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State of California
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Department of General Services (DGS)
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program
The state established a 3% DVBE Participation Goal to ensure a portion of the state's overall annual contract dollars are awarded to DVBEs. As a certified DVBE you are eligible for the state's 3% DVBE Participation Program and DVBE certification status strengthens business networking opportunities via the state's Internet Certified Firm Inquiry Services' certified DVBE query and listing. To be eligible for certification, your business:
- Must be at least 51% owned by one or more disabled veterans;
- Your daily business operations must be managed and controlled by one or more disabled veterans (the disabled veteran(s) who manages and controls the business is not required to be the disabled veteran business owner(s)); and
- Your home office must be located in the U.S. (the home office cannot be a branch or subsidiary of a foreign corporation, foreign firm, or other foreign based business).
For certification purposes, a "disabled veteran" is:
- A veteran of the U.S. military, naval, or air service;
- Has a service-connected disability of at least 10% or more; and
- Must be a California resident.
Most state departments maintain some contractor registry that businesses can sign up with to receive notices of bid solicitations and related procurement information. If you are interested in selling to a state department and meet the SB/DVBE guidelines above, check the various state websites to find out how to register as an interested vendor.
California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency
Small Business Assistance and Advocacy Program
The Small Business Assistance and Advocacy Program empowers California's small businesses to compete more effectively and more fully participate in the state's economic vitality. The Governor's Advocate reviews regulations and legislation to determine the anticipated impact on small businesses and informs small businesses about opportunities provided by state agencies.
In recent years, the state has accomplished several major milestones in support of small business:
- In fiscal year 2001-02, state contracts to small businesses amounted to $2 billion, 31% of all state contracting.
- Over 2,000 loan guarantees have been issued in the past three years amounting to $200 million in small business loans.
- The Small Business Reform Task Force, chaired by the Director of the ASB, was established to enlist small business input concerning regulatory reform.
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United States
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Department of Commerce (DOC)
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) promotes growth and competitiveness of the nation's minority-owned businesses.
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Chambers of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
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Community involvement gives a business person the opportunity to network with other leaders in the community and gain exposure for their business. Most importantly, volunteering helps build strong communities and beautiful neighborhoods, improve education and reduce crime.
One of the most common ways to become involved in the Community is to join a local convention and visitor's bureau, chamber of commerce or business association. Local
organizations promote the community by working to attract new businesses and by advocating government policies that make it easier for businesses to serve their customers. Many organizations offer members-only marketing and promotional opportunities.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce, Business Association or Convention Bureau in your area by phone, fax or internet. Not all of the Chambers of Commerce have a Web site link, but contact information for all of them can be found below.
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
Tel: (831) 667-2100
Fax: (831) 667-3100
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Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
380 Alvarado Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Tel: (831) 648-5360
Fax: (831) 649-3502
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Carmel Chamber of Commerce
San Carlos, between 5th & 6th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Tel: (831) 624-2522
Fax: (831) 624-1329
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Moss Landing Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 41
Moss Landing, CA 95039
Tel: (831) 633-4501
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Carmel Valley Chamber of Commerce
13 West Carmel Valley Road
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Tel: (831) 659-4000
Fax: (831) 659-8415
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North Monterey Chamber of Commerce
11272 Merritt St.
Castroville, CA 95012-3422
Tel: (831) 633-2465
Fax: (831) 633-0485
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Gonzales Chamber of Commerce
147 4th Street
Gonzales, CA 93926
Tel: (831) 675-9019
Fax: (831) 675-2644
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Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce
584 Central Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Tel: (831) 373-3304
Fax: (831) 373-3317
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Greenfield Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 333
Greenfield, CA 93927
Tel: (831) 674-3222
Fax: (831) 674-5397
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Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce
444 Main Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
Tel: (831) 724-3900
Fax: (831) 728-5300
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
5 East Gabilan
Salinas, CA 93901
Tel: (831) 757-1251
Fax: (831) 757-1607
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Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce
119 E. Alisal Street
Salinas, CA 93901
Tel: (831) 424-7611
Fax: (831) 424-8639
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King City Chamber of Commerce
203 Broadway St
King City, CA 93930-2830
Tel: (831) 385-3814
Fax: (831) 386-9462
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Seaside & Sand City Chamber of Commerce
505 Broadway Avenue
Seaside, CA 93955
Tel: (831) 394-6501
Fax: (831) 394-1977
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Marina Chamber of Commerce
211 Hillcrest - Wagner Hall
Marina, CA 93933-0425
Tel: (831) 384-9155
Fax: (831) 883-9077
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Soledad-Mission Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 335
Soledad, CA 93960
Tel: (831) 678-2278
Fax: (831) 678-2696
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California Chamber of Commerce
1215 K Street, Suite 1400
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: (916) 444-6670
Fax: (916) 325-1272
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Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
