Economic Development

Overview

County Administrator
Brian Bensen
County Administrator

Success. It's what every business owner and executive seeks. Choosing the right environment to achieve that success can be a business's most important decision.

Sherburne County is committed to:

  • Understanding the needs of growing businesses
  • Providing prompt, friendly service to help businesses expand efficiently
  • Creating a healthy, stable environments where residents, businesses and communities can grow and succeed

Location & Access:

Sherburne County is a rapidly growing development link 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 begin in 2009 linking Big Lake with downtown Minneapolis. 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 and Employers:

Major industries include power generation, manufacturing, machining, printing, concrete products, financial services, health care and retail. 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 and Workforce:

Straddling the two fastest growing population centers in the state, Sherburne County is experiencing rapid residential growth. Employers seeking an area with a growing workforce will find Sherburne County very attractive. 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.

St. Cloud State University, with a strong business program, as well as Technical Colleges in Anoka and St. Cloud are located just minutes away.

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 provide direct access to Interstate 94. The BNSF main line from Chicago to Seattle traverses the county, providing rail service to business parks adjacent to US 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 Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and Sand Dunes State Forest, high quality golf courses, access to area lakes and the Mississippi River complement an extensive network of parks and trails. Crime, taxes and housing prices all relatively low, make it 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.

Demographics:

Click here for a GIS-generated demographic profile of Sherburne County.

To search for available commercial or industrial properties in Minnesota's 11-county Metro MSP region, including Sherburne County, go to www.MetroMSP.org and click on "Search Properties."

Colleges and Universities:

Major Cities and Populations:

  • Becker - 4,105
  • Big Lake - 9,035
  • Elk River - 22,550
  • Princeton (located in 2 counties) - 4,535
  • St. Cloud (located in 3 counties) - 66,228
  • Zimmerman - 4,775

*Population Estimates: Minnesota Office of State Demographer, 2006

Economic Development Contact:

Sherburne County Govt Center
ATTN: Economic Development
13880 Highway 10
13880 Business Center Drive
Elk River, MN 55330-4601

Office Location & Hours

Phone: 763-241-2701
800-433-5229
Fax: 763-241-2995

admin@co.sherburne.mn.us