(Vadnais Heights, MN) On Thursday, April 20th, at Jimmy’s Event Center, the VHEDC presented awards to several outstanding individuals for their excellence in business and their valuable contributions to the community:

The Business Leader Award was presented to Mike Bromelkamp, Olsen Thielen & Co. Upon presenting the award, VHEDC Past President Kevin Whelan said this about Bromelkamp, a Principal in the Roseville office, with more than 42 years of experience in accounting, auditing and consulting: “Mike is an exceptional business individual and leader in his field of work: managing corporate finance and supervising audits for his large national firm. In addition, he has had a long and strong commitment to Vadnais Heights and the surrounding communities, and he has encouraged others to excel. He has served on the Vadnais Heights City Council and been an important part of the history of the VHEDC, having served as the Executive Director and Past President. He continues to be invested in the organization as a mentor to our Young Professionals group. A constant advocate for sound business policies, he is active with the White Bear Chamber’s Governmental Relations Committee and the Minnesota Chamber. Mike currently serves on the Century College Foundation Board. When Mike’s on board any endeavor, you know that great things will happen.”

Bromelkamp was truly honored about being recognized for his efforts, and said – with an eye toward the future – “I’m thankful and truly touched by the recognition, and I’m proud of the active, vibrant role that the VHEDC plays in our community. Our Young Professionals can make vital differences in the local business community, now and into the future, by being passionately active through the VHEDC.”

Rising Stars Awards were presented to three individuals, all under 40 years of age who work in the North East Metro area:

  • Megan Willcoxen, Assistant Vice President at Peoples Bank Midwest:
    Willcoxen oversees branch operations as well as its marketing and Small Business Administration department. She is co-chair of the White Bear Lake Area Relay for Life which, in 2016, raised nearly $200,000; also, she is a committee member for the annual VHEDC Golf and Dinner events.
  • Randi James, Vice President of Renstrom Dental Studio:
    James – employed with her family’s business for 10 years yet involved with it most of her life – knows she will one day be in charge. She has been and will continue to be a critical part in all operations of the 50-year-old company. James is a participant in the VHEDC North East Metro Young Professionals Group and is always seeking out ways to improve herself and her family’s business.
  • Sara Stafki, Assistant Vice President at F&M Bank:
    Stafki develops and maintains relationships with business clients and businesses in Vadnais Heights and surrounding communities. She has served on the Ambassadors Committee of the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce and on its Board of Directors.

The VHEDC Board Appreciation Award was presented to Nancy Hoglund, President of Hoglund Coaching: Hoglund designed and facilitated a comprehensive strategic plan that will ensure strong service to investors and the community. The overall process included meeting with key stakeholder groups, interviewing the Executive Committee, conducting an investor survey and facilitating an offsite retreat for the Board of Directors.

About VHEDC: The VHEDC is a private non-profit organization made up of investing businesses since 1984. Its mission is to enhance economic development in the City of Vadnais Heights and the surrounding areas through the attraction, retention and expansion of existing businesses and industries. This will be accomplished by serving as a conduit of economic development resources, building collaborations with strategic partners, and providing advocacy.  For more information about the VHEDC, contact Executive Director Ling Becker at 651-485-9532 or [email protected].

###