To provide premier economic development assistance to communities and businesses in Benton County in order to increase and enhance community resources and provide opportunities to improve the quality of life for residence.
Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities Meeting July 1, 2010
Blandin Foundation is the recipient of a $4.7 million grant from Federal stimulus money to “harness the power of the Internet to get people back to work, tap into the global marketplace and enhance quality of life for rural residents.” The undertaking is entitled Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC). As part of the grant, Blandin Foundation chose Benton County to be a Demonstration Community. Blandin Foundation allocated $100,000 and will provide technical assistance to be used for projects within Benton County.
You are invited to attend a meeting to:
1) Learn about the benefits of Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC);
2) Determine how you may participate; and
3) Discover opportunities for your organization to submit a proposal for funding for a related project.
Date: Thursday, July 1, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Foley Intermediate School Media Center
840 Norman Ave N. Enter Door I-1
The Intermediate School is behind the high school.
Please park on the side of the building by the Flag Pole.
Please RSVP if you will be attending at (320)968-5071 or nhoffman@co.benton.mn.us. We look forward to hearing your ideas.
Benton County Broadband Technology Opportunity
On Thursday, March 25, 2010 the United States Department of Commerce announced that the Blandin Foundation has been awarded $4.7 million from the federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). These funds will be used in greater Minnesota. As part of the grant application, there are 11 Demonstration Communities which includes Benton County. The stimulus funds are for projects that increase community vitality and economic competitiveness. Full Press Release (PDF)
Midway Iron and Metal, Inc. Celebrates 50 Years in Business.
November 24, 2009 - Members of the Benton County Economic Development Committee (BCEDC) met with owners of Midway Iron to congratulate them on 50 years of business. The provide retail of metal products and recycling of scrap metal. Midway Iron is located at 648 Lincoln Avenue in St. Cloud.
Pictured left to right: The Partnership's Development Director Henry Fischer (SCAEDP),Benton County Economic Development Director Nancy Hoffman, St. Cloud Council member Carolyn Garven, Owners Mike Lehnan and Alice Lehnan, Controller Curt Schibonski, and Workforce Center Brad Dufrey.
2008 Community Assessment - Partners for Strategic Growth (Web-enabled Powerpoint)
Demographic and Economy - Cameron Macht Labor Force Analyst (619KB PDF)
Benton County Economy - King Banaian - SCSU Economist (2.83MB PDF)
Small Store Success Strategies
