WELCOME ! FROM THE VHEDC
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be working on a magazine that shares the experiences of local businesses and how they overcame unbelievable challenges during a pandemic . COVID-19 changed our world .
It ’ s safe to say that the tumultuous year was full of emotion for our business owners , employees , healthcare workers , hospitality sector , schools , and our community in general . Every aspect of our community was affected by COVID-19 .
Personally , I found it hard to not reach for a handshake , choosing to elbow bump instead . Then foregoing the elbow bump to maintain a six-foot distance . Learning the true meaning of the word quarantine has been hard on all of us .
Liz Moscatelli
VHEDC Executive Director
The Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation ( VHEDC ) is privileged to play the role of connector in our community . The need for us to play this role became clear early into the pandemic . We needed to be a connector to ensure the well-being of our community .
We added a COVID Resource page to our website , and have been regularly updating it with links that provide our businesses with resources . Among them , templates for safely returning to work , information on how to access PPP loans and SBA relief packages , and updates on COVID-19 vaccines .
We learned a new term this year – distance learning . Our educators had to create lesson plans for distance learning and hybrid learning without knowing the timing of when they would be back in class . Students and parents had to adapt . I watched in amazement while being secretly grateful that my children were old enough to drive .
Early in March 2020 , our nonprofit community immediately collaborated to help each other because that is what they do . Every . Single . Day . The VHEDC nonprofit collaborative , “ Partners for Good ,” exemplified its namesake by recognizing the shift and filling the need . You can read about ways they quickly jumped in during the pandemic despite them missing out on important fundraising events . I learned a lot from their reaction and response time .
Our business community helped those in need , and grasped tightly on to what it means to be a community . When there was a shortage of disinfectant , a H . B . Fuller contact called and asked who was in need of disinfectant because they wanted to donate five-gallon pails to those in need , and they delivered ! Children ’ s Discovery Academy quickly adapted and helped first responders and healthcare workers with their childcare needs .
So , this is “ The Comeback !” Let ’ s get ready together . I can ’ t wait to shake your hand .
Liz Moscatelli VHEDC Executive Director
6 Northeast Metro Business