BUSINESS LEADER & RISING STAR AWARDS
Every year , the VHEDC recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership both at work and in the community with two categories of business appreciation awards . The Business Leadership Award is designed to honor an individual who has achieved recognition in their field and made significant contributions to the respective profession and business or organization . The Rising Star Award is bestowed upon an individual or individuals younger than 40 years of age who demonstrate outstanding leadership that benefits the community and its citizens .
Five 2020 Rising Stars from L to R : McGarthwaite , Weibel , Goebel , Bennett , Welch
Gerry Urban , Business Leadership Award Winner
Business Leadership Award Winner : Gerry Urban
VHEDC is proud to recognize Gerry Urban as the 2020 recipient of the Business Leadership Award . Urban retired from a nearly 40 year career working for the City of Vadnais Heights in 2015 .
His official career with the City began in 1977 in the role of City Clerk , a title which later changed to City Administrator . His work serving the community began well before he took the job in City government though . Back in 1968 , the City had hired him to help plow what at the time was 10 miles of city streets .
Throughout his working career , Urban played key roles in many of the projects that shaped Vadnais Heights , including helping to establish the City ’ s first water system , which was necessary to attract new business . He also played a key role in getting three hotels built along Labore Road : the Holiday Inn , Country Inn and Suites and Fairfield Inn ; helped found the local chapter of the Lions Club ; and along with former Mayor Hank Tessier , in 1984 he organized the VHEDC under the State of Minnesota ’ s STAR City Program . Vadnais Heights became a STAR City for attracting top quality business firms .
“ I am very humbled to have received this award . I think there are a lot of people more deserving ,” said Urban , who is still serving to this day . He is currently advisor to VHEDC ’ s Board , counseling the organization on issues related to planning and economic development .
He is also a small business owner . Urban and his wife , Debbie , own and operate Urban ’ s Farm & Greenhouses , which grows flowering plants and
vegetables , many of which are sold at the downtown Minneapolis and St . Paul Farmers Markets .
Congratulations to Gerry Urban !
Rising Star Award Winners
For 2020 , there were five Rising Star Awards Recipients . They are Michael McGarthwaite , Career Pathways Program - White Bear Lake Area Schools ; Erik Goebel , Occhem Labs LLC ; Molly Weibel , Lakeshore Players Theatre ; Jennifer Bennett , Jimmy ’ s Event Center ; and Meghann Welch , Buerkle Hyundai .
Michael McGarthwaite
Career Pathways Program - White Bear Lake Area Schools
Michael McGarthwaite is currently a Career Navigator for the White Bear Lake Career Pathways program . Besides being an active leader in White Bear Lake Career Pathways , he also works as the Work Based Learning Coordinator for White Bear Lake Area High School - South Campus .
A shining characteristic McGarthwaite has is his selfless servitude . He is willing to support and lend a helping hand when he needs to volunteer , solve problems , and / or serve our community .
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