VHEDC Announces 2017 Annual Dinner Keynote Speaker: Former MN Viking, Super Bowl Champion, and Pro Bowler, Matt Birk

 

Vadnais Heights, MN

September 5, 2017

 

Each year the Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation hosts, an annual dinner for the local business community. The evening consists of social hour, a silent auction to raise funds for our workforce development efforts, dinner, presentation of annual business awards, and a keynote speaker.  Last year we had nearly 300 folks attend and anticipate a greater turnout this year. The 2017 VHEDC Annual Dinner will be held at the Vadnais Heights Commons on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 beginning at 5:00 pm.  

 

The VHEDC is proud to announce Matt Birk as the keynote for this year’s dinner. The title of his keynote is What Make Teams Great.

 

Mr. Birk grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota and attended Catholic elementary and high school. After high school, Matt attended Harvard University and earned a degree in Economics. While playing for the Harvard Crimson, he received several football honors, including All-Ivy League and Division I-AA All-American.

Matt was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 1998 draft. Appearing in 228 career games, including 18 playoff contests, Matt spent 11 seasons with Minnesota and 4 more with the Baltimore Ravens. He was named the 2011 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his off-the- field service, as well as his playing excellence.

Matt has a passion for children and education, and has focused a great deal of his energy on promoting literacy among the youth in his communities. In 2002, he created the H.I.K.E. Foundation (Hope, Inspiration, Knowledge, Education) in Minnesota. It has grown greatly since then and its initiatives reached over 100,000 children in the Baltimore area in 2012.

In February, 2013 after a 15 year career in the NFL and a Super Bowl XLVII win with the Baltimore Ravens, the six-time Pro Bowl Center announced his retirement from playing football. Since his retirement, Matt has served the NFL in a variety of capacities.  Currently a special advisor, he sits on the Board of Directors of USA Football, the sport’s governing body. Much of Matt’s work focuses on growing and developing the game at all levels.

At the the Annual Dinner, there will be three awards presented:

  • 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.
  • VHEDC Business Achievement Award: This award 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.
  • Community Partnership Award: The VHEDC 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.

To be eligible for nomination a business/organization must be either located in Vadnais Heights or be a VHEDC investor. The business must demonstrate a strong commitment to social responsibility and exemplify strong community involvement.

The Annual Dinner is open to anyone interested in attending. Tickets may be purchased online at www.vhedc.com.

The Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation (VHEDC) has supported the local business community serving as a conduit of resources for over 30 years. For more information about the VHEDC visit their website at www.vhedc.com or contact VHEDC Executive Director, Ling Becker at [email protected].