Northeast Metro Business | Page 8

BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION REPORT PRIORITY PROJECTS IDENTIFIED

VHEDC and the City of Vadnais Heights initiated a Business Retention & Expansion ( BR & E ) survey project in January 2016 . The project was an opportunity to reach out and assist local businesses while serving to strengthen the network of business and organizational leaders in the community .

The interview stage was completed in mid- March , after surveys were completed with 45 Vadnais Heights businesses . The data from the surveys was compiled by the University of Minnesota Extension Office , and the results were presented at a Task Force retreat in May where priority community projects were identified by members of the Project Task Force , VHEDC Board Members and representatives of City Staff and Council Members . A Community Commencement Meeting was held in September , and attendees heard a brief summary of the survey results along a short description of the six priority projects going forward .
The University of Minnesota ’ s Extension Office ’ s BR & E expert , Michael Darger , says that Vadnais Heights and VHEDC are in the mainstream of American city economic development practice . “ A recent national study of over 700 cities revealed that 62 percent conduct BR & E surveys with their businesses and 82 percent are partnering with chambers or economic development corporations like VHEDC . But , not every community is as ambitious as Vadnais Heights was in engaging a broad-based task force of community stakeholders to engage with local businesses .”
Three of the priority projects directly respond to workforce issues and three others will enhance communications and understanding among businesses , local organizations and inbound commuters . The projects have recently begun and will be developed over time .
������������������������������������������ hosting a one-stop event to surround employers with key contacts and information from a variety of resource providers .
����������������������������������� developing web-based and publication types of communication tools with workforce information and ideas .
������������������������������������������� amenities and events – finding additional ways to connect commuter employees of Vadnais Heights ’ businesses to the community in which they work .
������������������������������������������� Vadnais Heights – including community outreach , economic development and collaboration .
������������������������������������������������ with informational business topics – filling the gaps in communications with area businesses .
������������������������������������������������ Council events to foster relationships between City and businesses – creating engagement with businesses using various methods .
VHEDC Executive Director Ling Becker states , “ This Project gave the VHEDC and the City an excellent channel to engage with area businesses . We hope the dialogue was a first step in an ongoing conversation as to how we can help all businesses be more successful . We cannot overstate the tremendous value our local businesses have on the community .”
In an ongoing effort to hear from businesses , VHEDC has partnered with the Minnesota Chamber ’ s Grow Minnesota Program which is a business retention and expansion tool used statewide to hear from businesses . If your business would like to schedule a Grow Minnesota visit , please contact Ling Becker at lingbecker @ vhedc . com .
The project was made possible through sponsorship support from Xcel Energy , Connexus Energy , Jimmy ’ s Food and Drink and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce .
Copies of the BR & E report can be found on the VHEDC website : www . vhedc . com .
8 Vadnais Heights Business Guide & Community Profile