The Stearns-Benton Workforce Council initiated the Community Assessment, with funds from the Governor’s Workforce Development Council, and was joined by representatives from The Partnership, Stearns & Benton Economic Development Organizations, the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Central Minnesota Board (and CEO Forum) and the Central Minnesota Society of Human Resource Management (CMSHRM) for data collection and analysis.

Stearns and Benton counties were then joined by Sherburne and Wright counties, expanding the collaboration of the initiative.

The Alliances/Partnership Team

• Steven Bresnahan, Executive Director, Catholic Charities (chair)

• Sean Artley, Owner, Michael’s Restaurant

• Joan Barrett-Volkmuth, President, St. Cloud Technical College

• Teresa Bohnen, President, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

• Peggy Brown, Human Resources Director, Gold'n Plump Poultry

• Roger Carlson, Superintendent, Holdingford Public Schools

• Duane Cekalla, Benton County Commissioner, Joint Powers Board

• Noreen Dunnells, Chief Professional Officer, United Way of Central Minnesota  

• Kathy Grochow, Community Services Representative, Bremer

• Larry Haws, Chair, Stearns County Commissioner, Joint Powers Board

• Nancy Hoffman, Economic Development Director, Benton County Department of Development

• Steve Joul, President, Central MN Community Foundation

• John Kaliszewski, Director of Economic Development, The Initiative Foundation

• Jill Magelssen, Area Manager, Manpower

• Tom Moore, President, The Partnership

• Jennifer Mrozek, Accounting Manager, Marco Business Products, Inc.

• Bob Swanberg, Executive Director, Stearns County Housing and Redevelopment Authority

• Loretta Trulson, Director of Human Resources, Stearns

• Kathleen R. Zavala, Executive Director, Stearns-Benton Employment & Training Council