P. O. Box 1770
150 Olivier St.
Monterey, CA 93942-1770
Tel: 888-221-1010 (toll free)
Tel: 831-649-1770
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Economic Development Organizations
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California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED)
550 Bercut Drive, Suite G
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: (916) 448-8252
Fax: (916) 448-3811
CALED is the premier statewide professional economic development membership organization dedicated to advancing its members' ability to achieve excellence in delivering economic development services to their communities and business clients.
Competitive Clusters (C2)
Competitive Clusters (C2) is an ongoing public-private collaboration between The Monterey County Business Council, the Monterey County Office of Economic Development, and community members. The collaboration has resulted in the launch of a number of initiatives designed to enhance economic diversification and competitiveness, and to build the health, welfare, and connectedness of the Monterey County community.
Monterey County Business Council (MCBC)
P.O. Box 2746
Monterey, CA 93942-2746
Tel: (831) 883-9443
Fax: (831) 648-0458
The Monterey County Business Council (MCBC) is a county wide organization of over 40 concerned Monterey County businesses. Founded in 1995, the non-profit Business Council seeks to promote the concept of private-public partnerships by bringing business experience and techniques to the public arena. The Business Council works to implement its vision of a dynamic economy rooted in
environmental quality, community cohesion, and individual opportunity by concentrating on economic vitality, transportation, education, and water issues.
Monterey County Office of Economic Development (OED)
Monterey County Government Center
168 West Alisal Street, 3rd Floor
Salinas, CA 93901
Tel: (831) 755-5065
Fax: (831) 755-5081
The Monterey County Office of Economic Development (OED) has four major areas of responsibility:
- Provide the staff and resources necessary to accomplish the OEDC goals
- Develop and implement economic development policy
- Develop and implement business retention, expansion and attraction programs
- Prepare and administer federal, state and local grants
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Trade & Industry Associations
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In addition to the local associations listed below, many professions also have national, state, regional and county level associations. These associations can be very useful resources for people starting their own business. Some of the service you my find offered by these professional
associations include:
- Business development assistance
- Continuing education programs
- Insurance pools
- Legislation monitoring & lobbying
services
- Networking opportunities
Builders Exchange of the Central Coast
100 12th Street, Bldg 2861
Marina, CA 93933
Tel: (831) 883-3933
Fax: (831) 582-2356
The Builders Exchange of the Central Coast is a non-profit association of general contractors, subcontractors, engineers, architects, manufacturer representatives, suppliers and others closely related to the construction industry. The Builders Exchange covers the Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties for projects out to bid.
California Manufacturers and Technology Association (CMTA)
CMTA Headquarters
980 9th Street, #2200
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: (916) 441-5420
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), formerly the California Manufacturers Association, works to improve and preserve a strong business climate for California's 30,000 Manufacturers, processors and technology based companies. For more than 85 years, CMTA has worked with state government to develop balanced laws, regulations and policies that stimulate economic growth and create new jobs while safeguarding the state's environmental resources. CMTA represents businesses from the entire manufacturing community - a segment of our economy that contributes more than $250 billion annually and employs more than 1.5 million Californians.
Central Coast Human Resource Association (CCHRA)
P.O. Box 1923
Seaside, CA 93955
The Central Coast Human Resource Association (CCHRA) is a local, nonprofit organization serving California's Central Coast HR professionals with members from the Monterey Peninsula, Salinas, and surrounding communities. CCHRA is affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and has been awarded the status of a SHRM "Superior Merit" Chapter. CCHRA brings human resources professionals together to help them stay abreast of ever-changing employment legislation, network with colleagues, and provide a forum for exchanging information about the most up-to-date trends and ideas used in HR management today.
Central Coast Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R)
P.O. Box 1449
Salinas, CA 93902
Tel: (831) 771-9242
Central Coast Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) is a committee organized under Monterey County Farm Bureau. YF&R promotes leadership, education, opportunity and advancement in the field of agriculture. Membership is open to all individuals 18-35 years old directly and indirectly involved in agriculture. Honorary Membership is open to all other individuals.
