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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...
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BEP Board Member Spotlight: Jeremy Johnson
Mar 13 2026The 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...
Nathan served seven years on active duty before joining the Army Reserves. He served in the Reserves for 15 years as a Senior Operations Manager and retired in 2024. Eager to start a civilian career, Nathan was optimistic but soon became discouraged by the lack of responses to his applications.“I...
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...
Benton Economic Partnership Launches the EDGE Circle: A Bold New Way to Shape Benton County’s Future
Feb 10 2026Benton 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
A locally owned coffee business continues to grow. The owners of Kinder Coffee Lab have spun off the roasting part of the company and have moved that operation into its own building at 403 9th Avenue North.The new Fable Roasters officially started production at that location on Thursday.They say that,...
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...
As the holiday season approaches, I'm reminded of the incredible energy, innovation and impact that small businesses bring to communities across Minnesota. From bustling main streets to homegrown startups, these businesses are the foundation of our local economies, and they deserve to be celebrated.That's why we're continuing to celebrate another...
Navigating the future of manufacturing: Insights from industry leaders In mid-October, the Grow Minnesota! team hosted a focus group with manufacturers of varying sizes and scope, ranging from small, single-facility operations in Minnesota to large multinational companies. The member companies participated to discuss current opportunities and challenges facing the manufacturing sector. Several key...
For generations, Minnesota’s private sector has powered a remarkable story of innovation, productivity and prosperity. Our diverse industries, global companies and highly skilled workforce have long positioned us among the strongest states for quality of life and economic performance. But here’s the reality: we cannot rely on the successes of...
The St. Cloud Technical and Community College has been named a Best for Vets College 2025 by the Military Times.It is one of six Minnesota colleges to receive the designation.In 2025, 357 higher education institutions made the list, which includes public, private, and for-profit universities and colleges at the four-and...
A local University has found its new President. The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees has named Gregory Tomso as the new President for St. Cloud State University (SCSU). Tomso joins SCSU from the University of West Florida. He served as the Academic Engagement and Student Affairs Vice...
Training session draws strong participation from business, organizationsWith the capabilities of artificial intelligence advancing at a near-science-fiction pace in recent years, Benton County area businesses and organizations are looking to capitalize on the emerging technology of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve operations…This item is available in full to subscribers.Click here...
Notice of mass layoffs often times hit the news but not all layoffs become common knowledge. Career Solutions of St. Cloud is a workforce development agency. They help people 14 and up get back into the workforce after a layoff. Career Solutions can help people get retrained or resume' help...
The Minnesota Chamber Foundation has established itself as a thought leader on the performance of Minnesota’s economy. The research and data produced by the Foundation is relied upon by business leaders, policy makers and the news media. The workforce solutions delivered by the Foundation provide a practical, on the ground...
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today awarded $2.4 million to seven local partners to develop and implement agriculture-focused workforce training programs for the Growing Careers initiative."Minnesota farms are facing new challenges because of policies coming out of the federal government," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "DEED's...
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...
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...
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...
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...
