Marina, Santa Cruz, CA – September 30, 2020 – Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) and Santa Cruz Works (SCW) are pleased to announce a partnership with CMTC’s California’s Manufacturing Network to provide direct support to manufacturers negatively impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

“California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) has long been a valued member of MBEP. When they approached us to participate in this program, it seemed like a perfect fit. We’ve been 100% focused on helping the Monterey Bay region with COVID-19 relief in the past few months, and this effort is specifically tailored to getting the manufacturing sector up and running to pre-crisis conditions. We want to help them sustain their operations now and in the future.” said Kate Roberts, President & CEO of MBEP.

“CMTC has enabled us to expand our support for local businesses impacted by COVID-19 and the economic downturn,” explains Doug Erickson, Executive Director of SCW. “Our combined clinics allow us to provide immediate assistance for PPP, HR, grants, funding, revenue growth, supply chain opportunities, and cybersecurity.” 

With the pandemic dramatically redefining the landscape for California manufacturers, MBEP will work with CMTC and other members of the Network to help businesses survive, recover, and thrive as they navigate through the challenges brought on by the crisis.

“Through the CMTC program, MBEP has helped me resolve some significant issues related to the COVID-19 crisis, particularly in the area of PPP funding,” said Rogelio Barranco, Controller of Rinaldi Tile & Marble.

MBEP is providing resources and services at no cost to businesses such as: assistance in finding sources of capital or local/state incentives, guidance on PPP loan repayment, information on new local and state policies and laws; information regarding workforce development programs; and technical assistance through California’s Manufacturers Accelerator program. The goal is to meet with manufacturers throughout the region to identify and understand their specific needs, challenges, and opportunities, and provide them with assistance for recovery and growth.

“We are grateful to grow our opportunities to further collaborate with our partners in the region to help our robust manufacturing businesses to survive, recover and thrive in our new economy,” said Kristina Chavez Wyatt, CMTC Client Advisor for Northern California.

Funding from the CARES Act Stimulus Package 2020 is supporting this effort to reach manufacturing companies who are facing challenges in the current economic climate.  One issue of increasing concern is cybersecurity.   

“Our goal is to help businesses protect their brand and digital assets from cyber attack,” said Jack Wolosewicz, CEO of Cyberus Labs. “With the help of SCW through the CMTC program we are able to expand our reach and serve our customers more effectively.”

About MBEP

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional nonprofit membership organization consisting of public, private and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz. MBEP’s mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region. www.mbep.biz

About SCW

Santa Cruz Works (SCW) is a regional nonprofit organization focusing on supporting businesses through workskill development, funding, technical assistance, business development, and networking. www.santacruzworks.org

About CMTC and California’s Manufacturing Network (CMN)

Established in 1992, CMTC is a private nonprofit corporation that provides consulting services to small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) throughout the state of California. CMTC operates as part of a National Network through a cooperative agreement between the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Department of Commerce for the State of California. In 2016, CMTC formed California’s Manufacturing Network (CMN) to expand capabilities and capacity to efficiently serve more manufacturers in California. This Network delivers services that address the regional challenges driven by a diverse manufacturing community. The Network is a collaboration of more than 25 partners focused on serving SMMs in rural and urban areas statewide. CMN has increased the number of SMMs served to more than 1,300 companies annually, which adds significant economic impact for manufacturers and the public good of the State of California.

About the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Funding

COVID-19 recovery and resiliency services funding is made possible by the NIST MEP National Emergency Assistance Program through funding under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Pub.L. 116–136).