https://www.bentonpartnership.org Benton Economic Partnership, Inc. News Feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:44:44 +0000 en-US https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/66920/knife-river-invests-in-employees-and-communities-in-benton-county https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/66920/knife-river-invests-in-employees-and-communities-in-benton-county Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Knife River, an aggregates-based construction company with a national footprint, is a major employer in Benton County and a supporter of the local community. The Sauk Rapids firm employs around 750 people in Central Minnesota, with 90% of its workers living within 60 miles of Sauk Rapids. Globally, Knife River... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/66820/bep-board-member-spotlight-jeremy-johnson https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/66820/bep-board-member-spotlight-jeremy-johnson Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 The Benton Economic Partnership, Inc. is proud to highlight one of the dedicated leaders helping guide economic growth in our county — Jeremy Johnson.Jeremy serves as a Board Member-Chamber Representative and brings valuable insights from his work as a Commercial Lender at Frandsen Bank & Trust and his involvement with... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/66479/benton-economic-partnership-launches-the-edge-circle-a-bold-new-way-to-shape-benton-countys-future https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/66479/benton-economic-partnership-launches-the-edge-circle-a-bold-new-way-to-shape-benton-countys-future Tue, 10 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000 Benton County is growing, and the opportunities ahead are bigger than ever. From business expansion and workforce development to housing, infrastructure, and community vitality, our region is positioned for meaningful progress. But growth doesn’t happen by chance.It happens when leaders step forward.That’s why Benton Economic Partnership, Inc. (BEP) is proud... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/66480/taste-of-benton-county-vendor-applications-are-now-open! https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/66480/taste-of-benton-county-vendor-applications-are-now-open! Tue, 10 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000 Benton Economic Partnership, Inc. is excited to bring a brand new event to the community! Taste of Benton County is a fundraiser designed to showcase and promote businesses within the region. The first annual event will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/66924/economic-developer-role-shifting-from-dealmaking-to-systems-stewardship https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/66924/economic-developer-role-shifting-from-dealmaking-to-systems-stewardship Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000 You're in a meeting about childcare.Not business attraction, not incentives, not site selection. Childcare. Three employers told you the same thing last quarter: they can't fill the second shift because parents can't find care after 6:00 p.m. So now you're at a table with the United Way, a hospital HR... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65790/benton-economic-partnership-inc-launches-bep-edge-circle https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65790/benton-economic-partnership-inc-launches-bep-edge-circle Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 Business owners and community leaders across Benton County are invited to join the EDGE Circle, an exclusive network dedicated to advancing economic development in the county. EDGE stands for Empowering Development, Growth, and Excellence, reflecting the commitment of its members to bring new opportunities to Benton County.  “We are looking... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65791/thank-you-to-all-our-members-who-support-the-future-of-benton-county https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65791/thank-you-to-all-our-members-who-support-the-future-of-benton-county Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 The new year is a wonderful time to reflect on the past while looking ahead to the future. As Benton Economic Partnership, Inc. sets its goals for 2026, our team can’t help but feel appreciative of the members who put their trust in the organization.  “Economic development requires a long-term... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65825/public-facilities-authority-announces-917-million-in-awards https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65825/public-facilities-authority-announces-917-million-in-awards Wed, 10 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 The Minnesota Public Facility Authority (MPFA) today announced $91.7 million in loans and grants for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects in 26 cities throughout the state. The funding will replace nearly 1,000 lead service lines in 15 cities, among other projects.The MPFA helps cities replace aging infrastructure and make... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65672/be-on-the-edge-benton-economic-partnership-inc-launches-powerful-new-sponsorship-circle-to-drive-benton-countys-future https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65672/be-on-the-edge-benton-economic-partnership-inc-launches-powerful-new-sponsorship-circle-to-drive-benton-countys-future Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 Benton County is heating up with new energy, big ideas, and unstoppable growth, and Benton Economic Partnership, Inc. (BEP) invites your organization to join the movement. Introducing the BEP EDGE Circle, the exclusive network where visionaries connect, innovation thrives, and bold investors power Benton County’s momentum.Standing for Empowering Development, Growth... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65320/snx-technologies-provides-contour-edgebanders-to-the-woodworking-industry https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65320/snx-technologies-provides-contour-edgebanders-to-the-woodworking-industry Mon, 03 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000 Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, is home to SNX Technologies, a company that manufactures contour edgebanders, edgebanding chemicals, and glue to support furniture, closet, and cabinet companies. The edgebanders apply the colored edges along wood desks and other pieces to create a smoother and more fashionable surface.“If you are sitting at the... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65327/why-people-are-the-most-important-part-of-business-success https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65327/why-people-are-the-most-important-part-of-business-success Fri, 31 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000 It’s a topic of endless debate for business leaders and analysts: What is the most important element that determines a company’s success or failure?Patrick Esposito, president and co-founder of ACME General Corp.—a company that bridges the gap between public sector organizations and innovators building problem-solving technologies—even wrote a book about... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65326/the-5-leadership-skills-you-cant-afford-to-automate https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65326/the-5-leadership-skills-you-cant-afford-to-automate Fri, 31 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000 AI career and life coaches are suddenly everywhere.An HBR study of AI use cases shows ‘therapy’ at the top of the list, followed closely by ‘finding purpose.’ Almost half of Gen Z professionals claim they get better guidance from AI than from their managers.But should AI really be a substitute... