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Welcome from VHEDC
The VHEDC is a private 501( c)( 4) nonprofit organization established in 1984. Our mission is to enhance economic growth and development in the City of Vadnais Heights and the surrounding communities of the northeast metro area through the attraction, retention, and expansion of existing businesses and industries in our community.
Comprised of local business leaders wanting to connect, engage, and make a difference in our community, investor members and partners lead, develop, support, and participate in programs, services, and committees.
Welcome from the City of Vadnais Heights
Since its incorporation in 1957, Vadnais Heights has grown from a small, agricultural community to a thriving, diverse second-ring suburb of Saint Paul.
The City of Vadnais Heights is a vibrant community with strong neighborhoods, over 200 thriving businesses, beautiful woods, lakes, wetlands, and trails. Called“ home” by approximately 13,000 people, Vadnais Heights covers approximately 8.5 square miles and boasts more than 100 acres of parkland. The community is served by excellent schools, including the school districts of Mounds View Public Schools(# 621) and White Bear Lake Area Schools(# 624), Northeast Intermediate School District(# 916), two( 2) private schools( AFSA High School and Gentry Academy), and Century College.
The City is governed by a Mayor and four Council members, with day-to-day operations managed by a professional City Administrator. Vadnais Heights has its own Fire Department with two stations and contracts with the Ramsey County Sheriff’ s Office for law enforcement services. The City’ s Planning / Community Development Director serves as an advisor to VHEDC.
Business Retention & Expansion( BRE)
In partnership with the City of Vadnais Heights, the VHEDC conducted a Business Retention & Expansion Survey Project in 2016, with technical assistance from the University of Minnesota and local task force of over 25 business leaders in the community. Significant progress has been made on the initial findings.
Committee members continue to visit and tour local businesses with city administrative staff, asking BRE survey questions and connecting businesses with information and resources relevant to their growth and expansion needs.
Open to Business
" Open to Business " in Ramsey County is a partnership between the county and the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers( MCCD) offering free, one-on-one business counseling and support for entrepreneurs. Services include business planning, financing, marketing assistance, and help with licensing. You can access the program and find a schedule of upcoming office hours by visiting ramseycounty. us / OTB.
Workforce Initiatives & Partnerships
Dating back to“ Community Conversations” in 2015, the VHEDC has been actively involved in several workforce development initiatives, including:
• Career Force- www. careerforcemn. com / welcome-all-minnesotans-workforce
• Career Pathways Programs in Manufacturing & Automotive with local school districts and grants from the Minnesota’ s Youth Skills Training( YST) Programs
• Many Faces is a collaboration of 30 organizations from the greater White Bear Lake area with a mission to strengthen communities by providing opportunities to listen, learn, reflect and engage in conversations and actions that promote equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development( MN DEED) and Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry( MN DLI)
• Ramsey County Workforce Solutions Programs, including Inclusive Workplace Cohorts
• RealTime Talent Labor Market Data & innovative collaborative employer programs
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