downloadEach 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 250 folks attend and anticipate a greater turnout this year. The 2016 VHEDC Annual Dinner will be held at the Vadnais Heights Commons on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 beginning at 5:00 pm.  

The VHEDC is proud to announce Bill George as the keynote for this year’s dinner. 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: 7 Lessons for Leading in Crisis, True North, Finding Your True North, and Authentic Leadership, as well True North Groups. His newest book, Discover Your True North, was published in August of 2015 along with its companion workbook, The Discover Your True North Fieldbook.  

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.  Earlier in his career, he was a senior executive with Honeywell and Litton Industries and served in the U.S. Department of Defense.

Mr. George currently serves as a director of Goldman Sachs and The Mayo Clinic.  He has served recently on the boards of ExxonMobil, Novartis, Target Corporation and Minnesota’s Destination Medical Center Corporation.  He is currently a trustee of World Economic Forum USA, and has served as board chair for Allina Health System, Abbott-Northwestern Hospital, United Way of the Greater Twin Cities, and Advamed.

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].