Rising Star & business leadership awards
VHEDC Board Vice President Kyle Sommer presenting the 2022 Rising Star Awards with VHEDC Board President Mike Pelto .
2O22 BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AND RISING STAR AWARD WINNERS
There are certain qualities that set our community ’ s leaders apart from the rest . They have a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected , they think creatively , they have good organizational and problem-solving skills , and they have a desire to help make a better future for all of us .
Business Leadership Award Recipient
The winner of the 2022 VHEDC Business Leadership Award is Marty Welch , CEO of Children ’ s Discovery Academy of Early Living . Since 1981 , her company has been providing high quality , educational childcare in a safe , welcoming environment .
“ It ’ s really a great feeling when you get an accolade like this . It just made me feel wonderful ,” said Welch , who has been with the educational childcare facility since its early beginnings . She just celebrated her 40th year at Children ’ s Discovery Academy this year .
Welch began her career at the Children ’ s Discovery Academy of Early Learning in 1982 as a preschool teacher and worked her way into management just a year later when she accepted the position of Assistant Director for the Little Canada location . She has also served as a Center Director , and the Educational Director of both locations . She played a key role in the company ’ s expansion to a second location in Vadnais Heights . She became owner and CEO when the previous owners decided to retire .
“ I ’ ve had experience with all the different positions of the program and truthfully believe this is important to be a good leader / supervisor . You need to understand the many rewards and challenges there are working with young children to help make it the best program for the children , their parents and our staff ,” said Welch .
She spent several years serving on the Board of Directors for Minnesota Child Care Association ( MCCA ), the organization that represents licensed childcare centers throughout Minnesota . The MCCA ’ s mission is to be a voice for children and work closely with the government officials who impact the regulations , public funding , and tax structures for childcare in our community .
A few years ago , Welch stepped away from the day-to-day operation of Children ’ s Discovery Academy , and passed the reigns on to her daughter ,
42 Northeast Metro Business