1/27/2026 - 10:00 AM

MISSION: We seek to provide timely, informative updates on regional topics relevant to our members.

Recap:

CITY OF MONTEREY

Last week, the Monterey City Council adopted a resolution opposing the U.S. Department of the Interior proposed program that would allow offshore oil and gas leases off the California Coast.
At a study session scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, the Monterey City Council will consider possible ballot measures for revenue purposes (taxes): (1) a sales tax, likely to be put on the ballot (2) a possible parking tax on private parking lots, (3) a possible admissions tax that would apply to venues such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Golden State Theater, Cinemark Century Monterey 13 at Del Monte Center; and (4) a vacant residence property tax. Your Chamber will be following these developments.

HEALTH CARE

Montage Health announced yesterday (Monday, January 26, 2026) that it has reached an agreement with Anthem Blue Cross to provide Anthem health plan members with continued in-network access to care at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP) and all Montage Health services in Monterey County. See Montage Health and Anthem Blue Cross Announce New Contract to Advance Affordability and Ensure Continued Access to Care.
This week there will be a secret-ballot election for about 800 regular full-time, part-time, and per-diem Registered Nurses (RN) employed by Montage Health at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP). The nurses will vote on representation by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU) labor union for collective bargaining purposes. See the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Notice of Election.

MONTEREY REGIONAL AIRPORT

Construction continues on the new replacement terminal and on new parking and circulation improvements. The airport will be constructing a new roundabout this summer to improve traffic flow for the intersection of Garden Road, Olmsted Road, and the new airport parking and circulation routes.

SMALL BUSINESS

The Central Coast Small Business Development Center is a leader in two upcoming events for small businesses in Monterey County:
There will be a South County Saturday Market Vendor Info Session on Thursday, January 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Soledad City Hall, 248 Main St in Soledad.
The annual 831 Barber Expo will be held on March 1, 2026 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay in Seaside, from 10 am to 7 pm. For more information, go to 831 Barber Expo 2026.
SBCB is looking for community partners for workshops.
Monterey Herald has finished Readers Choice voting, now providing certificates to winning businesses, will print special edition in March.
Residence Inn has 88 rooms with kitchenettes. This is a new development, as water restrictions have prohibited hotels from having this option. Sand City is able to do this because of its small desalination plant.

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday, 2/10/2026 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.

montereychamber.com

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.

TONIGHT! — Register Now >>

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.