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MCBC's Eggs & Issues returns with a presentation on China strategies, great news for CSUMB and Hartnell, and don't miss out on our Oct. 23 Higher Education & Research Leadership Summit!
Monterey County Quality


UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, Oct. 23 -- MCBC Annual Higher Education & Research Competitive Cluster Leadership Summit. This important annual event offers a chance for regional higher education and research institutions to discuss their current projects while highlighting their regional economic impact with the public release of an economic impact report. (See story at right) Register now for discounted MCBC member admission, and see sponsorship opportunities, at Eventbrite

SAVE THE DATE: MCBC 21st Anniversary Gala and Annual Economic Vitality Awards, February 6, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey. To find out about  sponsorship opportunities, contact MCBC Executive Director Brian E. Turlington at 831.216.3000 or via email

By Invitation Only events identified as (BIO).

 

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK 

"It is possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill." ~ Wilbur Wright
 
 

  A Weekly Newsletter Promoting Monterey County: Open for Business
Business Council Members identified as (BCM)

Friday, Sept. 18, 2015

Edition 615


 

U.S. News ranks Cal State Monterey Bay as one of the top 20 public universities in the West

Cal State Monterey Bay (BCM)  is one of the top public universities in the Western United States, according to the 2016 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges edition out this week.

CSUMB is ranked 18th among Western public universities by the magazine, which based its assessments on critical indicators such as graduation and retention rates, faculty resources and financial resources.

Regional universities offer a full range of undergraduate programs and some master’s programs. U.S. News ranks colleges that grant doctoral degrees, such as those in the University of California system, in a separate category. The West region includes 15 states.

U.S. News also highlighted CSUMB for diversity. Using its "diversity index," the magazine rated the university among the most diverse schools in the West. The diversity index factors in the total proportion of minority students and the overall mix of groups.

The university also ranked high in the magazine’s category of economic diversity in its region, with 57 percent of students receiving Pell grants – federal financial aid that usually goes to students with family incomes under $20,000.
 



White House recognizes Hartnell College

Four Hartnell College (BCM) programs have been selected as bright spots by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

The majority of the programs focus on science and technology, working to get more Hispanic students and minorities into those degree programs.

One of them is the Computer Science in Three Years program, with an enrollment of 94 students. 

The program gives each student a $30,000 scholarship from the Matsui Foundation, which covers tuition all three years with leftover money for food and housing.

“Because of that, our students don't have to get a job, they don't have to worry about money, they can just focus on school. The projects they need to do to become successful,” program manager Melvin Jimenez said.

By the end of three years, students graduate with a bachelor's degree in computer science, with no debt, heading into a booming tech industry.

“We've had students go from not knowing anything about computer science to two years later, having job offers of $100,000 plus starting salary," said Jimenez.

The first students in the program will graduate this spring. The program manager says that a third of those students already have job offers.    

Read the full story online.
Source: KSBW
 




Don't miss the 2015 Higher Education & Research Leadership Summit on Oct. 23

There's so much good news coming out of our local institutions of higher education: Hartnell College's White House recognition and CSUMB's high ranking by U.S. News this week are merely the tip of the iceberg.

Our local colleges and universities not only prepare students for the world through degrees and workforce preparedness training, they also serve as centers of research and innovation. They create jobs and vitalize our local economy.

Each year, the Monterey County Business Council and the Higher Education & Research Competitive Cluster host an annual Higher Education & Research Leadership Summit. Scheduled for 7:30-10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 23 in the Monterey Marriott's Ferrante’s Bay View Room, the Annual Higher Education and Research Leadership Summit is the opportunity for the presidents and institutions that are members of the MCBC Higher Education and Research Competitive Cluster to showcase upcoming collaborations and projects and highlight the economic impact of education and research in the Monterey Bay region.  

Expect insights from, and the opportunity to network with, leading officials from Cal State University Monterey Bay, University of California Santa Cruz, Monterey Peninsula College, Hartnell College, Monterey College of Law, the Monterey Institute of International Studies, Defense Language Institute, Naval Postgraduate School, and others. 
 

Advance registration for MCBC members is just $30, or $40 for non-members; those without advance registration will be charged $45 at the door.

