Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Our Annual Membership Luncheon is just around the corner! The Monterey Peninsula Chamber Commerce invites the community to join us in celebrating our Members as we mark their milestones and reflect on the last year. Learn about our new programs and outreach during this most unusual time. Plus, enjoy a Keynote Address from Leon Panetta! Join us Monday, January 25 from 12:00 - 1:30 PM... Open to the Public - Everyone is Invited to Attend! Register online at montereychamber.com. Thank you to our sponsors Mechanics Bank, Glastonbury Av, California Coastal Rural Development Corp, SunStar Media and Aera Energy LLC! Put a in the comments if you’ve already registered! We can't wait to "see" you all soon.

Have Your Say Monterey! Join us and City of Monterey - Government Wednesday, January 20 at 10 am as we talk Third Party Delivery Fees here on the Peninsula. Register for this webinar at haveyoursaymonterey.org. ... Thank you for your participation and feedback!

For the 26th year Cannery Row kicked off the holiday season in Monterey with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Steinbeck Plaza, located at the corner of Cannery Row and Prescott Avenue, an event normally open to the public. For 25 years the Cannery Row Company has held the annual tree lighting event and hundreds of families would attend. In years past, holiday activities took place along the row and everyone would gather in the plaza to count down to the lighti...ng of the tree and cheer as Santa Claus arrived to greet the crowd. This year due to Covid restrictions the annual event had to be cancelled, but the Cannery Row Company felt it was important to keep the tree lighting tradition alive. The annual tree lighting is a tribute to the holiday and our wonderful community. Even though we couldn’t celebrate together this year we want people to be able to enjoy the sparkle of the lights and perhaps a feeling of joy and hope when they see the tree on Cannery Row, said Ted Balestreri, Chairman and CEO of the Cannery Row Company. The holiday tree will be lit every night throughout December and this year the Cannery Row Company encourages families to take a photo in front of the tree and post it on social media using the hashtag #CanneryRow. The goal is to flood the internet with holiday cheer during this challenging time.

As of today, community financial institutions are able to make Second Draw PPP Loans. This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. Register for this round of PPP with Pacific Valley Bank at pacificvalleybank.com. ... Questions? We're happy to help!

UPDATE: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will reopen the week of January 11 Pre-Register for the next round of PPP with Pacific Valley Bank at www.pacificvalleybank.com. Initially, only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP loans on January 11 and Second Draw PPP loans on January 13. All participating lenders will be available shortly thereafter.... The SBA shared key updates of the Paycheck Protection Program including: PPP loan coverage period can extend from eight to 24; set by PPP borrowers Loans will cover additional expenses including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs and worker protection expenditures Eligibility for the program expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower: Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses; Has no more than 300 employees; and Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. Pre-Register for the next round of PPP with Pacific Valley Bank at www.pacificvalleybank.com.

Join the Townhall with Virus Geeks discussing the new California OSHA Covid-19 standard and the best practices for your business. Register using the links below: December 10 @ 10am... https://us02web.zoom.us//tZAkdeyrqj4pGdLxYnPCvyvvHr26jSelf December 14 @ 1pm https://us02web.zoom.us//tZ0kd-GtqDgoHtd1Pxjq-iBdN3EeJWC6P

Business Roundtable Recap: Stay Up to Date With What's Happening in Business on the Monterey Peninsula This week's recap: 1. Health Care... After the Monterey County Health Department sent an email circulating among a wider audience than intended, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula has been inundated with vaccination requests from public; their immediate task with other County hospitals is only to provide vaccines to health care workers (occupational proof required); CHOMP counts 66 COVID patients following ramifications of the holidays. 2. City of Monterey Monterey Business Forum: Webinar on Limits on 3rd Party Food Delivery Fees will be held on Wednesday January 20, 2021 at 10:00am; input is important to the Council to discuss possible emergency ordinance imposing a 15% cap instead of current 30% on fees by service providers. 3. Hospitality & Tourism Activity greatly reduced; comeback campaign is worked on for Spring/Summer 2021. 4. Agriculture Vaccine distributions is planned via clinics, ahead of farmworkers returning from Yuma; isolation housing reportedly successful in Imperial Valley, CA and Yuma, AZ. 5. Retail Activity greatly reduced. 6. State of California Governor Gavin Newsom under public and political pressure to improve State’s management of vaccine distribution; statistics on COVID-19 need more accuracy; legislature back in session; budget proposal includes more stimulus to jump-start economy (see attached). 7. Financial, SBA, Loans & Grants State of California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant program: deadline to apply is January 13, 2021 at 11:59pm; New PPP first round targeted at underserved business that did not receive PPP loans last year; applications must go through a Community Development Financial Institution; second round available through participating financial institutions possibly next week 1/20/2021; EIDL is operational still. 8. General Conversation: Is cybersecurity a danger at the present time? A review and analysis by Aaron Waters, President of Rayne Technology Solutions, Inc.. Need good stewardship of our data; after slow ramp-up to normal, cybersecurity is rising in importance both in scope, cost and impact; overseas State-sponsored hackers have tools and software providing access to millions of computers around the world; small businesses will also feel the impact, especially with remote workers with data in the cloud and/or with limited access to IT advice; reach to [email protected] for further questions. Did you know we host our Business Roundtable Teleconference every Tuesday at 10 AM? Join us for the next call or catch the recap in the Chamber Connection email or on social media! Next week our General Conversation Topic will be "Third Party Food Delivery Fees"

