Business

Council to vote on Shopko 'Class C' liquor license; employment ads continue

The Vinton City Council will vote tonight on approving a Class C liquor license with Sunday sales for Shopko, as the opening of the store in the former Alco building nears. There is still no o...

Dream Big, Grow Here: Vote for Benton County\'s Cricket Farmer

A Benton Co, business, the Iowa Cricket Farm is among nominees for a 'Dream Big' grant. When starting or growing your business, one thing is for sure: capital is a necessity to make your dreams come true.  The Dream Big, Grow Here program is sponsored by the University of Norther...

Laborshed Analysis: BDG launches new tool for businesses and job seekers

Benton Development Group is constantly looking for new ways to serve as a resource to our local businesses and communities.  With the recent release of the Benton County Laborshed Analysis and...

John\'s Qwik Stop to include food franchise when it reopens in new building

An architect's drawing shows what the new John's Qwik Stop front will look like. Work continues on the new John's Qwik Stop building and John Ketchen is finalizing negotiations with a couple of franchises that will operate a small food service operation in the new gas stati...

Vinton Popcorn Project to soon offer caramel corn; makes connection with past

Josh Shafer and Jordan Womochil are among VSHS students working on a new caramel corn project. There’s a new aroma wafting from the popcorn room at Vinton-Shellsburg High School, and an old association helping the entrepreneurs continue their success. The members of the entreprene...

Boom Fest Vendors wanted! VU accepting applications for August 27 event

Applications are now available for the 7th Annual Boom-Fest celebration held in conjunction with the 10th Annual Boomtown fireworks show. Boom-Fest is scheduled for Saturday, August 27, ...

Action Academy: Economic development groups plan nine sessions with SBDC

Benton Development Group, Vinton Unlimited and Belle Plaine Community Development have partnered with the Small Business Development Center to bring a series of engaging educational opportunities t...

Shopko in Vinton: Work under way; company seeks customer service teammates

Painters have been working in the former Alco building which will open this spring as Shopko. While there is no official update from the Shopko company on the planned opening of the store in Vinton, work is under way at the former Alco building. Painters have been working inside, applying ...

Benton County Community Foundation introduces new look

The Benton County Community Foundation has introduced a new logo. The Benton County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA), and the new look is...

BDG to elect officers and set action priorities

Benton Development Group will hold their monthly Board of Directors meeting on January 27th at 7:00pm at the Van Horne Community Center and you are encouraged to attend. During this gathering,...