VHEDC

HR Connections Event
2025-01-15 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
HR Connections 2025 Calendar of Events
*$100 annual fee covers 10 events this year!
*Individual “a la carte” session price varies, per fees & costs for each event.

HR Connections Roundtable Discussions with Lunch provided
HR Connections Special Events
Free access to all materials provided at sessions
SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) certification credits

Please extend this invitation to your colleagues and others in your organization.
HR Connections is a professional development resource group for local HR practitioners and business leaders to network and discuss topics and trends involving workforce development and employment related issues. Sponsored by the Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation (VHEDC), HR Connections has been meeting since 2016, building strong professional connections in the Northeast Metro area.
We partner with other groups and organizations to bring topic experts to our special events and encourage participants to learn from each other at our roundtable discussions. Due to popular demand, we alternate roundtable discussions with speakers and special events – 10 this year!
Reasons to join the HR (Human Resources) Connections Networking Group!

Keep up with business trends
Share best practices
Network with peers
Grow your knowledge base and career
Learn how other companies handle similar situations

Employment Law Updates: HR Connections Event
2025-02-19 08:30 - 10:30 | Buerkle Honda Event Center, 3360 Hwy 61 N, Vadnais Heights, MN, 55110, United States
“Employment Law Updates:” ESST, FLSA Classification, Paid Leave, Pay Transparency, MN Secure Choice Retirement Program & more!
Breakfast will be served.

Ask HR! AI for HR: HR Connections Event
2025-03-19 11:30 - 13:00 | Fairfield Inn & Suites, Vadnais Heights, United States
“Ask HR! AI for HR” New info shared on how applicants are using AI in the interview process!

Lunch and Learn: Local Funders
2025-03-25 11:30 - 13:00 | Merrick, Inc., 3210 Labore Road, Vadnais Heights, MN, United States
Lunch and Learn: Local Funders

Connect with local funders
Learn about their priorities and funding processes

Active Threat Preparedness: HR Connections Event
2025-04-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Buerkle Event Center
“Active Threat Preparedness:” Presented by field-experienced law enforcement officers, topics include Situational Awareness, Threat & Vulnerability Assessments, & De-escalation Techniques
Speaker: Drew Moldenhauer, Blue Ethos.

VHEDC Women in Leadership Spring Luncheon
2025-04-23 11:00 - 13:00 | Jimmy’s Event Center, Vadnais Heights, MN, United States

Rising Stars & Business Leadership Awards
2025-05-01 17:00 - 19:00 | The Vadnais Commons, Vadnais Heights, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, United States
Come and celebrate our Rising Stars and Business Leadership award winners at this free event at The Vadnais Commons. 5:00 pm social hour, 6:00 pm awards.
Each year we recognize outstanding individuals in our business community. This Business Appreciation event will have appetizers and a cash bar. Please RSVP.

Ask HR! Employee Resource Groups (ERG): HR Connections Event
2025-05-21 11:30 - 13:00 | H.B. Fuller, 1200 Willow Lake Blvd, Vadnais Heights, MN, 55110, United States
“Ask HR!: Employee Resource Groups (ERG): For Engagement & Inclusion”
Panel from H.B. Fuller at H.B. Fuller

MN Legislative Update and Funding Opportunities for Non-Profits
2025-06-03 11:30 - 13:00 | Merrick, Inc., 3210 Labore Road, Vadnais Heights, MN, United States
MN Legislative Update and Funding Opportunities for Non-Profits

Confirmed: Senator Heather Gustafson (District 36)

Benefit Trends: HR Connections Event
2025-06-04 11:30 - 13:00 | the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Vadnais Heights, Vadnais Heights, MN, 55110, United States
“Benefit Trends,” including:
Preparing for annual renewals process brokers & employees; managing costs; employee preferences
Speaker: Dan Bjornlie, Alliant Vice President, Employee Benefits

Minnesota Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator half day workshop
2025-08-26 09:00 - 13:00 | MME Group in Vadnais Heights, Vadnais Heights, MN, United States
Click Here to Register

Health and Wellness Resource Fair
2025-09-11 15:00 - 18:00 | The Vadnais Commons, Vadnais Heights, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, United States
Health and Wellness Resource Fair Vendor

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Health & Wellness Resource Fair – Attendee Info
2025-09-11 15:00 - 18:00 | The Vadnais Commons, Vadnais Heights, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, United States
VHEDC Health & Wellness Resource Fair is open to the public! Free screenings and vaccinations from local healthcare providers. Find more resources to improve your health and wellness. Invite your friends and neighbors and enjoy an afternoon of health and wellness!

