In 1984 , the city ’ s population was around 5,000 . By 1990 , it had more than doubled ( 11,041 ). When the last census was done in 2020 , the city ’ s population had grown to 12,912 .
According to the Vadnais Heights Press article , “ Vadnais history : Beginnings of an industrial city ,” the first big project the VHEDC was involved in was helping the city build its tax base by attracting new firms , but first city water had to be installed and made available to residents and businesses .
The first city water system was installed to serve land that had been earmarked for business development along Highway 61 , as well as Willow Lake Boulevard , Labore Road and County Road E . The 1980s saw the addition of the city ’ s largest employers , including HB Fuller , I . C . System , 3M , Com-Tal Machine & Engineering , Inc ., Innovize and Reell Precision Manufacturing Corporation . Interplastics Corporation also came to Vadnais Heights in the 1980s , and now has three facilities in the community .
The VHEDC was also involved early on in attracting the City ’ s first hotel to town . “ The organization funded an option on land and a study that took a look at the needs of a hotel , the kinds of services it needed and how large it should be ,” said Urban .
“ We then went out and got two or three proposals , and the City Council picked the one they thought was the best . The Development Corporation was instrumental in bringing the Holiday Inn , which is on County Road E East , to town . They are good at putting seeds in the ground ,” said Urban , who added that the VHEDC was also involved in bringing a grocery store and Target to town .
In the 1990s , Holiday Inn Express and Festival Foods , which is now Fresh Thyme , were joined by Walmart , SEH , Du Fresne Manufacturing and many more businesses . TCM Certified Development Company , which provides SBA loans and works with local banks to provide business financing for expansion and working capital , also set up shop in Vadnais Heights in the 1990s .
As the community grew , The VHEDC was involved in developing a plan for the under-developed land consisting of 140 acres at the intersection of Interstate-35E and County Road E . “ Over the years , that was developed into what is now called the City Center District ,” said Urban , who is also proud of all the auto dealers who opened businesses along Highway 61 .
“ We have seven auto dealers in Vadnais Heights , some with more than one facility , ranging in tenure from a few months for Luther Cadillac to over 50 years for Buerkle Companies . We very much appreciate the large vehicle sales selection , great and convenient vehicle service availability , along with the tax base , jobs and the significant community involvement they provide for our community ,” he said .
Early on , the VHEDC also did business retention surveys every year , visiting up to 50 businesses annually to learn where the city needed improvement , and passed what they learned on to the City Council . “ Businesses like to be heard , and they like to see some action taken ,” said Urban , who added that the VHEDC was also supportive of the use of tax increment financing to assist with the road / intersection improvements at the intersection of Interstate 35-E and County Road E .
“ The improvements were needed so a double turn lane could be created for the Walmart and other development ,” said Urban , who also fondly remembers the VHEDC ’ s involvement in helping Vadnais Heights become a Star City .
Created by then State Commissioner Mark Dayton in 1983 , the initiative worked with local officials to provide training to business owners and other community leaders . The idea was to help them provide the means of retaining their existing businesses , nurturing them to expand , and recruiting new businesses . Urban first learned about the program in 1984 .
“ I really was the person who picked up the spoon first and started stirring ,” he said . “ To get accepted there were ten various things you had to accomplish . Among them , you had to
The VHEDC embodies the community leadership ! When a group of committed business and community leaders focus on building a place that invests in making a community a great place to live , work and own a business , it creates amazing momentum and energy that spans the decades . Congrats on 40 years , VHEDC !
Ling Becker , Director Workforce Solutions
RAMSEY COUNTY
VHEDC continues to provide relevant resources to its members , celebrate new business successes , and honor the historical contributions of its stakeholders .
John Wayne Barker , Executive Director
MERRICK , INC ., CELEBRATING 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS IN 2024
As one of the founders of the VHEDC , it was our goal to make the Twin Cities aware of Vadnais Heights and that it was “ Open for Business .” We wanted to expand employment opportunities and the city ’ s tax base . In retrospect , the VHEDC was instrumental in supporting the growth and vitality of the community . I continue to be proud of the organization and the efforts of its volunteers .
Mike Bromelkamp , Retired Principal OLSEN THIELEN
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