A Weekly Newsletter Promoting Monterey County:
Open for Business

Friday, Feb. 17, 2023

Edition 968

Celebrate with Us
25th Silver Anniversary & Covid Business Survival Awards

The Board of Directors at MCBC and our team are honored to recognize the incredible work, leadership, and care for our community provided during the pandemic by this year’s honorees. Join us at the Inn at Spanish Bay on Feb. 24. Click here to register for an incredible evening. For more information on table purchases and sponsorship opportunities, please email our CEO at Kimbley@MCBC.biz. We look forward to celebrating with you.

Monterey County Business Council announces honorees for the COVID Business Survival Awards

Monterey County Business Council Board of Directors is proud to honor businesses and individuals who have made a significant impact during the COVID-19 pandemic. Join MCBC in celebrating the following for their community efforts during these unprecedented times:   

Small Business Innovation — Stonies Taphouse & Bistro: Demonstrated resilience and innovation during the pandemic by being one of the first local businesses to immediately pivot their business plan to offer online to-go ordering and curbside pickup. Due to their success, Stonies was able to expand its location during the pandemic.

Agriculture — Braga Fresh: Industry leaders in developing safety protocols for keeping the agricultural workforce vaccinated and safe. Their program was a trailblazing model for the agriculture industry.

Higher Education & Research — CSUMB: Strictly implemented immediate COVID safety precautions during the pandemic including a new ventilation system, walk-up COVID testing for students and staff, hybrid schooling, and individualized dorms for students.

Hospitality & Tourism — Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay: Led the hospitality industry to support and focus vaccine efforts on the Salinas Valley and farm workers. The leadership of Portola Hotel & Spa was at the forefront of bridging communication and relationships between hospitality and agriculture.

Health & Wellness — Clinica De Salud Del Valle De Salinas: Instrumental in obtaining specific state-designated vaccine allocations for farmworkers and organizing large-scale vaccination clinics.

Nonprofit — Community Foundation for Monterey County: Established the COVID-19 Collaborative, a countywide multi-sector collaboration of both existing and needed efforts fighting COVID-19 and its impacts on our community. They advanced a coordinated action plan driven by science and best practices in public health and equity.

Creative & Technology — Virus Geeks: Immediately deployed regional free mobile testing at locations throughout Monterey County, including Monterey Peninsula Regional Airport, Monterey Peninsula College, Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay, and other locations.

Lifetime Achievement Award — MaryAnn Leffel: Honored for her decades-long work in the business community.  MaryAnn is a founder of Monterey County Business Council and has served as an executive in the banking industry for 45 years. Her community work includes the Monterey Peninsula Airport District Board, current chair of the Local Agency Formation Commission, and Vice-Chair of the Monterey County Workforce Development Board. She is also a founder of Monterey Bay Economic Partnership and Leadership Monterey County, and over the last several decades has participated on many more non-profits boards.

California wine industry: Great wines, big impact

California wine contributes quality jobs and significant tax and tourism dollars to national, state and local economies. Vintners and growers in California enhance the beauty and vitality of their communities through sustainable winegrowing practices, contributions to charitable and civic organizations and by maintaining healthy land and businesses for future generations

According to a new economic impact report, the state's wine industry generates $1.4 billion in annual economic activity, is responsible for the creation of 10,491 California jobs, $598.5 million in annual wages and benefits, and $122.3 million in annual tourism spending statewide. The report also identifies economic impact by California congressional and legislative district, state and county.

MCBC to host first-ever Black Business Summit

At BBB, our mission is to foster a flourishing Monterey County economy that lifts all, especially our local black-owned businesses. Through a collaboration with the Monterey County Black Caucus, the Black Business Association, the California Black Chamber of Commerce, and local black business owners, BBB is thrilled to host the first-ever Black Business Summit in Monterey County. Join us for a panel discussion on the history, financial impact, and outlook of black businesses in California

13th Annual Whalefest Monterey announced

The 13th Annual Whalefest Monterey returns to Old Fisherman's Wharf and Custom House Plaza from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. March 18-19 featuring a free celebration of cetaceans with dozens of interactive hands-on exhibits, live music and other great activities for all ages, and a two-day Symposium with world-renowned marine experts at Heritage Harbor. Whalefest Monterey benefits many local and national marine organizations that educate, inspire, and empower the public to protect the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Check out the range of activities and learn more here.

LadyBoss: Women Mean Business celebrates contributions of women in business

Join us for "LadyBoss: Women Mean Business | LaPatrona: Mujeres Emprendedoras," a free hybrid celebration of women in business from 11 a.m. to noon, Thursday, March 30, in person at Monterey Touring Vehicles, 2228 Del Monte Ave., Monterey, or remotely via Zoom. 
Fun Fact: During the startup phase, women-led companies used two-thirds less capital than male-led companies. LadyBoss: Women Mean Business celebrates the contributions of women in business. At Building Business Back, we are committed to supporting all businesses in Monterey County, especially our women-owned businesses. Join us for a panel discussion on the history and outlook for women in business. 

Career opportunities with Fenton & Keller

Fenton & Keller has offered practical solutions to complex legal challenges faced by clients in the Monterey Bay Area and beyond for more than 70 years. The firm is seeking applicants for the following positions:

• Litigation / Employment Associate Attorney
• Business Transactions / Real Estate / Estate Planning Attorney
• Litigation / Personal Injury Paralegal
• Business Transactions / Real Estate / Estate Planning Paralegal

Learn more about these career opportunities, qualifications and compensation packages here. Submit a cover letter and résumé to: ndehaven@fentonkeller.com. For more information, call (831) 373-1241.

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.