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Lunch and Learn: Insights from Pursuing Government Funding Programs
2025-09-16 11:30 - 13:00 | Merrick, Inc., 3210 Labore Road, Vadnais Heights, MN, United States
Lunch and Learn: Insights from Pursuing Government Funding Programs with Mike Greenbaum, Executive Director of Newtrax, Inc.

Overview of options
What makes a strong case for support?
How to?

MN Paid Leave Law (Chapter 268B): HR Connections Event
2025-09-17 11:00 - 13:00 | IC System, 444 Hwy 96 E, Vadnais Heights, 55127, United States
“MN Paid Leave Law (Chapter 268B): Timeline, Overview & Updates”
-Oct 2024 – 1st quarterly wage reports due from employers
-Jul 2025 – Outreach grant funds for community-based groups are available
-Dec 2025 – Deadline for employers to notify employees about Paid Leave benefits
-Jan 2026 – Employees can begin taking paid leave, payroll deductions begin, small employers (?) can apply for assistance grants
-Apr 2026 – 1st quarterly premiums due from employers
Speaker: Cory Genelin, Gislason & Hunter Law Firm

Partners for Good: Conversation with County Leadership
2025-10-15 11:30 - 13:00 | Merrick, Inc., 3210 Labore Road, Vadnais Heights, MN, United States
Partners for Good has a special session with Commissioner Tara Jebens-Singh, Commissioner Kelly Miller, and County Manager Ling Becker.
What to expect:

Conversation with county leadership on priorities affecting local nonprofits
Q&A focused on community needs and collaboration

We recognize this is the day before MEA, and scheduling has been tight across multiple calendars. This date is the only one that works for all three leaders, so we’re excited to make it happen and hope you can join us.

Lunch and Learn: Ramsey County Non-profit Opportunities and Collaborations
2025-10-15 11:30 - 13:00 | Merrick Inc., 3210 Labore Rd, Vadnais Heights, MN, 55110, United States
Please register. Lunch will be provided.

Accessibility Topics: HR Connections Event
2025-10-23 09:00 - 11:00 | IC System, 444 Hwy 96 E, Vadnais Heights, 55127, United States
Accessibility & Disability Session
National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Request Melissa Fletcher again!
Speaker: Melissa Fletcher

2025 VHEDC Annual Dinner
2025-11-13 16:30 - 19:30 | Vadnais Commons, Vadnais Heights, MN, Vadnais Commons, Vadnais Heights, Vadnais Heights, 55127, United States

Behind the Numbers: What today's data reveals about tomorrow's workforce
2025-11-20 09:00 - 10:30 | Buerkle Honda Event Center, 3360 Hwy 61 N, Vadnais Heights, MN, 55110, United States
Presented by MN State Demographer, Susan Brower & MN DEED Twin Cities Regional Analyst, Tim O’Neill

Join us to hear about the latest trends in population, labor force participation, and the community factors shaping Minnesota’s current & future talent pools!

Discover how demographic and economic realities intersect with employee expectations, and what they mean for recruitment, retention, and supporting employees.
Understand current and upcoming challenges and opportunities in the available workforce and population in our communities.
Gain insights to help your organization adapt, compete, and thrive in a rapidly changing labor market.

VHEDC Holiday Mixer
2025-12-10 16:00 - 18:00 | Monitou Bar & Kitchen, 2171 4th St, Downtown, White Bear Lake, 55110, United States

Onboarding for Engagement & Retention
2026-01-07 11:30 - 13:00 | IC System, 444 Hwy 96 E, Vadnais Heights, 55127, United States
Onboarding isn’t just an HR responsibility, it’s a business advantage. In this roundtable, Onboarding for Engagement and Retention, we’ll discuss how leaders at all levels can shape a new employee’s early experience to build confidence, spark connection, and encourage long-term commitment. Join fellow business leaders to share challenges, compare strategies, and gain insights you can apply immediately within your teams.

