Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation (VHEDC) 2016 Awards Announced

The Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation hosted its 2016 Annual Dinner on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at the Vadnais Heights Commons. Three annual business awards were presented to area businesses and organizations.

The event included a keynote by Bill George.  Mr. George is senior fellow at Harvard Business School, where he has taught leadership since 2004. He is the author of four best-selling books. Mr. George is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Medtronic. He joined Medtronic in 1989 as president and chief operating officer, was chief executive officer from 1991-2001, and board chair from 1996-2002. He spoke to a sold out crowd of 300 local business leaders on the topic of Authentic Leadership.

A highlight of the event was the recognition of area businesses and organizations who were bestowed VHEDC 2016 awards.

The Urgency Room was the recipient of the 2016 VHEDC Business Achievement Award. This award was created to establish special tribute for outstanding companies that continue to thrive and support the local economy. Recipients demonstrate excellence in their professional service industry. The Urgency Room specializes in the treatment of serious illnesses and injuries in adults, children and infants. Staffed with EPPA’s board-certified emergency physicians and clinicians, The Urgency Room provides exceptional medical care in an innovative and comforting environment. The UR is open from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

H.B. Fuller was the recipient of the 2016 Keith Warner Standard of Excellence Award.  This honor is bestowed on a business that has shown a singular degree of excellence in the areas of business success, philanthropy and community service. H.B. Fuller, headquartered in Vadnais Heights, is a leading global adhesives provider focusing on perfecting adhesives, sealants and other specialty chemical products to improve products and lives.

Du Fresne Manufacturing and the White Bear Lake Area Schools were the recipient of the 2015 VHEDC Partnership Award. The Community Partnership Award proudly recognizes our outstanding partners for their exemplary commitment and accomplishments. As collaborative partners, these organizations help the VHEDC to advance its mission of ensuring a thriving local business economy in Vadnais Heights and the surrounding areas. DuFresne Manufacturing is a precision sheet metal design, production and assembly company in Vadnais Heights. The White Bear Lake Area School District serves all or parts of Birchwood, Gem Lake, Hugo, Lino Lakes, Little Canada, Maplewood, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake and White Bear Township. The school district, with a total population of approximately 50,000 residents, serves nearly 9,000 students PreK-12.

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].