Grower-Shipper Association (GSA) of Central California
512 Pajaro Street
Salinas, California 93901
Tel: (831) 422-8844
Fax: (831) 422-0868
The Grower-Shipper Association (GSA) is dedicated to promoting and supporting the Central Coast agricultural industry and is committed to providing a wide variety of quality services to its member companies in the counties of Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Santa Clara.
Monterey Bay International Trade Association (MBITA)
725 Front St., Ste. 104
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Tel: (831) 373-2437
Fax: (831) 373-8918
The Monterey Bay International Trade Association (MBITA) is a non-profit organization comprised of businesses in the Tri-County Area. MBITA encourages international business and assists companies in finding export markets for products and services in foreign countries.
Monterey County Association of REALTORS® (MCAR)
201 A Calle Del Oaks
Del Rey Oaks, CA 93940
Tel: (831) 393-8660
Fax: (831) 393-8669
The Monterey County Association of REALTORS® (MCAR)provides informative and useful Member resources such as association links to the Board of Directors and Committee Chairs, real estate forms, statistics, affiliate Web sites, and events calendar featuring scheduled events and classes, along with continuing education information. For the general public, MCAR provides community links highlighting the various Monterey County communities and schools, notifications of weekly open houses, and resources to find a REALTOR® or search the MLS for a property. MCAR's government affairs section is also accessible to everyone.
Monterey County Bar Association (MCBA)
P.O. Box 1371
Salinas, CA 93902
Tel: (831) 663-6955
The Monterey County Bar Association (MCBA) provides an on-line attorney directory and a Lawyer's Referral Service program where, for a $35.00 fee, you can engage the services of an attorney who specializes in your problem for a thirty minute consultation. MCBA keeps its members informed and in touch with the legal community through e-mail notification of upcoming social and MCLE events as well as its quarterly print newsletter, The BARLINE.
Monterey County Farm Bureau
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 1449
Salinas, CA 93902
Street address:
931 Blanco Circle
Salinas, CA 93901
Tel: (831) 751-3100
Fax: (831) 751-3167
Monterey County Farm Bureau is a private, nonprofit association of farmers and ranchers throughout this California county, located on the central coast. While Monterey County Farm Bureau puts its effort into countywide issues like local land use issues, our affiliation with the California Farm Bureau Federation and the American Farm Bureau Federation extends our influence — that collective voice for all of us associated with agriculture — to the state, national and international level. (AFBF is recognized as one of the 25 most influential organizations in Washington.)
Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA)
P.O. Box 223542
Carmel, CA 93922
Tel: (831) 626-8636
Fax: (831) 626-4269
The purpose of the Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) is to actively foster, protect and represent the interests of the members of the association by providing advocacy and representation on government issues; providing educational resources; and ensuring that the
economic benefits of hospitality are made known to the community through active community and business relations efforts.
Monterey County Medical Society (MCMS)
19065 Portola Drive, Suite M
Salinas, CA 93908
Tel: (831) 455-1008
Fax: (831) 455-1060
The Monterey County Medical Society was established in 1870 as a professional association of physicians practicing in Monterey County. The mission of the Monterey County Medical Society (MCMS) is to serve as an advocate for its physician members; to preserve the highest professional standards of quality medical care; and to promote and protect the public health. MCMS is a component society of the California Medical Association and is also affiliated with the American Medical Association.
Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (MCVGA)
P.O. Box 1793
Monterey, CA 93942-1793
Tel: (831) 375-9400
Fax: (831) 375-1116
The Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (MCVGA) brings together the talents and resources of members, partners and our community in order to promote and support our leadership in the art, the science and the business of wine.
Salinas Valley Builders Exchange (SVBE)
20 Quail Run Circle, Suite A
Salinas, CA 93907
Tel: (831) 758-1624
Fax: (831) 758-6203
The Salinas Valley Builders Exchange (SVBE) is a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization of general contractors, sub-contractors, building material dealers and other related construction industry businesses. SVBE represents the entire Construction Industry. The principal purpose of the Exchange is to further the interests of the Industry and to inform and protect its members. By exchanging ideas and concerns unique to our industry, we gain a total knowledge and strength, benefiting SVBE members who participate in Exchange activities.
