen your community connections, and make a lasting impact, now is your chance. Leadership Monterey County is a 10-month program designed to cultivate informed, engaged leaders who shape the future of our community. Through in-depth sessions on key local issues, participants gain a broad understanding of regional challenges, connect with influential leaders, and build a diverse professional network.
Applications for the 2026 Cohort are open! Visit leadershipmc.org to learn more and apply.
The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is a proud partner of Leadership Monterey County, with many MPCC Members involved in the program both as presenting organizations and cohort participants.
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Please forward this e-blast to your colleagues, customers, clients, friends, family and fellow community members!
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