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1/13/2026 - 10:00 AM
MISSION: We seek to provide timely, informative updates on regional topics relevant to our members.
Recap:
HEALTH CARE
- Montage Health reports that it is actively negotiating with the insurance company Anthem Blue Cross, which unilaterally announced in December that it would terminate its contract with Montage as of January 31, 2026, affecting only the hospital, unless it obtained new terms and conditions. Without an agreement, some Montage medical services will be considered out-of-network as of February 2.
- For the Montage perspective, see their Anthem Blue Cross Update. Disputes between insurance companies and health care provider systems over billing have become common in recent years, especially during open enrollment periods when parties have extra leverage in negotiations.
- Montage has announced that it has purchased Monterey Spine & Joint (MSJ) in Carmel and reopened this physical therapy/rehabilitation center as Montage Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center. Services at the new clinic began on January 7, 2026.
- See Montage Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center Opens New Physical Therapy Clinic in Carmel. Acquisitions of private physician practices by health care systems have become common in recent years.
AIRPORT
SHOPPING
- At The Barnyard Shopping Village Carmel, a pet grooming business called Carmel Groomers opened on January 5, 2026. Also, a restaurant called Hatch Southwest Kitchen is scheduled to open shortly ( in the former Robata location), as the business owners conclude arrangements with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the Carmel Area Wastewater District. (A reminder that starting a business is a lot more complicated than the general public thinks.) The name refers to the Hatch Valley, a major growing region for premium chilis located where the Rio Grande flows south of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
STORM RECOVERY
- Besides causing multi-day power outages, the December 2025 winter storms eroded the shoreline and damaged wharf pilings in the City of Monterey. California State Parks has now stabilized the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail near Custom House Plaza.
- The City of Monterey is also asking Governor Newsom to add Monterey County to the existing emergency declaration for those storms. This would allow the city to obtain state funding to help pay for repairs.
LEARN ABOUT YOUR CITY
- The City of Monterey invites residents to register for the second cohort of the First City Academy, which provides residents with an opportunity to explore how the City is funded, how services are delivered, and how decisions are made. Graduates will leave with a stronger connection to Monterey and a clearer sense of how they can contribute to creating a higher quality of life, now and for future generations. Deadline to register is February 9, 2026.
- The City of Monterey invites residents to register for the first Community Police Academy, which provides residents with an interactive, hands-on, comprehensive overview of policing and provides participants with an understanding of the job, knowledge, skills and abilities required of the modern day community-focused police officer. The first day of classes is February 4, 2026.
BIG SUR REOPENING AND EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE RESOURCES FOR COMMUTING
- Kirk Gafill, president of our allied business group the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce, reports that Caltrans may announce as early as tomorrow (January 14, 2026) that Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast is completely reopened between the Monterey Peninsula and Hearst Castle in San Luis Obispo County.
- Business activity in Big Sur is expected to increase after the reopening, which will require a larger workforce. The Big Sur Chamber of Commerce and your Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce urge businesses to sign up with the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) Commute with Enterprise Vanpool program to arrange for regular group commutes with other local riders to Big Sur. At this time, MST is not running the #22 bus route that used to run between the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur.
TRANSPORTATION AGENCY FOR MONTEREY COUNTY
- The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) is seeking input to help shape future road investments in North County during an Open House on Thursday, December 4, from 5-7 pm at the Castroville’s Library Meeting Room, 11160 Speegle Street, Castroville.
- This informal drop-in event is an opportunity for community members to hear how climate change impacts like flooding, extreme heat, and storms could affect roads, buses, bike paths, and other ways people travel in North Monterey County. This event is an opportunity for you to share what transportation problems you have experienced during storms or extreme weather. Community input will help TAMC determine which roads and routes are most important to the community and what should be prioritized for future road investments in North County. Learn more here.
STRAINS ON THE LOCAL FOOD BANK
Next teleconference will be held Tuesday, 1/27/2026 at 10:00 AM.
If you are interested in participating on the teleconference or being added to the list, please contact monica@montereychamber.com. Your feedback is welcome.
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RIBBON CUTTING: Monterey Credit Union
Thursday, January 15 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
501 E. Franklin Street, Monterey
Please join us for Monterey Credit Union's Ribbon Cutting of their newly renovated location. Enjoy refreshments and great company. Stay for giveaways at the end! Catering and wine sponsored by Woody's at the Airport.
Register Now >>
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2026 Annual Membership Luncheon presented by Pinnacle Bank
Thursday, January 22 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Monterey Marriott, Monterey
Join us in celebrating Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce member milestones. Meet our 2026 Board of Directors and learn about our goals for the New Year. We welcome Secretary Leon Panetta as our Keynote Speaker.
Get Tickets >>
Become A Sponsor >>
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RIBBON CUTTING: Carmel Business Sales 45th Anniversary
Tuesday, January 27 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
SUR at the Barnyard, Carmel
Please join us for Carmel Business Sales' 45th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting! Enjoy local wines and artisan small bites, and meet their brokerage team.
Register Now >>
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RIBBON CUTTING: Partnership for Children
Thursday, January 29 | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
427 Pajaro Street Suite 5, Salinas
Come enjoy guided tours of the new office along with light refreshments. We invite you to join us for a meaningful moment in the life of Partnership for Children—our Joint Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting and 10th Anniversary Celebration. Please come celebrate the past we’ve built together and the bright future we are embracing—one where no child or family ever faces a life-threatening illness alone.
Register Now >>
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Artist and Arts4MC Board Member Kiran Kamath will share practical guidance on the essentials of exhibiting, including setting up your art business, planning your timeline, and creating a professional display that engages visitors. This session is designed for artists at any stage, whether you are preparing for your first exhibition or refining your presentation for Open Studios. RSVP encouraged.
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Get ready to dive into the world of local city government and discover why “first city” Monterey is the place to live work and play! The Spring 2026 First City Academy will consist of nine one-week sessions on Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., March 4 through May 14, with a two week spring break on March 26 and April 2.
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Please forward this e-blast to your colleagues, customers, clients, friends, family and fellow community members!
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