A Weekly Newsletter Promoting Monterey County:
Open for Business

Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

Edition 965

Monterey County storm damage estimates surpass $120 million, with costs expected to rise

County officials have mapped out the “state of the county” moving into 2023, and at the top of the list is major storm damage that is likely to top $120 million. It will still be some time before the floodwaters, especially the Salinas River, reside enough to get a better picture of the total damage. Read more
Source: Monterey Herald

Strawberry industry could see $200 million in losses, but growers see silver lining in soil health

According to preliminary estimates from the California Strawberry Commission, 1,840 acres of strawberry crops on the Central Coast are facing flooding- and storm-related losses that could reach $200 million from crop, property, and equipment damage.

Most farms in the region are dormant, minimizing the impact on farmworker jobs, said California Strawberry Commission President Rick Tomlinson, and most of the state's 31,850+ strawberry growers welcomed the rain, which washes the soil and improves plant health. Read more
Source: KSBW

Monterey-Salinas Transit provided transportation to evacuation shelters, assistance centers

The recent atmospheric river event is another example of Monterey-Salinas Transit (MCBC member) being called upon to partner with local public safety counterparts and perform special services outside of its normal functions. As the storm pummeled the region and caused widespread flooding, MST helped provide safe transportation to many residents forced to evacuate their homes. Vulnerable members of the community without access to transportation were provided with safe transportation out of harm’s way to shelters and resources.

Throughout the weather event, MST drivers, and MST partners from MV Transit, and Monterey Yellow Cab were called upon dozens of times to transport over 120 members of the community to and from shelters – and were able to accomplish this without missing any regularly scheduled services. The entirety of Team MST came together to ensure that regular service to its passengers continued while providing the emergency evacuation service friends and neighbors in the community desperately needed.

 This week, MST has been providing transportation for storm victims from San Ardo and Pajaro to a Local Assistance Center in Spreckels where families and businesses can access available assistance programs and services.

Local agencies encouraged to apply for $9 million through Assistance to Firefighters Grant program

The Department of Homeland Security currently has $9 million in grant funding available through its Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, to: "... equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperability, support community resilience, and enhance the safety of the public and emergency responders before, during, and after hazardous events." Learn more at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants and enter the Opportunity #: DHS-22-GPD-044-00-98. The application deadline is Feb.10.

MCBC February Membership Lunch: Get to Know Hartnell College President Michael Gutierrez

MCBC is pleased to host our February membership lunch with Hartnell College's new president, Michael Gutierrez. President Gutierrez will share a bit about himself as well as give an update on what's happening at Hartnell College (MCBC member).

Event Details
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10
Where: Bayonet & Blackhorse, Seaside.
Cost: $35, includes lunch. (When registering, you can see the lunch options by clicking “pricing details.”)

New & Improved Date!
MCBC 'Covid Business Survival Awards'

We decided to put off our gala event until all of the holiday madness has subsided. So, please mark your calendar for the “new and improved” date of Friday evening, Feb. 24, from 6-9 p.m. Instead of a normal celebration of what would be the Monterey County Business Council’s 25th anniversary, we’re going to call this event our “Covid Business Survival Awards.” We’ll have fun while we honor some of the businesses and people who have successfully weathered the storm of the last few years. $195 per person (we should mention it’s at Pebble Beach’s posh Inn at Spanish Bay). Click here to register. For sponsorship opportunities, please email our CEO at Kimbley@MCBC.biz.

MCBC Travels with Paul

Join MCBC’s COO Paul Farmer as we visit the north of France including Normandy, with the option to visit Paris, as well.
Our trip to “The Gems of Normandy and the Champagne Region departs on Nov. 2, 2023. Join us for a travel presentation via Zoom or in person in Salinas on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m. To get the address or Zoom code, please email Paul@mcbc.biz or call him at (831) 216-3019. Price of $3,549 includes airfare, hotels, guided tours, breakfasts and some dinners, and taxes and fees. Trip brochure is on our website here: mcbc.biz/programs/travels

Caltrans presents Draft US 101 Business Plan

The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (MCBC member) Board of Directors on Wednesday received a presentation on the Draft US 101 Business Plan from Caltrans District 5. The Plan created in collaboration with the Central Coast Coalition and regional partners throughout the district raises awareness of the US 101 Corridor within the boundaries of Caltrans District 5 as a major economic asset to the state and nation and encourages investment in the corridor. The Plan’s purpose is to provide data, strategy, and community support needed to help secure financial investment in the US 101 corridor (including $260 million in project costs in Monterey County) with summarized potential avenues for funding the projects.

The draft Business plan will be available for public review and Caltrans staff will be collecting questions and comments until March 10. Comments can be submitted via email.

 US 101 Business Plan Fact Sheet
 Monterey County Project Tables
 Draft US 101 Business Plan

Upcoming Monterey Bay PTAC Events

Visit the Monterey Bay PTAC website at www.montereybayptac.com to learn more about government contracting, see upcoming webinars, or contact our PTAC team.

Special thanks to the County of Monterey for its ongoing support of the Monterey County Business Council's efforts for economic development and education.

Submit news items of general interest about your organization or upcoming events for consideration for inclusion in Friday Facts, our weekly MCBC e-newsletter that reaches key decision-makers, industry leaders, movers and shakers in Monterey County and the greater region.  And if you aren't yet a member, join us now and help shape the future of Monterey County for the better. Download the membership application or call 216-3000.

Founded in 1995, the Monterey County Business Council (MCBC) is a 501(c)(6) organization comprised of a diverse group of members representing all industries and geographic areas of Monterey County. It remains the only countywide organization focused on business advocacy, economic development and workforce readiness.

Please support our efforts, by becoming a member today: Membership Application
 
If you are a current MCBC member, please help us grow our membership by forwarding this email to businesses who will benefit from our services.