About Us
Economic Development & Financing Corporation
EDFC provides a critical link between the public and private sectors acting not just as a lender but also as an economic development organization. We work with a multitude of partners to support small businesses, develop plans and implement projects that support economic growth within the Redwood Region.
Supporting Small Businesses
Developing Plans
Implementing Projects
CDFI
History Of EDFC
EDFC was founded in 1995 through the efforts of the County of Mendocino and the four incorporated jurisdictions: Willits, Ukiah, Point Arena, and Fort Bragg. Our purpose is as relevant today as it was in 1995: to provide a collaborative approach to economic development and to provide an alternative source of financing to Mendocino County businesses that are unable to access bank financing.
To support this work, each jurisdiction has a representative on our board and provides annual financial support.
Founding jurisdictions
Our Partners
Funded By Community
Our federal funding sources include the Community Development Financial Institution Fund, the Economic Development Administration, and the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development. EDFC is also made possible through grants and contributions from regional partners.
Federal funding
Grants & contributions
Meet EDFC
Board Of Directors
Each founding jurisdiction has a representative on our board, joined by leaders from banking, business and the community.
Pamela Patterson
Chair
Barbara Burkey
Vice Chair
Teri Ullrich
Secretary
Dan McIntire, NCO
Treasurer
Tom Allman
Government
Shannon Riley
Government
Tess Albin-Smith
Government
Maureen Mulheren
Government
Jason Korte
Banking
John Goldsmith
Business
Jeff Lucas
Business
Team
Meet Our Staff
Robert Gernert
Executive Director
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Born and raised in Ukiah, Robert spent his early years engaged in youth sports which carried over into high school where he played football and baseball for Ukiah High. At Mendocino College Robert took an interest in business and received an Associate Degree in Business Administration focused in Management.
In his professional career, Robert has worked for various companies including Redbox Automated Retail and most recently he worked as an Account Manager with Coca-Cola where he strived to produce excellent customer service to large and small businesses alike.
Robert’s passion is his family, he is a proud father of three wonderful children. His goal is to leave a legacy in Ukiah of a healthy, thriving, community where new ideas are given avenues to mature into sustained flourishing businesses, leaving a place desirable for any family to take root.
Stacey Caico
Development Manager
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Stacey Caico is a fourth generation Mendocino County resident with strong ties to her community. Stacey is responsible for participating in Economic Development planning with local and regional partners, working to improve and diversify the local economy by developing new partner relationships and supporting outreach efforts. Stacey manages EDFC’s social media and creates newsletter content. Stacey brings a strong ability to lead and communicate.
In her previous employment of workforce development, she served in capacities as a Business Engagement Specialist, WIOA Program Manager, and Job Developer. Stacey procured new employer relationships with local businesses and worked with community partners on workforce initiatives. Stacey’s experience locally with partnership building and business engagement has been solid for more than thirteen years.
Laura Hurst
Administrative Support