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News Articles
Benton Economic Partnership, Inc. is proud to announce that Falcon National Bank has joined the EDGE Circle as an Excellence Sponsor! This is the highest level of investment that an organization can choose and reflects Falcon National Bank’s commitment to the future of Benton County.“Falcon National Bank is a valuable...
Benton Economic Partnership, Inc. is proud to announce that NextEra Energy Resources has joined the EDGE Circle as an Excellence Sponsor! This is the highest level of investment that an organization can choose and reflects NextEra Energy Resources’ commitment to the future of Benton County.“NextEra Energy Resources continues to invest...
What if Minnesota schools could get more funding without your taxes increasing by even a single cent?Yes, it sounds too good to be true. But a proposal along those lines will be on ballots this fall.With bipartisan backing from the Legislature, voters will be asked if the state constitution should...
Despite beginning the session with seemingly irreconcilable positions, state DFL and Republican lawmakers found a path last week to agreeing on a $165 million housing policy bill.Given tight margins and the parties’ disagreement over the state’s priorities in a year that saw economic and social disruptions due to Operation Metro...
Local restaurants, food trucks, wine makers, brewers, caterers, and other hospitality businesses can sign up to participate in Taste of Benton County on Wednesday, July 22. The event is expected to attract 300 to 500 attendees who love Benton County businesses and want to try their food. Vendors will provide...
Breaking down the bonding bill: Legislature approves $1.2 billion to fund infrastructure projects
May 18 2026A detailed accounting of the Minnesota Legislature’s $1.2 billion bonding bill to fund infrastructure projects across the state was only revealed hours before Sunday’s midnight deadline.The legislation, which arose out of behind-closed-doors negotiations last week between legislative leaders and Gov. Tim Walz’s office, required three-fifths of the votes in both...
Buy Your Tickets to Taste of Benton County!
May 18 2026Ticket sales are live for the first annual Taste of Benton County, which will be held on Wednesday, July 22, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Sauk Rapids Sports Area East (1410 3rd Ave S). Tickets start at $40 for this 21+ celebration of the region's best restaurants...
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We’re excited to share that Benton Economic Partnership, Inc. is expanding our office presence to better serve businesses and communities across the county.Beginning Wednesday, May 13, 2026, St. Cloud meetings with Amanda will also be available on the east side at 300 East St. Germain Street. If you would like...
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...
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...
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...
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...
The City of St. Cloud Helps Benton County Grow
Oct 20 2025St. 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
