The Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation (VHEDC) and the City of Vadnais Heights initiated a Business Retention & Expansion (B&E) survey project in January. The project has been an opportunity to reach out and assist local businesses while serving to strengthen the network of business and organizational leaders in the community.  

The Project completed its interview stage in mid-March after surveys were completed with 45 Vadnais Heights businesses. The data from the surveys has been compiled by the University of Minnesota Extension Office. Those results were presented at a Task Force retreat in May where  priority community projects were identified. Attendees participating included all the members of the Project Task Force, VHEDC Board Members, and representatives of City Staff and Council Members.

On Tuesday, September 20, 2016 a Community Commencement Meeting will be held at Jimmy’s Food & Drink from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. At this meeting, there will be a chance to hear a brief summary of the survey results will be presented along with priority projects going forward. In addition,results of the recent City of Vadnais Heights resident survey will be presented as well. The meeting is open to the public, and all businesses who participated in the survey are especially encouraged to attend.

The original goals of the project were to listen, to identify issues and challenges local businesses face, and then to develop priority projects aimed to assist our existing businesses.

For more information on the BR&E effort, please contact VHEDC Executive Director, Ling Becker at [email protected] or 651-485-9532 or City of Vadnais Heights City Administrator, Kevin Watson at [email protected] or 651-602-6010.