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Key Accomplishments
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- In 1997 and 1998, MCBC initiated a collaborative of public/private resources and funded 'Measure N,' a ½ cent sales tax initiative to improve the roads and garnered a 54% voter approval, but not the two-thirds needed.
- In 1999 and 2000 MCBC brought 'Smart Growth' to Monterey County by coordinating two forums.
- Outspoken supporter of retaining our military bases during the 2005 BRAC hearings.
- Developed the "Grapevine Express," in conjunction with Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST). A very successful two-month pilot has been completed with a significant increase in ridership to the wineries of Carmel Valley. "Grapevine Express" will be reinstated next Memorial Day 2006 on a permanent basis.
- Co-sponsored a TAMC Forum in 2005 to explain a proposed 14-year Plan.
- Coordinated the Dr. Willard Daggett Forum and reception/dinner in November 2005.
- Funded Lexile Reading study to compare and rate the reading levels needed for entry level jobs in Monterey County with the level of reading taught in our schools, K-16.
- Supported reforming the Workers' Compensation laws.
- Opposed moving the County Planning offices from Marina to Salinas.
- Supported flight expansion at the Monterey Peninsula Airport.
- Active member of the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Association for Local Economic Development.
- Monthly Business Council luncheon (4th Friday).
- Writes and distributes a Friday Fax.
- Collaborating with Mission Trails ROP to develop Project Lead the Way (PLTW) in Monterey.
- Opened office facilities on Garden Road, Monterey.
- In 1999, MCBC partnered with the 'Tellus Project,' to provide business input to the research, hosted breakfast informational meetings and donated $5,000 toward the project.
- In 2002, the MCBC partnered with the County Office of Economic Development (OED) and the
Workforce Investment Board (WIB) in funding a study to determine how to best collaborate on improving the economic climate of Monterey County.
- In April, 2003, MCBC and the OED kicked-off a partnership called Competitive Clusters: C2. Three key industries with the greatest potential for growth in Monterey County were identified: Agriculture, Tourism and Education/Research. Created a Leadership Council to guide the project, consisting of Ted Balsetreri, Bill Barr, Lew Bauman, Diane Cordero de Noriega, Larry Daniels, Richard Elster, Mike Evans, David Gill, Tom Greer, Claude Hoover, Marcia McNutt, Basil Mills, Steve Packer, Leon Panetta, Mark Verbonich.
- Video was produced to support the work of the partnership and a panel of community leaders echoed their overwhelming support.
- Produced and distributed the semi-annual Monterey County Economic Report.
- In 2004 originated the 'Public/Private Economic Development Partnership Awards.
- Added a fourth cluster (Building/Design) in June 2005.
- Formalized a partnership with the Business Education Student Transition (B.E.S.T.) to strengthen school to work initiatives (Workplace Connections).
- Helped create the First Day of School program in Salinas in 1998. Program is in 72 public/private schools, serving over 55,000 students. Created a First Day of School Festival which allows scores of public/private agencies, to showcase their services.
- Partnered with the OED and the OEDC in formulating an "Economic Element" for the General Plan.
- Partnered with Natividad Medical Center in promoting the ½ cent sales tax initiative.
- Partnered with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District in their successful bond issue in 2004.
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