by Geno Quiroz | Sep 22, 2022 | News
Lisa Rheinheimer, Assistant General Manager of the Monterey-Salinas Transit recently sat down with the Marina Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to talk about the new SURF! Busway and Bus Rapid Transit project and how it is going to impact our community. The...
by Geno Quiroz | Aug 31, 2022 | Community, News
The Mentorship Program is a two-semester experience with scheduled meetings that cover the following topics: self-esteem, your personal roadmap, SMART goal planning, academic reflections, and job interviews. The purpose of this mentorship is to introduce scholars to...
by Geno Quiroz | Aug 21, 2022 | News
Construction is underway on an affordable housing project in The Dunes area of southern Marina. It will add 140 apartments to the region as soon as 2024 amidst the ongoing housing crisis. “In a press release, Marina City Manager Layne Long applauded the project,...
by Geno Quiroz | May 19, 2022 | Education
Word of mouth has long been a powerful tool in getting new customers. Especially here in Marina. As everyone knows, online reviews are the new “word of mouth” referral system most relied upon by shoppers. Research shows that 90% of consumers read online reviews before...
by Geno Quiroz | May 15, 2022 | Education
We tend to think of listening as a quite common skill. It’s something that we all learn as we grow up, through verbal and non-verbal communication. From a business perspective, when I talk about listening I am referring to listening to your existing customers and to...
by Geno Quiroz | Nov 29, 2021 | News
The Marina Chamber of Commerce is announcing open positions for the 2022 Board of Directors (including the following officer positions: President, Vice-President, Secretary & Treasurer). We are seeking leaders in the Marina Community to represent the Chamber’s...
by Geno Quiroz | Oct 28, 2021 | News
2021 has been another challenging year, and we have yet to know what the rest of the year will bring, but we can put our efforts together to create a positive holiday experience for our community this November. Your Marina Chamber of Commerce is once again encouraging...
by Geno Quiroz | Oct 8, 2021 | News
On September 9, 2021, the Marina Chamber of Commerce hosted a workshop on the downtown specific plan. We were joined by City officials who were able to give us some updates and helped address questions from the public The goal of this workshop was to provide an...
by Geno Quiroz | Sep 24, 2021 | News
Marina Chamber of Commerce member, Blue Zones Project Monterey County encourages changes in our community that lead to healthier options and improved lives. When our entire community participates – from our worksites and schools to our restaurants and grocery stores –...
by Geno Quiroz | Aug 28, 2021 | News, Reviews
This is a list of the “Top 25” Locals’ Favorite Restaurants in Marina, California as chosen by members of the Marina Community Facebook Group. I recently asked the members of this group to “please let me know who your favorites are and...
by Geno Quiroz | Aug 22, 2021 | News
The Marina Chamber of Commerce is Seeking an Experienced Administrative Assistant. Do you live in Marina? Do you enjoy helping others succeed? Do you like meeting fun and interesting people? Do you like working from home? Are you interested in making a few extra $$...
by Geno Quiroz | Aug 8, 2021 | News, Things To Do
For visitors looking to get off the beaten path, Marina is for you. We take pride in our parks, beaches, and open spaces. I recently asked members of the Marina Community Facebook Group what some of their favorite outdoor activities are and this is what many of them...
by Geno Quiroz | Jul 25, 2021 | News, President Updates
Geno Quiroz President and Chair (2019-2021) Owner / Monterey Premier Digital Marketing Agency — I could not be more honored to serve as President & Chair of the Marina Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors during these challenging times. The Chamber has a...
by Geno Quiroz | Jun 7, 2021 | News
WordPress has become synonymous with owning your own business website. The software is built with the user in mind for both the non-tech person and the developer. WordPress is fast, secure, and regularly updated. Unlike Wix, Weebly, or Squarespace, WordPress is an...
by Geno Quiroz | Apr 23, 2021 | Covid-19, News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 19, 2021 Kimbley Craig, President & CEO, Monterey County Business Council We wanted to send out this note about the opening of the Restaurant Relief Fund from the SBA, which may provide some relief for your business. Here are some...