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Other Organizations
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Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) - Monterey Bay Chapter
24571 Silver Cloud Court, Suite 102
Monterey, CA 93940
Tel: (831) 373-1169
Fax: (831) 373-1172
The Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) is an organization of professionals from diverse disciplines who are engaged in the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to environmental planning and management. The Monterey Bay Area Chapter primarily serves the Counties of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito. AEP is specifically devoted to: improving the skills of its members, the effectiveness of environmental and resource management, and to the continued improvement of the environmental profession and its members.
Common Ground (CG) Monterey County
24571 Silver Cloud Court, Suite 102
Monterey, CA 93940
Tel: (831) 373-1169
Fax: (831) 373-1172
Common Ground (CG) Monterey County is a non-profit group dedicated to the responsible stewardship of all the resources in Monterey County including agricultural land, water, open space and those elements necessary to ensure housing opportunities and a thriving economy.
Cultural Council for Monterey County (CCMC)
P.O. Box 7495
Carmel, CA 93921
Tel: (831) 622-9060
Fax: (831) 622-9061
The Cultural Council for Monterey County (CCMC) promotes and supports education, appreciation and excellence in the arts in Monterey County. CCMC fosters cultural awareness
and understanding, helping to provide an array of aesthetic and educational experiences for adults and children.
Monterey County Film Commission
801 Lighthouse Ave, #104
Monterey, CA 93940
Tel: (831) 646-0910
Fax: (831) 655-9244
The Monterey County Film Commission is a non-profit organization that promotes Monterey County as a filmmaking destination.
Monterey County Young Professionals Group (MCYPG)
The Monterey County Young Professionals Group (MCYPG) is an organization formed to offer networking opportunities to business professionals in their 20s and 30s residing in Monterey County and beyond. MCYPG seeks to provide young professionals with the occasion to meet and mingle with their peers, foster relationships and business development in a sophisticated, relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The purpose of the group is solely to network and have fun.
New Monterey Business Association (NMBA)
321 Alvarado Street, Suite G
Monterey, CA 93940
Tel: (831) 655-8070
Fax: (831) 655-8072
The New Monterey Business Association (NMBA) is a community of businesses in the Lighthouse Avenue business district, united to achieve the common goals of
economic vitality and to reaffirm the spirit of New Monterey. Businesses include international restaurants, unique shops and services for the New Monterey neighborhood.
North Fremont Business District of Monterey (NFBDM)
2259 North Fremont Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Tel: (831) 373-3381
Fax: (831) 649-8741
The goal of the North Fremont Business District of Monterey (NFBDM) is to promote and revitalize the commercial area along North Fremont Street, as well as serve the needs of its local neighborhoods. In addition to programs and activities to make business improvements in this district, NFBDM brings Monterey on Ice to the community.
Old Monterey Business Association (OMBA)
321 Alvarado Street, Suite G
Monterey, CA 93940
Tel: (831) 655-8070
Fax: (831) 655-8072
The Old Monterey Business Association (OMBA) is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing and promoting the economic vitality and community spirit of Old Monterey. A certified member of the National Main Street program since 1992, the OMBA produces a local dining guide, monthly Commercial Space Available listings and a Path of History brochure that guides both locals and visitors through a celebration of Monterey's exciting past.
Oldtown Salinas Association (OSA)
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 2325
Salinas, CA 93901
Street address:
119 E. Alisal Street
Salinas, CA 93901
Tel: (831) 758-0725
Fax: (831) 758-0503
Oldtown Salinas Association (OSA), originally established in August, 1977 is a non-profit business organization which promotes and enhances Oldtown Salinas through revitalization programs, business recruitment, community events, advertising, publicity, and business advocacy with local government. Most recently Salinas was certified as a California Main Street Community. The Association produces a Restaurant Brochure, a Business Directory, Oldtown Calendar of Events, Space Available List, and a periodically publishes the Oldtown Action Newsletter.
Professional Women's Network (PWN) of the Monterey Peninsula
P.O. Box 222508
Carmel, CA 93922
Tel: (831) 646-0796
The Professional Women's Network (PWN) is the Monterey Peninsula's largest organization of professional women. PWN was founded in 1983 when five women joined together to establish a network for women in business. Today, PWN is a dynamic organization of approximately 150 women representing a wide spectrum of professions. Our membership is comprised of entrepreneurs, professionals, employees, and retirees. Our members look first within the network for products or services they need, and actively promote the businesses of fellow members.
