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.