RREDC has hired Gregg Foster to be its executive director. The RREDC Board of Directors unanimously approved his appointment at their July 30, 2009 meeting.
In announcing the hiring of Mr. Foster, RREDC Board Chair Sherman Schapiro said, “I am very pleased that Gregg has returned as executive director; and I am certain that with his previous experience he will be able to work with the board of directors to make sure that RREDC remains a vital player in the regions economic development community.”
Foster, a native of Humboldt County has over 20 years of experience in community and economic development working in both the private and non-profit sectors. Foster served as executive director of RREDC from 1999 to 2007. For the past two years, Foster was employed as Director of Business Development of Lost Coast Communications (KHUM, KSLG, and KWPT). He currently serves as president of the North Coast Small Business Resource Center and is on the board of directors of the Humboldt County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Eureka Main Street.
Thanks to RREDC we were able to acquire the additional necessary money we needed to help capitalize our new business venture after all efforts through commercial lenders were exhausted. RREDC was also very helpful in assisting us with our business plan. All of their personnel are wonderful to work with.
RREDC not only helped with financing our expansion, they also offered advice and support along the way.
Without RREDC, growing our business would have been nearly impossible. They can help when larger institutions can't.
We were in the midst of a difficult $1,000,000 renovation project after our building got red-tagged for earthquake safety. Banks were leery of loaning to us because our non-profit income stream did not look dependable to them. RREDC had a wider vision and came through for us at a critical moment.
Without RREDC the loan for our business would not be possible. Thanks to them we are in operation today. Thank you for your help.
I literally wouldn't be a business owner without the help of RREDC. I was in an unique situation where I didn't qualify for a bank loan and RREDC took a chance on me. I have now owned my audiology practice for nearly 5 years!
In 1999, my business partners and I applied for a working capital loan at RREDC. They made it easy and possible for us to start our venture as the new owners of Dalianes Travel.
RREDC's support has been instrumental in our successes developing additional air service destinations and in providing the necessary airport infrastructure needed for those services.
Ten years ago my husband and I hoped to open a dinner restaurant. No one would lend us for such a "risky" project. We had a great local reputation and 45 combined years of experience in 4 star restaurants. RREDC made it happen for us! Now we are the premier restaurant in our area, creating jobs and training for young people, paying living wages, providing health care benefits and giving back generously to our community. Thank you RREDC for recognizing our potential!
The Redwood Region Economic Development Commission has been very responsive to individuals and businesses that we have referred to them. The staff is both knowledgable and caring. We have no reservations recommending RREDC to our clients who can benefit from their services.
In 2000 when I began planning to purchase a lot and build a custom tofu-manufacturing plant in Arcata's Aldergrove Industrial Park, RREDC provided invaluable professional advice and moral support during the business plan phase, and ultimately, supplemental financing to make the plan a reality. Their continued support since has helped Tofu Shop Specialty Foods survive and thrive.
