Chamber Connection - October 13, 2026 : Chamber Connection (October 13, 2026)

Chamber Opposes Proposed Seaside Project Labor Agreement

The Seaside City Council is scheduled to vote on Thursday, October 15 to require companies to sign a “Project Labor Agreement” with building trades unions as a condition of working on city construction contracts. The 19-page agreement was drafted by an attorney representing the unions and posted for public review on October 12. See it here as Item 10A: C onsider Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Project Labor Agreement for the City of Seaside With the Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties Building and Construction Trades Council and Local Unions.

Your Chamber does not support government mandates for construction companies to sign union agreements as a condition of winning a contract. The Chamber is concerned that the proposed agreement could limit competitive bidding, increase construction costs and reduce opportunities for local contractors.

The Chamber is also concerned about the limited opportunity for public review and whether local contractors and other affected businesses have had sufficient input on the proposed agreement. Usually there is an extensive bargaining process to reach any union agreement. In addition, the third party that must sign the agreement -- the construction contractors -- have no role in the negotiations and no one representing their interests.

RIBBON CUTTING: Sotheby's International Realty

Tuesday, October 13 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

490 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove

Please join us for Sotheby's International Realty's ribbon cutting! Come enjoy beverages, appetizers, and a raffle giveaway.

RIBBON CUTTING: Alvarez Technology Group 25-Year Anniversary

Thursday, October 15 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

209 Pajaro Street, Suite A, Salinas

Join us as Alvarez Technology Group proudly celebrates 25 years in business with a special Ribbon Cutting and Open House! Since 2001, ATG has been honored to support local businesses and organizations with reliable IT services, cybersecurity, and trusted technology guidance. This milestone is about more than years—it’s about the relationships, partnerships, and community that made it possible.

MBDA Breakfast: Readiness and Resilience: Perspectives From Ukraine

Thursday, October 22 | 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey

Join the Monterey Bay Defense Alliance for a candid morning conversation with leaders from several Ukrainian municipalities. Our guided panel will explore what readiness and resilience really mean for the region today: how we protect critical missions, support service members and their families, and build the partnerships that keep the Monterey Bay indispensable to national defense. The discussion will close with open Q&A, so bring your questions and your perspective.

Monterey Bay Business Expo Presented by Rayne Technology Solutions

Wednesday, October 28 | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey

The Monterey Bay Business Expo is back! Join us on Wednesday, October 28 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds for one of the region’s biggest opportunities to connect, showcase your business, and get in front of hundreds of potential customers and community members.

With 50+ exhibitors, the Business Expo brings together businesses and nonprofits from across the Monterey Bay for an afternoon of networking, demonstrations, products, services, and plenty of community connection. Whether you’re looking to build brand awareness, meet new customers, or strengthen relationships with fellow local businesses, this is your chance to put your organization front and center.