As of today, community financial institutions are able to make First Draw PPP Loans. This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. Register for this round of PPP with Monterey Chamber Member Pacific Valley Bank at pacificvalleybank.com. ... Questions? We're happy to help!

To Monterey County Community: Today Governor Newsom announced new government directives to contain the spread of coronavirus and prevent COVID-19 patients from overwhelming hospitals. Monterey County is now classified in a new "Bay Area" region for a Regional Stay Home Order being issued today (December 3, 2020). It’s likely that in the next couple of weeks the State of California will direct some businesses in the Bay Area region (including Monterey County) to close or furth...er restrict commercial activity. Hotels will be allowed to open only for "critical infrastructure support." Restaurants will be allowed to serve customers "only for take-out, pick-up, or delivery." Retail and shopping centers will be limited to 20% capacity with entrancing metering. Hair salons, barbershops, and personal care services will close. More information about the looming restrictions is available on this State of California website: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/. Obviously this is yet another blow for local businesses and the people who work for them. But our hospitals in Monterey County are among the many hospitals in California experiencing a significant rise in patients. The need to flatten the curve is again highly relevant. Your Chamber of Commerce will remain vigilant and keep you updated about the latest developments. Please regard us as a resource! Contact Monica Lal at [email protected] or (831) 648 -5350.

Let’s Keep our Region Healthy and on the right track! New Testing Site available for all essential workers and community members. https://lhi.care/covidtesting... Seaside High School

Join us today, October 16 from 12pm to 2pm, for our 1st Annual Education Forum featuring several guest speakers! www.montereychamber.com

Join our board! Applications now OPEN! As MPYP board members, we pride ourselves in being active community members, staying connected to each other, helping each other pursue professional growth, and having fun while doing it! ... MYPY are looking for individuals in the Monterey County area to join our board member team. As a board member you will be expected to attend 4 quarterly meetings in the next year, help plan, organize and facilitate MPYP activities (beach clean ups, food drives, hikes, etc.), help us collect donations, and keep MPYP energized! This is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of something great in our community and to gain experience in leadership. MYPY is accepting applications until December 15th and then we will be conducting interviews via zoom. This is a one year commitment. Please click the link below to purchase an Application Fee ticket and click the 2nd link to apply. Pay Application Fee Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/apply-to-be-a-mpyp-board-membe Apply Here: https://montereychamber.us20.list-manage.com/track/click

December is here and we welcome you to join us for our Quarterly CEO Breakfast with G. Craig Vachon on December 11th. It's going to be a blast! Don't forget to register at: www.montereychamber.com

Great ways you can connect with Monterey’s nature! www.sanctuaryvacationrentals.com

FREE COVID-19 DRIVE THROUGH TESTING! Monterey County Health Department

Autumn may bring shorter days and falling leaves, but the Monterey Peninsula enjoys its best weather of the year along with a bounty of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Embracing simplicity and sustainability, Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar launches its new fall menu from the creative mind of chef-owner Soerke Peters. Boasting an ever-changing menu of pasta, mozzarella and gelato made fresh daily Pacific Grove’s only certified green restaurant has ushered in autumn w...ith several exciting changes. On the antipasti menu, chef Peters puts fall on a plate with his Pancetta di Maiale, using amaro-glazed pork belly, parsnip puree and Umbrian lentils. For fans of octopus, Mezzaluna has added Polpo alla Griglia, with a medley of grilled octopus, braised sunchokes and Calabrian peppers, tied together with a romesco sauce. Peters also elevates clam chowder with his Zuppa di Vongole, added torched bone marrow and a side of country toast. At Mezzaluna’s renowned mozzarella bar, look for Barbabietole al Forno, sea salt-baked beets with artichokes, roasted pear and arugula, topped with ambrosia vinaigrette and hazelnut-parsley pesto. The Burrata e Funghi showcases the season with Tuscan kale, wild mushrooms and black truffle oil. Peters showcases a wide variety of pasta made with Italian flour and local eggs from Glaum Egg Ranch in Aptos. New to the pasta lineup for fall is Pappardelle di Cappesante, seared dayboat scallops with leeks, white wine, garlic, parsley and bottarga (salted, cured fish roe). The chef’s Bollito Misto is a dish of tortelloni filled with brisket and capon and served with consommé along with housemade cotechino sausage, carrots, leeks, mustard fruit and apple-horseradish. Using smoked salmon and mascarpone to fill large ravioli, Peters’ Mastro Ravioli di Salmone comes with a rich butter sauce, sautéed spinach and oven-roasted red onion. Take advantage of the mild fall weather and enjoy Mezzaluna’s outdoor dining on its heated, dog-friendly patio (daily from 5 p.m.; closed Tuesdays). During the pandemic, a big hit has been Mezzaluna’s retail lineup of pastas and sauces. Customers can pick up ready-to-cook pastas (from spaghetti and rigatoni to spinach pappardelle and squid ink linguini), along with sauces such as bolognese, gorgonzola dolce and puttanesca. https://www.mezzalunapasteria.com/

