Exactly three years after being hired part-time Independent Consultant/Executive Director of the VHEDC, Ling Becker was hired by the VHEDC Board to “go” full-time. Board President, Becky Bjorgum (VP of Human Resources at Innovize), says, “Ling is an energetic, go-getter, connection-maker and has taken VHEDC to a whole new level of providing economic development for the community. She is now able to dedicate even more time as a full-time employee to her role as Executive Director and has found a number of new opportunities to continue to support Vadnais Heights and surrounding communities’ economic development. We are excited for the future growth of VHEDC.”

When first hired, Becker said she was impressed by the structure of the VHEDC: “It is so impressive that a group of business leaders would choose to unite themselves for the betterment of the entire business community without a formal structure like a Chamber of Commerce to model. I think that really speaks volumes about the depth of commitment to the community of those who do business in the area.” Becker committed to reaching out to more prospective business leaders thinking of coming to Vadnais Heights and to carrying on Keith Warner’s, the previous Executive Director’s, legacy of bringing people together.

Since 2014, Becker’s accomplishments include:

⦁ The Northeast Metro Community Expo (two years);

⦁ Workforce partnerships with schools, including internships for Century College and White Bear High School Students;

⦁ Vadnais Heights Community Profile and Business Directory (three editions);  and

⦁ Business Retention & Expansion Project, which involved interviewing 45 businesses in 30 days.

In July, Becker’s energetic, go-getter, connection-maker style was given official recognition in the “Best of White Bear Lake” edition of White Bear Lake Magazine by the Editor. It was written of Becker, “Best Go-Getter”.

Becker is not only invested in the success of area businesses but is focused on creating an overall community environment that supports economic vitality including non-profits. She spends time helping area non-profits make significant connections and serves on several area boards including: Northeast Youth and Family Services, Century College Foundation, the White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf, and the White Bear YMCA.

In the Vadnais Heights community, Becker’s primary focus, the accolades are equally noteworthy:

⦁ Jim Proulx, Jimmy’s Food & Drink and Event Center owner, says, “Ling is a great advocate for all VHEDC members. Her tenacious support is the best I’ve received from any association membership in my 45 years in the hospitality business.”

⦁ Jim Volp, Heights Plaza Shopping Center owner, “I was introduced to Ling Becker during some trying times for my plaza, after PDQ failed. The vision of Ling and then City Planner, Carie Fuhrman, helped make the vision of our architect come to life. The results speak for themselves, as three of the plaza’s new tenants are Noodles & Company, Punch Pizza and Starbucks Coffee. I’m pleased to hear Ling is being recognized and rewarded with a full-time position at VHEDC. She is a driving force for Vadnais Heights.”

⦁ Bob Fletcher, Vadnais Heights’ Mayor, says, “Ling Becker is the driving force behind economic development in Vadnais Heights. Her unlimited energy and exceptional organizational skills have kept our city moving forward in business growth and public-private partnerships.”

Becker, who holds a Master’s Degree from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School in Public Administration and has previous experience with the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities, Accenture, and her own independent consulting business, says, “The NE Metro business community is a vibrant and engaged one. I am thrilled to be able to make it my full-time effort to help build connections with others, lead initiatives and ensure our businesses have the resources they need to thrive. We have much to be proud of and even more to look forward to! Such as – in the immediate future – our NE Metro Job Fair in October and our Women’s Resource Fair in November.”

For more information about Becker, the VHEDC and events, visit www.vhedc.com.