The VHEDC Business Achievement Excellence Award
The VHEDC Business Achievement Excellence Award pays special tribute to outstanding companies that continue to thrive and support the local economy . In considering businesses for this award , the VHEDC looks for one in the area that excels in its professional industry , is committed to social responsibility , and demonstrates strong community involvement .
The 2022 winner is the White Bear Area Food Shelf . Located in White Bear Lake , the company not only provides food assistance at its location , it helps connect neighbors to resources for food , housing , energy assistance , health care , job support and legal advice . Having to change its business model during the pandemic , the food shelf filled a broader need in our community by being a strong collaborative partner of the VHEDC . The White Bear Area Food Shelf played a key role in helping VHEDC advance its mission of ensuring a thriving local business economy in the northeast metro area .
“ It ’ s quite an honor honestly . I think there has been great effort by staff , volunteers , the Board and the organization to meet the need in our community . To be recognized in this way is something very special , and we really appreciate it ,” said Perry Petersen , who has served as Executive Director of the White Bear Area Food Shelf since 2019 .
The VHEDC Community Partnership Award
The VHEDC Community Partnership Award recognizes collaborative partners that help the VHEDC to advance its mission of ensuring a prosperous local business economy in Vadnais Heights and the surrounding areas . The 2022 winner is MME Group , a fullservice injection molding and contract manufacturing company based in Vadnais Heights that designs tools , and produces and assembles plastic products for the medical industry , including masks , oxygen concentrators , cassettes for blood transfusions and products for endoscopy .
MME Group has partnered with VHEDC ’ s Youth Skills Training program
and five local school districts to establish summer internship programs for high school students contemplating a career in manufacturing so they can get relevant , paid , hands-on experience . MME Group ’ s participation contributes to the valuable mission of building a future work force and responding to the labor shortage in this sector .
The company also raises money for and helps promote awareness about the American Cancer Society , and provides employees with paid time off to volunteer in the community . MME Group employees regularly volunteer at Second Harvest Heartland and the White Bear Area Food Shelf , and during the holiday season partner with the Vadnais Heights Lion Club for a food and toy drive . They have also adopted a local park , and spent time there picking up litter to make sure it is clean for the people who want to use it .
“ We are very excited to win the award . We have a specific group of people who do a lot of work in the community . The recognition is very meaningful for us ,” said Phil Boeke , President , MME Group .
46 Northeast Metro Business