by Geno Quiroz | Mar 19, 2021 | News
The Department of the Treasury and IRS announced yesterday that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. The IRS will be providing additional guidance in the coming days....
by Geno Quiroz | Mar 17, 2021 | Covid-19, News
As of March 17, 2021, Monterey County is in the Red Tier for Substantial in California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. On August 31, 2020, the State of California implemented a Color Tier System to help track the loosening and tightening of restrictions by County....
by Geno Quiroz | Mar 3, 2021 | News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 3, 2021 Sacramento, CA – California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), announced today four new funding rounds for the California Small Business...
by Geno Quiroz | Feb 27, 2021 | News
The US Small Business Administration’s 504 Loan Program, also known as the Certified Development Company Program, provides affordable long term, fixed-rate financing to help healthy, expanding small and medium sized businesses grow. The loans are for acquiring...
by Geno Quiroz | Feb 26, 2021 | News
Let Your Tastebuds Travel! Marina’s many local and family owned restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines that take you around the world! That is why your local Marina Chamber of Commerce has hosted the very popular biennial Flavors of Marina event for the...
by Geno Quiroz | Nov 19, 2020 | News
This November, the Marina Chamber of Commerce initiated the Buy Local Marina Campaign from November 1st to November 28th. This year has been challenging and we have yet to know what the rest of the year will bring, but we can put our efforts together to create a...
by Geno Quiroz | Nov 11, 2020 | News
Your Marina Chamber of Commerce has engaged in several initiatives designed to bolster the region’s economic strength and enhance its competitive advantage. There are several ways we do that: Awareness Promotion Advocacy We recently created a brochure to talk about...
by Geno Quiroz | Aug 24, 2020 | News
Here is a list of the local Marina Hotels that have availability and discounts for fire evacuees as of Saturday, August 22nd. This list subject to change given the quickly changing circumstances so please call the hotel in advance to confirm accommodations rather than...
by Geno Quiroz | Aug 15, 2020 | News
The City of Marina recently announced new relaxed guidelines for businesses conducting operations outdoors. “In an effort to help businesses meet the requirements of the Monterey County Health Department with regards to the COVID-19 local emergency, outdoor use...
by Geno Quiroz | Jul 27, 2020 | Covid-19, News
Applications to be submitted to the City with supporting documentation on or before August 31, 2020, or award of loans totaling $150,000.00, whichever occurs first. The second round of funding will consider all applications received by July 6, 2020. Thereafter,...
by Geno Quiroz | Jun 25, 2020 | News
Local restaurants have long been a vibrant part of Marina’s character and, right now, they are ready to transport you to far-flung places while you shelter in place. Restaurant owners have set up strict safety precautions, including gloves and masks for their workers,...
by Geno Quiroz | Apr 9, 2020 | Unlisted
Looking for ways to support local businesses while staying at home? Marina local businesses & front-line organizations need us now more than ever during this shelter-in-place! The Marina Chamber of Commerce has joined together with a number of local businesses to...
by Geno Quiroz | Apr 4, 2020 | Covid-19, News
In these difficult times, we want to support your business and those in our community affected by COVID-19. Please join us in a free, new program coordinated by the Marina Chamber of Commerce. Gift Cards for Good: April 11- April 30 Customers buy a gift card to...
by Geno Quiroz | Apr 4, 2020 | Covid-19, News
Gift cards have become an effective way to increase profits and, in times like these, are a nearly essential option for businesses to offer. During this shelter-in-place, most businesses are relying on new ways to bring in income while adhering to the new guidelines...
by Geno Quiroz | Mar 28, 2020 | Covid-19, Health & Fitness, News
The Importance of Online Community During Shelter in Place If there is one thing we learned this month, it is the value of having an online presence and community. As the Shelter in Place was enacted a few weeks ago, there were many restrictions as to how business was...
