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VHEDC VALUES ITS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS T he Vadnais Heights Economic Corporation (VHEDC) is comprised of Northeast Metro business leaders who work toward the goal of creating new job opportunities, retaining existing jobs, and expanding the tax base of the region. It’s a tall task, and one businesses can’t do alone. That’s why the VHEDC has formed strategic partnerships with other organizations that assist in carrying out the mission. These partners include: Ramsey County Economic Development, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, BizRecycling, The City of Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake Area Schools, Century College and the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce. plan. It examines housing needs, job growth, the fiscal health of the community and workforce development. In 2019, the county also launched a corridor revitalization pilot program. It will allow cities and county facilities to access funds to do the research needed to revitalize distressed or aging commercial corridors. In 2020, Ramsey County will be developing a regional portal intended to be a one-stop shop for information businesses need to be successful. This is a great partnership and we are grateful for the leadership role that the VHEDC has taken in this area. The Youth Skills Grant they have received is valuable to the economic vitality of the County. We are honored to be partners. Vital strategic initiatives for 2020 include: * Business Retention & Expansion * Internships for Area Businesses * New Business Assistance Ramsey County Ramsey County has played a key role in the partnership by hosting four economic development summits in which all of the city economic development practitioners, Chamber staff, and VHEDC members have been invited to participate. “We have discussed various topics around economic competitiveness and how we can work together, whether that be through affordable housing, workforce development, or understanding new programs like Open for Business,” said Kari Collins, Director of Community & Economic Development for Ramsey County. In addition to welcoming “Open for Business,” an initiative to ensure small business owners get the support they need to open and grow their businesses, Ramsey County also has an economic competitiveness and inclusion 18 Northeast Metro Business “One of the roles of government is to ensure that our businesses are successful. We know there is a large labor shortage right now and more needs to be done to expose young people to viable careers in manufacturing and the automotive industries. As a result, the county is happy to leverage its resources to help eliminate barriers and burdens that prevent a business from participating in such a unique opportunity,” said Ling Becker, Director, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions and a past executive director of VHEDC. Having a relationship with VHEDC is so critical because they are really the boots on the ground entity that is hearing directly from each business member on what the workforce needs are and the general needs of retaining businesses in that area. - Kari Collins, Director of Community & Economic Development for Ramsey County. Ramsey County Workforce Solutions Ramsey County Workforce Solutions partners with VHEDC on the Gen Z Connections program by being the employer of record for Youth Skills Training participants. The purpose of the partnership is to support the business community and ensure that youth are being exposed to high growth industries in Northeast Metro communities. - Ling Becker, Director, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions and a past executive director of VHEDC City of Vadnais Heights The City of Vadnais Heights has also been a key player in the strategic partnership, working with VHEDC on a variety of initiatives. Every year, the city hosts a marketing and communication meeting at which businesses can get the information they need about the criteria for expansion efforts and code related issues. “We also partner annually on a thank you happy hour event where we express our gratitude for our local business’ continued investment in the community,” said City Administrator Kevin Watson. The City also dedicates space in its monthly newsletter for VHEDC member businesses to communicate information about themselves to city residents.