Employment Law Update
2026-02-05 11:30 - 13:30 | IC System, 444 Hwy 96 E, Vadnais Heights, 55127, United States
Stay ahead of emerging workplace trends by joining us for Employment Law Updates, featuring insights from employment attorney Daniel Olson of Bassford Remele. We’ll review this year’s new employment legislation and key Minnesota and U.S. Supreme Court decisions This event will provide valuable insights and actionable tools to help you navigate new legal developments with confidence. It’s also a Bring a Friend event—invite a colleague or business partner to join you at no cost and expand the conversation.

VHEDC 101
2026-02-26 09:00 - 10:00 | Fairfield Inn and Suites, Vadnais Heights, 1125 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights, MN, 55110
VHEDC 101 is for all potential and current VHEDC Investors! Come learn what VHEDC has to offer from 9-10am on Thursday, February 26 at Fairfield Inn & Suites, 1125 County Rd E East, Vadnais Heights. Registration is free. Continental Breakfast will be provided. Join us to learn what VHEDC has to offer. This is an event for all potential and current VHEDC Investors!

Smarter Hiring for a Stronger Bottom Line
2026-03-04 11:30 - 13:00 | Holiday Inn Express, 1100 East County Rd E, Vadnais Heights, 1100 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights, 55110, United States
Join us for a practical and forward-thinking roundtable focused on improving hiring outcomes and strengthening organizational performance. We’ll explore strategies to attract the right talent, reduce turnover, and make data-informed hiring decisions that drive business results. From streamlining your recruitment process to identifying high-value candidates more effectively, this session will equip leaders with actionable tools to hire smarter—not harder. Whether you’re in HR, operations, or leadership, you’ll walk away with insights that support long-term growth and a stronger bottom line.

Partners for Good Kickoff
2026-03-24 11:30 - 13:00 | Merrick, Inc., 3210 Labore Road, Vadnais Heights, MN, United States
Partners for Good Kickoff

Introductions (Members and message from Liz/VHEDC)
Overview of PFG and 2025 program
Member Announcements

Navigating Employee Benefits: Trends and Best Practices
2026-04-02 11:30 - 13:30 | White Bear Lake, White Bear Lake Library 2150 2nd St, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110, United States
This will be an informative session with Dan Bjornlie from Alliant Insurance Services as we explore the latest trends and best practices in employee benefits. Gain insights to help your organization design competitive, cost-effective benefits programs while staying compliant with evolving regulations. This session is ideal for business leaders looking to optimize their benefits strategy.

Compensation & Raises Best Practices
2026-05-06 11:30 - 13:00 | IC System, 444 Hwy 96 E, Vadnais Heights, 55127, United States
Have you ever wondered if your organization is offering “market value” compensation to hire new talent or retain your current employees? Join us for an interactive session on Compensation & Raises Best Practices, where we’ll provide valuable resources and engage in discussions with local businesses about effective strategies. Learn how to structure competitive compensation, navigate raises, and implement practices that attract and retain top talent.

Rising Stars & Business Leadership Awards
2026-05-07 17:00 - 19:00 | The Vadnais Commons, Vadnais Heights, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, United States
Come and celebrate our Rising Stars and Business Leadership award winners at this free event at The Vadnais Commons. 5-7pm Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Each year we recognize outstanding individuals in our business community. This Business Appreciation event will have appetizers and a cash bar. Please RSVP.

VHEDC Women in Leadership
2026-05-14 15:00 - 16:30 | Lake Vadnais Grand Events, 3429 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights, 55127, United States
The speaker is Vicki Greene who will speak on The 15 Minute Difference: How One Person Can Change a Life!

The goal is for everyone to leave feeling empowered that making a difference doesn’t require a huge time commitment, just intention.
