Dear Clients, Partners, and Community Members,
As I prepare to step down from my role as CEO of West Business Development Center, my heart is filled with gratitude for the opportunities we have shared to build a brighter economic future for our region. These eight years have been a journey of innovation, collaboration, and resilience. Together, we’ve redefined what is possible for rural economic development, empowering entrepreneurs and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.
When I stepped into this role, I brought with me a private-sector background and a love for Mendocino County that began when I first experienced its rugged beauty as a teenager. What I could not have fully anticipated was the profound impact this mission-driven nonprofit would have on me, both professionally and personally.
Together, we have elevated West Center into a beacon of innovation and support for rural entrepreneurs. Programs like Centro Latino West, our all-Spanish business development initiative, have empowered underserved entrepreneurs to thrive. StartUp Mendocino, our transformative accelerator program, has celebrated and strengthened the region’s entrepreneurial spirit, and our Disaster Preparedness Program has equipped small businesses with resilience. We have built programs that empower, uplift, and sustain. Our ongoing advancements in digital literacy have also provided vital tools for businesses to navigate today’s online economy. These accomplishments, though not without challenges, were made possible by the dedication of our remarkable staff, the unwavering support of our board, and the trust of our partners.
West Center has grown far beyond its origins as a small business training and technical assistance organization. Since the challenges of the 2020 pandemic, we have embraced an expanded role in economic development that reflects the depth and complexity of our rural economy. This evolution has been both ambitious and necessary.
Through the MOVE 2030 initiative, we invited the entire county—residents, businesses, nonprofits, and government leaders—to unite around a shared vision for a resilient and inclusive economy. This effort brought together over 200 participants to address systemic challenges, break down silos, and produce an actionable framework to guide Mendocino County through the next decade. The work illuminated both the pressing disparities of rural economies and the immense potential of partnerships to overcome them.
Together, we’ve redefined what is possible for rural economic development, empowering entrepreneurs and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.
Similarly, our leadership in the region’s Blue Economy has had a significant impact. As a partner in the Noyo Ocean Collective and Sector Investment Lead for the Redwood Region RISE initiative, we have played a vital role in revitalizing Fort Bragg’s Noyo Harbor, empowering the fishing community, and opening new markets for sustainable seafood. We continue to support the advancement of scientific ocean research in collaboration with the Noyo Center for Marine Science, ensuring that economic development aligns with environmental stewardship and scientific advancement.
The heart of West Center’s success has always been you—our clients, collaborators, and supporters. Your courage, creativity, and determination inspire everything we do. I have had the privilege of witnessing your dreams come to life: the first product launched, the restaurant doors opened, the family-run farms expanded. Your successes have not only built brighter futures for your families but have also strengthened the fabric of our region as a whole.
As I transition out of this role, I take great comfort in knowing that West Center is well-positioned to continue this critical work. The organization is financially sound, and the incredible team I leave behind is deeply committed to our mission of empowering rural entrepreneurs. However, this expertise and passion alone cannot sustain the outstanding free services we provide. Serving nearly 800 clients each year requires financial resources, and as a nonprofit, we work diligently to maintain a strong and diverse grant portfolio.
While I stand on the shoulders of my predecessors, I also recognize the vital role our community plays in sustaining this work. I hope you will continue to support West Center’s new leadership—whether through advocacy, collaboration, or financial contributions—so we can collectively ensure the continued growth and vitality of our rural region.
While I step away as CEO, my dedication to rural economic development remains unwavering. I will continue to champion the small businesses and innovative thinkers who are the backbone of our community’s resilience and vitality.
Thank you for trusting West Center and me to be part of this journey. It has been an honor to work alongside you, and I look forward to watching this community—and West Center—continue to thrive in the years ahead.
With deep gratitude and warmest regards,
Mary Anne Petrillo
CEO, West Business Development Center
