Work Readiness
One of the major strengths of the Rice area working force is the strong work ethic and loyalty the employees show to their employers. The labor force is well educated and shows a strong desire to work.
The city of Rice draws a majority of its workers from a three county area, Benton, Morrison and Stearns. Surveys conducted in the Stearns, Benton and Morrison counties show that the Rice area has a large pool of workers available with experience in a variety of different occupations.
The average they are willing to commute is 22.3 miles one way. The labor force is also well educated with two out of three having some post high school education.
For more information about labor force information, visit www.deed.state.mn.us
Accessibility
Airports
Rice is just 90 minutes from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. Access is available through Interstates 94 and 494. Local air commuter service is only 20 minutes away in St. Cloud with Mesaba Regional Airlines.
Trucking Lines
Rice is served by local, regional and national common carriers. The local carrier is Multi Load Transport Inc.
Sea Ports
Rice is 155 miles from the international seaport of Duluth, Minnesota.
Railroads
Railroad transportation in the Rice area is provided by Burlington Northern Railroad Burlington Northern has freight trains traveling through Rice each day including 2 local freights. Rice is on the main line of Burlington Northern.
Rice is potentially the northernmost destination of the planned Northstar Corridor, the commuter rail line that will run to and from the Twin Cities.
Rice is just 90 minutes from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. Access is available through Interstates 94 and 494. Local air commuter service is only 20 minutes away in St. Cloud with Mesaba Regional Airlines.
Trucking Lines
Rice is served by local, regional and national common carriers. The local carrier is Multi Load Transport Inc.
Sea Ports
Rice is 155 miles from the international seaport of Duluth, Minnesota.
Railroads
Railroad transportation in the Rice area is provided by Burlington Northern Railroad Burlington Northern has freight trains traveling through Rice each day including 2 local freights. Rice is on the main line of Burlington Northern.
Rice is potentially the northernmost destination of the planned Northstar Corridor, the commuter rail line that will run to and from the Twin Cities.
Community and Financial Support
Banks and Financial Institutions
Bremer Bank Web Site
Pine Country Bank Web Site Entreprenurial & Business Resources
Bremer Bank Web Site
Pine Country Bank Web Site Entreprenurial & Business Resources
- Rice Revolving Loan Fund
- Benton County Revolving Loan Fund
- Tax Increment Financing
- Minnesota Power & Light
- Initiative Foundation
- State
- Grants
- Federal
- Farmers Home Administration
- Rural Utilities Services Loan Program