Register now at Eventbrite to reserve your attendance.
 


 

A word of recognition for our generous sponsors

Major sponsors of this year's Higher Education & Research Leadership Summit include PG&E and the Monterey Bay PTAC.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. Sponsors will be publicly acknowledged at our event through promotional announcements, fliers, social media, as well as a prominent note in our program. We offer three levels of sponsorship: (i) Platinum Sponsors in the amount of $5,000, each of whom will receive video and audio recognition on television and radio; listing on our event program; recognition at the event; recognition in all marketing publications; company brand/logo on the MCBC website; recognition in Friday Facts; and ten (10) tickets and preferred seating; (ii) Gold Sponsors for $2,500, who will receive listing on our event program; recognition at the event; company brand/logo on the MCBC website; recognition in Friday Facts; ten (10) tickets and preferred seating; (iii)Silver Sponsors for $1,000, who will receive listing on our event program; recognition at the event; ten (10) tickets and preferred seating. Breakfast will be provided to all attendees.

See our Eventbrite page for sponsorship details or to become s a sponsor of this high-visibility event. For more information, contact MCBC Executive Director Brian Turlington at bturlington@mcbc.biz or phone (831) 216-3020.

 


 


MCBC's Eggs & Issues returns

"Eggs & Issues," the Monterey County Business Council's popular morning series, returns with an informative breakfast forum on "Developing & Refining Your China Strategy," from 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 24 at Bayonet &  Blackhorse. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at door, with continental breakfast included. Make your reservation online now or email MCBC Executive Director Brian Turlington or call (831) 216-3000.

Eggs & Issues is a quarterly breakfast gathering of interested persons from business, professions, government, and not-for-profits that are concerned about key issues affecting the economic health of Monterey County and are looking for solutions.  Each breakfast is devoted to a different topic; future topics will include cybersecurity, an inssue of of paramount economic importance to Monterey County.

This month's presentation, "Developing & Refining Your China Strategy," will be led by Ashley Beleny, partner and co-founder of U.S.-China Trade Advisors, a boutique consultancy specializing in commerce between the United States and The People's Republic of China.  

Among other things, Ashley will discuss importing and exporting compliance issues regarding China.

As trade continues to grow between China and the U.S., many U.S. companies are looking to explore and expand business opportunities across the Pacific. Others are already working with Chinese companies and struggling with communications, cultural barriers and trade and transactional issues on a regular basis. 

US-China Trade Advisors helps businesses navigate the culture, policy and business challenges they may face in their U.S.-China business exchanges.

Beleny has been working with China since 2008 for companies in both China and the U.S.. This includes leading consulting teams, conducting international trade for a Chinese SOE, and representing a US company in China. Her work crosses the marketing, health products, green tech, environment and agricultural industries. Ashley is also President of Environmental Relations PR, which she founded in 2010.  

She holds a Masters in International Trade Policy and a Masters of Business Administration in International Management from the Monterey Institute of International Studies.  She also earned a BA in International Relations & Diplomacy from The Ohio State University.  

In advance of the breakfast, take a moment to complete a brief 15-question survey.  Even if you are unable to attend, we would appreciate your feedback.  

To find out about sponsorship opportunities, contact MCBC Executive Director Brian Turlington at (831) 582-3235 or via e-mail.
 



Small Business Development Center hosts free 'Starting a Successful Business in Seaside' workshop

The CSUMB Small Business Development Center is presenting a free workshop for business owners and prospective business owners in Seaside.
"Starting a Successful Business In Seaside" will take place from 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22 at Oldemeyer Center,  986 Hilby Ave.

The workshop is open to anyone already running a business or planning to start a business in  the city of Seaside. The workshop will help you:

Learn about the start-up process, business structure, financing options, business planning basics and start-up services. 

Explore major tasks and procedures your new business will need to get up and running and be productive. 

Establish a preliminary “road map” of your next steps.  

Cost of the workshop has been generously paid by the city of Seaside.  There is no cost to attend, but preregistration is required. Reserve your spot now. 

 For more information, call 422-6232 or email sbdc@csumb.edu.
 



