From the President
JOE ERICKSON VHEDC BOARD PRESIDENT
Hello Vadnais Heights Community!
My name is Joe Erickson, and I will be serving as the 2026 VHEDC Board President. I’ d like to take a moment to share my simple but powerful vision for our business community in 2026: Let’ s Connect.
I propose that our business community makes connections this year. Call a local neighboring business and have a cup of coffee. It’ s literally that simple. I don’ t even propose that any business gets done. I propose that the most important part of getting together is the simple act of making friends and connections.
The less business talk the better— especially the less politics the better. The less the conversations are about a means to an end, the better.
If we continue to connect in this way, our community becomes even more like a woven tapestry. What if we take this to an old-school level? We simply get together and chat. Who knows what will happen? I bet it’ s cool, though— and I bet after each cup of coffee you won’ t regret the time spent.
I challenge each businessperson who reads this article to reach out to someone in the VHEDC directory— whether you know them or not— and invite them for a cup of coffee sometime. Maybe it’ s a similar business type. Maybe it’ s someone you haven’ t spoken to in a long time. Maybe it’ s someone you have no clue about.
The mission, if you accept it, is simply to make a connection. Don’ t overthink it. Just chill out, slow down, and smell the roses. Let’ s whistle while we work! Let’ s get to know some people. I guarantee it will give you a deeper appreciation for the city in which you work.
The biggest asset of Vadnais Heights is its people— a city full of great people who care about their community and do good. Let’ s have a great 2026! Who wants to have a cup of coffee?
Joe Erickson IC System VHEDC Board President
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