Welcome from the VHEDC
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LIZ MOSCATELLI
Welcome to this issue of our Northeast Metro Business magazine and to another chapter in the 42-year story of the Vadnais Heights business community. On behalf of the Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation( VHEDC), I am honored to serve alongside leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators who continue to shape our business community with courage and commitment.
This year has tested Minnesota in profound ways.
We mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant, a Minnesota state legislator who was shot and killed— a tragedy that shook our state’ s civic foundation and reminded us that leadership and service require both conviction and community support. We grieved alongside families in Minneapolis following the shooting at Annunciation School, an event that deeply impacted students, educators and neighborhoods across the country.
We witnessed the strain and uncertainty caused by a surge in federal immigration enforcement actions, which disrupted families and workplaces alike. And we remember Renee Good and Alex Pretti, whose lives were lost in an act of violence that left many Minnesotans searching for understanding and healing.
Our community has stepped up to meet the unforeseen challenges.“ There are a lot of impacts on people with this degree of heightened fear and unpredictability. Many people are too afraid to leave their homes to receive services, so they are not coming in. We have transitioned to offering a lot of online care and also partnered with other organizations like the White Bear Area Food Shelf so we can have a food pantry onsite. We have seen a significant increase in need for food and other basic needs and resources,” said Angela Lewis-Dmello, President and CEO of Northeast Youth & Family Services, who added that mental health symptoms are very severe right now.
“ Really anyone who has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder( PTSD) as a diagnosis, and also depression and anxiety, their symptoms are much worse because of what is going on. We are providing a lot of support to people, helping them safely regulate their bodies and show up in relationships with their kids and family members.”
These events are heartbreaking. They are also reminders of something powerful: the strength of community.
In moments of uncertainty, the business community often becomes a stabilizing force. Employers check in on their teams. Owners open their doors for community conversations. Leaders step forward to provide clarity, compassion and opportunity. In Vadnais Heights and across our region, we have seen businesses lead not only with strategy— but with heart.
Economic development is not just about square footage, site selection or balance sheets. It is about creating places where people feel safe to build their futures. It is about fostering environments where employees can thrive, entrepreneurs can take risks and families can put down roots with confidence.
At VHEDC, our mission remains clear: to cultivate a resilient, inclusive and forward-looking business climate in the northeast metro. We are committed to supporting existing nonprofits and businesses, strengthening partnerships and ensuring that growth benefits the entire community. In times of challenge, that commitment only deepens.
Resilience is not the absence of hardship— it is the decision to move forward together. As you read this issue, I encourage you to reflect not only on the challenges we have faced, but on the extraordinary collaboration and leadership that continue to define Minnesota’ s business community.
Thank you for the role you play in making Vadnais Heights a place of opportunity, integrity and innovation. Together, we will continue to build a community that is not only economically strong— but united in purpose.
With gratitude and determination,
Liz Moscatelli Executive Director
Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation vhedc. com 7