The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is hosting an education forum on Friday, October 16, 2020 from 12:00 2:00pm via Zoom. The subject of the forum is: How is the 2020 Pandemic Changing the Face of Education and discussion will center around how the pandemic is affecting education, technology, childcare and workforce development. Invited guest speakers include: - Dr. Eduardo Ochoa, President Cal State University Monterey Bay - Dr. Deneen Guss, Monterey County Su...perintendent of Schools - David Martin, Interim Superintendent/President Monterey Peninsula College District - PK Diffenbaugh, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Superintendent - Patricia Szasz, Associate Dean, Middlebury Institute of International Studies - Francine Rodd, Executive Director, First 5 Monterey County - Raul Rodriguez PH.D, President Hartnell College Never before have we faced such challenging times, forcing all industries to adapt. The forum brings together Monterey County leaders in the education sector for an informative discussion about the challenges their industry is facing and provides the opportunity for knowledge sharing as we navigate these challenging times together, said Frank Geisler, CEO Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. The event is presented by Santa Cruz County Bank and sponsored by Glastonbury Audio, Visual, Event Specialists. The cost to attend the panel discussion is $20 for chamber members/$25 for non- members. To register for the event visit www.montereychamber.com A Zoom invite will be sent to registered attendees on the day of the event. For more information call the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce (831) 648-5350.

Enjoy the 63rd Monterey Jazz Festival this weekend starting today @ 5PM! Get your tickets at: www.montereycountyfair.com/virtual-jazz-festival... Monterey Jazz Festival Monterey County Fair

Rio Take Out Wines reduced! Rio Grill Restaurant is offering its wine list to-go at 25% - 50% OFF. Rio's wine list is the perfect complement to its fresh take-out menu, and this offer is an ideal way to create an at-home Happy Hour or upgrade your take-out experience with both flavorful dishes and wines. Order a bottle of wine and pair it with your favorite meal! Discounted bottles are available every day at lunch and dinner. For more information, call us (831) 625-5436, or visit https://www.riogrill.com/ Also keep up to date with the latest from Tarpy’s Roadhouse and Montrio Bistro here: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/High-tides-and-good-vib

***MEMBER MONDAY*** Natividad Foundation brings people together to enhance and strengthen Natividad, the one place that safeguards the lives and livelihoods of everyone in Monterey County. We are honored to serve our community, and dedicated as agents for positive change. With your support, we’re transforming health care into healing. Located in beautiful Salinas, California, Natividad is an acute care hospital and Trauma center dedicated to providing high-quality health ca...re to everyone, including the vulnerable. Founded in 1886, the 172-bed hospital is owned and operated by the County of Monterey and offers a wide range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, diagnostic, and specialty health care services. Natividad Foundation is an essential partner to Natividad and provides the financial and program resources it needs to enhance its health care services. Our public-private partnerships transform health care into solutions that heal people and create a healthier community https://www.natividadfoundation.org/

Escape on the Bay This Thursday, September 24, join the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce & Monterey Bay Whale Watch for an exciting trip on our spectacular Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Monterey Bay Whale Watch has been studying whales all over the world for over 30 years and is committed to conserving their habitat. Space is limited, RSVP is required.... Thursday Sep 24, 2020 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT $70 per person Light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages included Register here under Chamber Events: https://www.montereychamber.com/

At Startup Investment & Community Capital Expo you can expect to learn about the secrets to getting investments in #startups, learn about various types of capital financing for startups, listen to successful #founders present how they got funded, connect with seasoned investors, and much more! Join a community of like-minded individuals with an interest in growing the #entrepreneurship community in the Monterey Bay region! To learn more: https://www.siccmonterey.com/attend/