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65022/the-city-of-gilman-balances-rural-life-with-city-access https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65022/the-city-of-gilman-balances-rural-life-with-city-access Mon, 27 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000 The City of Gilman has a population of 222 and is just 20 minutes from St. Cloud. Residents appreciate its beautiful parks, historic church, and farm co-op. People choose to move to Gilman when they want ample land and a lower cost of living.While Gilman's overall cost of living is... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65021/the-city-of-st-cloud-helps-benton-county-grow https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65021/the-city-of-st-cloud-helps-benton-county-grow Mon, 20 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000 St. Cloud is the fifth-most populous city in Minnesota with 72,000 residents. It strikes a healthy balance between offering diverse amenities for residents while maintaining a small-town community. People move to the City of St. Cloud when they want easy access to the natural beauty of Minnesota without giving up... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65020/the-city-of-foley-is-a-growing-community-with-a-vibrant-downtown https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/65020/the-city-of-foley-is-a-growing-community-with-a-vibrant-downtown Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000 The City of Foley has nearly 3,000 residents and is located 20 minutes outside St. Cloud. The families that move here appreciate the safe, rural community that balances access to assets with room to spread out. It is home to Foley Public Schools, which boasts a small student-teacher ratio of 15:1. If you... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/64381/the-city-of-sauk-rapids-is-thriving-across-from-st-cloud https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/64381/the-city-of-sauk-rapids-is-thriving-across-from-st-cloud Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000 The City of Sauk Rapids started as a single house in 1851 and has grown into a community of 14,000 residents. It is located across the river from St. Cloud and continues to expand as more people and businesses move there.  Sauk Rapids has experienced balanced economic development over the... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/64380/the-city-of-rice-is-a-growing-community-along-the-mississippi https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/64380/the-city-of-rice-is-a-growing-community-along-the-mississippi Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000 Benton County is home to multiple towns and municipalities that are great for families. The City of Rice increasingly attracts residents who want to live in a smaller community without losing access to popular amenities.Rice currently has a population of 2,000 residents, a 55% increase from 1,275 in 2010. This... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/64379/iron-street-distillery-is-bringing-a-new-industry-to-st-cloud https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/64379/iron-street-distillery-is-bringing-a-new-industry-to-st-cloud Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000 Iron Street Distillery is the only distillery in St. Cloud and has been open for 2.5 years. Not only does this mark a new business in St. Cloud, but it also introduces a whole new industry. Customers can visit their cocktail room at 539 E Saint Germain St. and try... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/64378/amax-manufacturing-inc-is-a-familyowned-business-in-foley https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/64378/amax-manufacturing-inc-is-a-familyowned-business-in-foley Mon, 08 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000 Manufacturing is considered the backbone of Minnesota’s economy, supporting 11% of the total workforce. Manufacturing firms come in all sizes and support a variety of industries worldwide. Based in Foley, AMAX Manufacturing, Inc. is a plastic injection molding company that accommodates a wide range of part sizes, materials, and production volumes.Read more... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/63956/the-shed-at-halfway-crossing-is-a-picturesque-wedding-venue-between-rice-and-royalton https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/63956/the-shed-at-halfway-crossing-is-a-picturesque-wedding-venue-between-rice-and-royalton Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +0000 Newly engaged couples planning their vows can tour The Shed at Halfway Crossing, a 40-acre event venue between Rice and Royalton, just 20 miles north of St. Cloud. The venue is easily accessible via Highway 10, making it an ideal option for couples who want to escape into the country... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/63955/sunburst-memorials-is-a-place-where-every-memory-shines-bright https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/63955/sunburst-memorials-is-a-place-where-every-memory-shines-bright Mon, 18 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +0000 Since 1917, Sunburst Memorials has provided quality memorials and markers for customers to honor their loved ones. The company has grown from a local memorial provider to a regional brand with 22 retail stores and works with 200 dealers nationwide.Sunburst Memorials is at capacity, producing 7,500 memorials per year. It... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/63954/onbrand-promo-llc-helps-businesses-stand-out-with-promo-that-pops https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/63954/onbrand-promo-llc-helps-businesses-stand-out-with-promo-that-pops Mon, 11 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +0000 Businesses in Benton County looking for branded promotional items and apparel can contact OnBrand Promo, LLC. The organization is known for creating "promo that pops, apparel that rocks," and can accommodate diverse business sizes and industries. This company helps businesses stand out by creating memorable items to sell or give... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/63953/coyote-moon-grille-scenic-diving-&-event-center-in-st-cloud https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/63953/coyote-moon-grille-scenic-diving-&-event-center-in-st-cloud Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +0000  Benton County residents can enjoy delicious meals overlooking the golf course at Coyote Moon Grille. This upscale dining restaurant is known for its prime rib, beer-battered walleye, and hearty comfort dishes. It is also known for its Sunday Brunch, with a flowing buffet of your favorite sweet and savory dishes.Whether... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/63625/benton-county-development-is-made-easier-with-quality-construction-partners https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/63625/benton-county-development-is-made-easier-with-quality-construction-partners Mon, 14 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0000 A community is only as strong as the businesses that operate there, and Benton County is packed with organizations that care about their customers, employees, and neighbors. There are multiple construction firms in the region that support business expansion and development efforts. If your company chooses to move or expand... https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/63029/benton-economic-partnership-inc-is-strong-because-of-its-board-members! https://www.bentonpartnership.org/news-and-media/p/item/63029/benton-economic-partnership-inc-is-strong-because-of-its-board-members! Fri, 30 May 2025 05:00:00 +0000 At Benton Economic Partnership, Inc. (BEP), our dedicated staff and board of directors work tirelessly to attract new industries, support business growth, and foster workforce development, all while enhancing the quality of life for our community’s residents. This collaborative effort brings together passionate representatives from the local school district, banks,...