California businesses seek $75 million in latest round of California Competes Tax Credit

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has announced that it received a total of 341 applications with a combined tax credit request of $269 million for an available $75 million for the most recent California Competes Tax Credit application period which closed on Aug. 17.

This fiscal year, GO-Biz is authorized to award $200 million in tax credits of which 25% ($50 million) is reserved for small businesses.  By Oct. 30, 2015, GO-Biz will post on the California Competes website the next list of the applicants recommended for an award. The final decision on whether to award a tax credit is made by the California Competes Tax Credit Committee at a meeting scheduled for Nov. 10, 2015.

The California Competes Tax Credit is part of the Governor’s Economic Development Initiative (GEDI) which Governor Brown signed legislation to enact in 2013 (AB 93 and SB 90). Last fiscal year, GO-Biz allocated approximately $150 million to 212 companies that are projected to create over 29,400 jobs and make over $7.1 billion in investments.  Since the inception of the program in June 2014, GO-Biz has allocated approximately $180 million to 241 companies that are projected to create over 35,00 jobs and make over $9 billion in investments. 

This past summer, the MCBC and local organizations helped bring several Go-BIZ workshops on the California Competes tax credit to Monterey County to help local business owners through the application process.

Learn more about the tax credit at CalCompetes@gov.ca.gov.

 





Old Fisherman's Wharf to host Birthday Celebration

The Monterey Fisherman's Wharf Association will sponsor Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf 170th Birthday Celebration at Old Fisherman’s Wharf on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The special celebration will take place during Monterey’s History Fest weekend of activities.

This free family-friendly event will celebrate the fascinating history of the Wharf, which was built by Walter Colton in 1845. Come to a Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremony at the Wharf tent at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in front of Abalonetti Bar and Grill and enjoy a free slice of whale-themed birthday cake donated by Carousel Candies.

To celebrate, many Wharf restaurants will also feature a variety of “fish-themed” cakes for purchase including Abalonetti Bar and Grill, Big Fish Grill, Crab Louie's Bistro, Liberty Fish, Old Fisherman’s Grotto, Paluca Trattoria, and Carousel Candies will be selling a variety of flavored chocolate fish and a treasure chest filled with chocolate coins.

The event will commemorate the Argentine sailor pirate Hippolyte Bouchard who raided and occupied Monterey in 1818. Attendees are invited to come in a pirate or sailor costume and take “selfies” with pirate statues at the Pirate’s Cove on the Wharf and stop by for a free chocolate coin found in the treasure chest at Carousel Candies.  

Other Wharf businesses offering special discounts and promotions include the Monterey Bay Silver Co., Crab Louie's Bistro and Monterey Bay Sailing, which is offering a special Sunset Wine and Appetizer Cruise.

Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf was designated as the most visited attraction in Monterey County in a recent study conducted by the Monterey County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

Learn more at www.montereywharf.com or call 238-0777.

 



Design class at Marvin Design Gallery by Truitt & White Monterey benefits MCBC

Get Inspired at Marvin Design Gallery by Truitt & White Monterey: Join showroom manager Brian Borchert and sales manager Jack Lamon on Tuesday, Oct. 6th for the final class of 2015's "Inspiration Ideas and Expert Advice for Your Home" series, on the topic of replacing windows.

Marvin Design Gallery by Truitt & White Monterey's knowledgeable team will show “before & afters” as well as provide options for bringing efficiency and beautiful personality to a home.

Topics to be discussed include ‪weatherization‬ and insulation advice, measuring tips, help with rehabbing older double-hung windows and advice on prioritizing projects. Local wines, small bites, a tour of Marvin Design Gallery and a chance to meet the team will  be featured.

A $10 donation to attend will be given to Marvin Design Gallery by Truitt & White Monterey's charity partner, the Monterey County Business Council (MCBC), for support of the Sustainable Building & Design Competitive Cluster.

The event takes place 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 1096 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Seaside. RSVPs are required, contact Jack and Brian at (831) 393-9420 or e-mail the showroom.

For those who attend one of the "Inspiration Ideas and Expert Advice For Your Home" Series and decide to purchase a window replacement or new construction job from Marvin Design Gallery by Truitt & White, a percentage of their order, up to $500, will benefit the charity from the class attended.

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Salinas, CA 93901

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