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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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
It is the first day of classes for the students at the St. Cloud Technical and Community College.President Lori Kloos says enrollment is up about six-and-a-quarter percent this fall compared to last fall.“So that's 245 students more enrolled for this fall than were enrolled last fall. That's pretty much across...
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...
Unlocking Your Workforce Potential: A Guide to Labor Market Insights for Employers Part I
Aug 20 2025On the August Workforce Wednesday, the Workforce Strategy consultants and a panel of experts helped Minnesota employers navigate the wealth of labor market information available to make more informed decisions for their organization. In today's competitive landscape, understanding workforce trends is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. By leveraging...
