Ambassador Committee

Vice-Chair: Max Feldman, Union Bank / Santa Barbara Bank & Trust

The mission of the Ambassador Committee is to support the relationship of MPCC with its members by facilitating improved retention of new members. Acting as special representatives for MPCC, Ambassadors promote the benefits and resources of being an MPCC member. Ambassadors allow for new members to develop a relationship with MPCC that strengthens with each year.

Ambassadors are an extension of the Board of Directors, MPCC Staff and Membership Committee. They welcome new members and businesses by greeting guests at MPCC events, such as ribbon cuttings, mixers and signature events. New members whose initial goals are to connect with existing members benefit from introductions made by Ambassadors. Ambassadors are easy to spot with their name badges and red ribbons and exist to assist in making connections between any and all members.

Economic Vitality Committee

Vice-Chair: Neal Heckman, Palace Office Supply

Economic growth is the vision that inspires our mission to develop initiatives for all types of businesses in our community to build and sustain linkages with local employers, education institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations. The Economic Vitality Committee oversees professional development programs to assist businesses in keeping up-to-date with the latest business trends, best practices, and compliance strategies.

The committee plans to engage in buy local programs, working on procurement channels for small businesses to contract with federal agencies that are located in the region, and promoting programs that incorporate innovation and sustainability. They will also monitor and give input on community development plans.

Education Committee

Vice-Chair: Kathi Speller, Community of Caring Monterey Peninsula

The Mission of the Education Committee is to develop and foster workforce readiness initiatives for all levels of education in our community and to build and sustain linkages with local employers and education.

The vision of the Education Committee is to develop a diverse population of students prepared to enter the local workforce through supportive activities with local businesses.

Government Affairs

Vice-Chair: J. Alan Fagan, Death & Taxes

One of the most important benefits of being a member of MPCC is having an organization larger than your own single business representing you and advocating on your behalf. 

MPCC serves as a leading business voice on public policy. When the voice of the total business community is heard, more often than not, it supports a competitive business climate and can influence the outcome of critical decision-making that impacts commerce. The Government Affairs Committee ("GAC") plays a key role to determine which issues those are and, when needed, can convene a coalition to speak together.  This makes MPCC more relevant to its members.

By having a strong role in advocacy, MPCC staff and volunteer leaders do the day-to-day work that many business people simply do not have time to do. Many members — especially those small businesses — do not have the time to keep up on the issues — much less speak out on them. The Chamber provides a great service to these members by being their eyes and ears — and their voice.

Special Events Committee

Vice-Chair: Julie Ann Lozano, Monterey Bay Systems

MPCC holds a number of annual signature events, including the Annual Awards Dinner, Membership Luncheon, Golf Classic, Business Excellence Awards Dinner, Leadership Luncheon and Monterey Bay Business Expo. These events attract business and community leaders and offer excellent networking opportunities for all members.

The Special Events Committee oversees individual event subcommittees that are chaired and co-chaired by chamber members. Committee members for each event organize programs, food & beverages, entertainment, decorations, and sponsorships as needed. Working on an event subcommittee is an effective way to meet other chamber members and strengthen networking ties.