FROM THE PRESIDENT
MIKE PELTO , VHEDC PRESIDENT I
think
MIKE PELTO VHEDC PRESIDENT we can all agree that no one expected the world to be ravaged by a pandemic these last two years . I think we were all caught flatfooted . Our goal now for 2022 is to find that “ New Normal ”. Looking forward , the Board will continue to focus on Business Retention and Expansion visits to keep a pulse on how our local businesses are dealing with the current environment and to understand how the VHEDC can help support them and keep their businesses thriving .
One of our top priorities in 2022 will be to stay engaged with our current investors and attract new investors to help carry out the vision of our organization . “ Making an investment in the VHEDC means making an investment in their business and community ,” is a message we will continue to convey . And finally , managing our financial resources to help ensure that our board stays fiscally healthy as we find new sources of revenue to move our initiatives forward will be a key focus area in 2022 .
ABOUT MIKE PELTO
Board President Mike Pelto has served on the VHEDC Board of Directors since 2018 , and served as the organization ’ s Vice President in 2021 . He also serves on the Workforce Committee , which has provided an opportunity to discuss workforce shortage challenges with our local businesses , helping to find ways to retain and find new employees .
Pelto has been in banking for over 20 years . He currently holds the position of Vice President , Retail Manager for the MidWestOne Bank of White Bear Lake . For more than 80 years , MidWestOne Bank has earned long-term customer relationships by helping customers and communities succeed . We believe that the communities we serve are not only the inspiration of our organization , but the purpose behind our existence .
MidWestOne Bank supports organizations that create opportunities in our communities . Employees are very involved in serving the community through volunteering , and donating . The MidWestOne Foundation provides financial support for the arts , education , wellness , recreation and civic services that enhance the cultural wellbeing of the communities we serve .
2022 VHEDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary Buerkle Buerkle Automotive Group
Megan Dohmen Frandsen Bank & Trust
Brian Deuel Olsen Thielen & Co ., Ltd .
Mark Duea GDO Law
Joe Erickson I . C . System
Jill Funck H . B . Fuller
Debby Gustafson Twin Cities Metro CDC
Scott Haupt Short Elliott Hendrickson , Inc .
Ed Jambor Lake Area Bank
8 Northeast Metro Business
Tara Jebens-Singh
Past President Northeast Youth & Family Services
Wayne Kazmierczak Superintendent White Bear Lake Area Schools
Cindy O ’ Donovan Right4 Your Business
Mike Pelto MidWestOne Bank
Kyle Sommer Toshiba Business Solutions
Sara Stafki F & M Bank
Katie Swenson Century College
Joy Vander Heiden Ehlers , Inc .
Thomas Voegele 8 x 8
Marty Welch Children ’ s Discovery Academy
Michael Wilhelmi Xcel Energy
ADVISORS :
Erik Goebel City Council Member , City of Vadnais Heights
Gerry Urban Urban ’ s Farm & Greenhouse
Kevin Watson City of Vadnais Heights
Nolan Wall City of Vadnais Heights
Mike Enright Cities Credit Union
Liz Moscatelli Executive Director