Business Roundtable – 10/20/2020 – 10:00am
MISSION: Success in two stages during the Covid-19:
1) Response to the immediate threat
2) Economic recovery when the threat diminishes.
Recap
Response to immediate threat
1. City of Monterey. 40 encroachment permits allowed without fee; more locations for parking with contactless payment system; LESP audits administered with Chamber; Emergency Rental Assistance still has $600K available to be disbursed by the end of fiscal year; apply online.
2. General Conversation: Laura Kershner – Workforce Development Board: Business Services and Small Businesses Grants. WDB administers the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds directed at the unemployed; press release today announces funding available as part of the CARES Act: up to $425K to local businesses impacted by COVID-19; criteria: grants – not loans – directed at businesses with less than 50 employees, in good standing with Monterey County, for profit businesses only, established prior to April 18 2020; application on website only between November 2-15; decision published on November 20; grants of maximum $10K; locations in unincorporated area of the County will receive priority; industries affected by pandemic will receive priority; See links below for more details.
3. Hospitality & Tourism. Still no progress on small meetings and groups being allowed in County; a statewide approach possible to allow flexibility; CVB appointed VP of Business Development: Teresa Savage formerly with Napa; still marketing to in-state travel and near flying originations; MP Airport noted best activity last week since pandemic; Seattle service possible starting in February; second Dallas and Denver flights to debut in December;
4. Retail. Cannery Row: formal Christmas lighting (in-person) not happening but a decorated tree available for community to enjoy; possible virtual lighting TBD; business is brisk on Cannery Row during weekends; Carmel Business Sales reports surge of interest in investing; signs of potential rebound in 2021; COVID-proof business with remote work is trending high demand; Del Monte Shopping center: Apple Store and Lush now open.
5. State of California. Sacramento report. Gov. Newsom announced that vaccine not available in CA until mid-2021; established a separate agency to evaluate the vaccine; family gatherings during holidays highly discouraged; positive news for theme parks coming soon.
6. Health Care. Positive cases still climbing but plateau is likely; Dr. Taplin still available to assist businesses; third MoGo emergency center opening at Carmel Rancho Blvd today; hospital ER is still the best choice if signs of COVID or other severe illness.
7. Financial, SBA, Loans & Grants. No good news from banking sector: Congress still has no agreement on next round of relief; restaurants are anticipating severe downturn in winter months.
8. Community Foundation. Fire relief fund looks promising; may include prevention measures; MC Gives about to start (November 12-December 31) to support non-profit community; strong stock market helps philanthropy.
9. Education. Chamber 1st Annual Education Forum successful and informative.
10.Transportation. Service changes by monitoring passenger loads and social distancing; no plans to restore service to San Jose or Santa Cruz; Election Day November 3rd will be free transportation to encourage voting.
Next teleconference will be held Tuesday 10/27/2020 at 10:00am
Workforce Development Board:
CARES Act page:
Additional Questions:
