Overview

County Administrator
Contact: Brian Bensen
County Administrator
763-765-3006

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. Northstar commuter rail service  links  Sherburne County with downtown Minneapolis and the metro network of light rail serving Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the Mall of America and more.  Stations are located in Big Lake and Elk River. An extension of the line northwest to St. Cloud is in the planning stage, with an additional station located in Becker.

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.

Airports are located in St. Cloud, Princeton, Clear Lake and Big Lake. Princeton is the site of a regional Federal Flight Service Station.

Quality of Life:

Sherburne County residents enjoy the Elk River YMCA, and the Becker Community Center – complete with pool, fitness center and banquet rooms. An extensive network of parks and trails, the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Sand Dunes State Forest, high quality golf courses, area lakes and the Mississippi River provide access to outdoor fun. Crime, taxes and housing prices all relatively low, make it attractive to younger families and workers.

Business Advantages:

  • Economic Development Assistance – Sherburne County communities are well organized for economic development and can work quickly to meet business needs.
  • 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.

Colleges and Universities:

Economic Development Contact:

Sherburne County Govt Center
ATTN: Economic Development
13880 Business Center Dr NW
Elk River, MN 55330-1692

Office Location & Hours

Phone: 763-765-3001
800-433-5229
Fax: 763-765-3232

admin@co.sherburne.mn.us