Metro MSP: Power Generation, Machining, Printing & Financial Services in Sherburne County, Minnesota

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Sherburne County

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Community Profile of Sherburne County

Location & Access

Sherburne County is a rapidly growing development bridge between the St. Cloud and Twin Cities MSAs. Strategically located on the northwestern edge of the Metro MSP region, it is uniquely positioned to support the southeast expansion of the St. Cloud area and the northwest expansion of the Twin Cities area, having strong business ties to both regions. Commuter rail service via the Northstar Corridor will link Big Lake with downtown Minneapolis, beginning in 2009. An extension of the line northwest to St. Cloud is in the planning stage.

Sherburne County is committed to helping businesses from all sectors find the sites, workforce and resources they need to thrive. A variety of successful business and industrial parks and active economic development authorities support development activity.

Major Industries & Employers

Major industries include power generation, manufacturing, machining, printing, concrete products, financial services, and health care. In 2007, Target and United Health Care invested over $250 million in data centers in Elk River. A group of local energy companies and entrepreneurs recently earned Elk River, the county seat, the title of “Energy City” by the Minnesota Environmental Initiative.

Population & Workforce

Straddling two of the fastest growing population centers in the state, Sherburne County is experiencing rapid residential and job growth. It ranked 22nd in Money magazine's 2008 list of the "Best 25 Counties for Job Growth." It was the only Minnesota county to make the list. Many residents leave the county for employment, creating an opportunity for new employers to tap an available skilled workforce.

The educational profile of county residents is strong – and well suited to technical and skilled production and back office operations.

Labor Force Profile of Sherburne County

Transportation

Sherburne County has excellent transportation linkages to the rest of the state and nation. Two four-lane U.S. highways (169 and 10) provide excellent access to the Twin Cities, St. Cloud and beyond. Three Minnesota highways offer direct access to Interstate 94. Rail service is available to businesses along U.S. Highway 10. The BNSF main line from Chicago to Seattle traverses the county, providing rail service to business parks adjacent to U.S. Highway 10.

Scheduled commercial air service via Northwest Airlink and Sun County is available in Sherburne County at the St. Cloud Airport. Other airports are located in Princeton, Clear Lake and Big Lake. Princeton is the site of a regional Federal Flight Service Station.

Quality of Life

The county is home to the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and Sand Dunes State Forest. Its high quality golf courses and access to area lakes and the Mississippi River complement an extensive network of parks and trails. Crime, taxes and housing prices are all relatively low, making Sherburne County attractive to younger families and workers.

Business Advantages

Economic Development Assistance – Most Sherburne cities have active economic development authorities and have earned Minnesota’s “Star City” designation.
Cost Effective Government – Businesses benefit from high-quality government services while paying among the lowest property taxes in Minnesota.
Skilled Workforce – Progressive business/education partnerships ensure that graduates are ready to participate in the global workforce.
Attractive Real Estate – Commercial/industrial land is widely available and reasonably priced. Housing prices are significantly below other parts of the metro area.
Business Development Fund – The Sherburne County Economic Development Alliance sponsors a $1.85 million incentive fund for industrial building projects. Other incentives are available as well.