Rotary International
Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 31,000 Rotary clubs located in 167 countries. Below is a list of the meeting places with links to the local clubs in Rotary District 5230:
Carmel-by-the-Sea
La Playa Hotel
Tel: (831) 624-7795
Meets: Wednesdays at 12:15pm
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Monterey Peninsula-Sunrise
Hyatt Regency Monterey
Tel: (831) 375-5523
Meets: Tuesdays at 7:00am
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Carmel Valley
Rancho Canada Golf Club
Tel: (831) 624-2916
Meets: Tuesdays at 12:15pm
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Pacific Grove
The Inn at Spanish Bay
Tel: (831) 649-1055
Meets: Tuesdays at 12:15pm
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Castroville
La Scoula Restaurant
Tel: (831) 751-6683
Meets: Fridays at 12:15pm
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Salinas
National Steinbeck Center
Tel: (831) 759-9553
Meets: Tuesdays at 12:00pm |
Gonzales
Carlito's Restaurant
Tel: (831) 675-3637
Meets: Mondays at 12:00pm
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Salinas Northeast
National Steinbeck Center
Tel: (831) 757-0862
Meets: Thursdays at 12:15pm
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Greenfield
Joanna's Restaurant
Tel: (831) 674-3400
Meets: Tuesdays at 12:15pm
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Salinas
Rodeo
Corral de Tierra Country Club
Tel: (831) 424-5663
Meets: Thursdays at 6:00pm
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King City
Margie's Diner
Tel: (831) 385-5961
Meets: Wednesdays at 12:00pm
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Salinas Steinbeck
National Steinbeck Center
Tel: (831) 753-9940
Meets: Wednesdays at 7:00am
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Marina
Marina Municipal Airport
Tel: (831) 394-0100
Meets: Wednesdays at 12:15pm
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Seaside
Embassy Suites Hotel Monterey Bay-Seaside
Tel: (831) 394-4101
Meets: Mondays at 12:00pm
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Monterey
Hyatt Regency Monterey
Tel: (831) 375-6282
Meets: Thursdays at 12:15pm |
Soledad
Valley Harvest Inn
Tel: (831) 678-3379
Meets: Thursdays at 12:00pm
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Monterey Pacific
Embassy Suites Hotel Monterey Bay-Seaside
Tel: (831) 320-9774
Meets: Thursdays at 5:15pm
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Salinas Jaycees
P.O. Box 1048
Salinas, CA 93902
Tel: (831) 755-1000
The Jaycees is the premiere leadership training and community service organization for young adults, consisting of men and women between the ages of 21 and 39. The Jaycees, also known as the Junior Chamber of Commerce, provides opportunities to improve on one's business skills, provides networking opportunities, performs community service, and offers many fun social opportunities.
Over 40 chapters are located throughout the State of California, and there are nearly 2000 chapters nationwide. As a member of a local chapter, you are also a member of the California Jaycees, United States Jaycees, and Junior Chamber International. The Salinas Jaycees serves Monterey and Salinas.
Salinas United Business Association (SUBA)
1330 E. Alisal Street
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 796-0896
Formed in 1993, the Salinas United Business Association (SUBA) serves the East Salinas business community to support and promote businesses in its thriving commercial corridors of East Market Street, East Alisal Street, and Sanborn Road. With support from the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Salinas, SUBA is making a positive impact for the community and will eventually have financial support from a business improvement district with additional grant funding from the Salinas Redevelopment Agency.
Salinas Valley Business Women's Network (SVBWN)
P.O. Box 6731
Salinas CA 93912
The Salinas Valley Business Women's Network (SVBWN) is an organization dedicated to providing support to the professional business woman. Through its monthly luncheon meetings, bimonthly newsletters, scholarship programs and various internal and community activities, members are given the opportunity to develop networking, leadership and general business skills that are uniquely tailored to meet their needs.
Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG)
224 Airport Parkway, #620
San Jose, CA 95110
Tel: (408) 501-7864
Fax: (408) 501-7861
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG), formerly known as SVMG, is organized to involve principal officers and senior managers of member companies in a cooperative effort with local, regional, state and federal government officials to address major public policy issues affecting the economic health and quality of life in Silicon Valley. Currently, Silicon Valley Leadership Group addresses the following five core issues: affordable housing, comprehensive transportation, reliable energy, quality education and a sustainable environment.
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