By Jamie Strickland
Smart, controlled growth was the overarching theme at the recent “The State of Us” luncheon hosted by the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce, where town and county leaders spoke about the current and future challenges — and rewards — on the horizon for the Town of Benson.
Speakers included Mayor Max Raynor, JoCo Economic Development Director Chris Johnson, Town Manager Dane Rideout and I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Alliance President and CEO Ryan Murphy.
Mayor Raynor spoke of the importance of intentional growth and preserving the character of the town.
Johnson echoed those sentiments.
“Growth is coming. Change is coming. What that growth and change will bring is up to us,” he said, noting that the mission of the economic development office is to recruit the right type of industry to Johnston County that will provide high paying jobs and opportunities for its citizens.
Johnson cited statistics that show approximately 125,000 residents work outside of Johnston County. One industry that will help turn those numbers around and bring employment opportunities closer to home is Vulcan Elements, a rare earth magnet manufacturer coming soon to Benson.
The $1 billion facility is expected to employ 1,000 people with annual salaries in the $90,000 range. The facility will be the largest of its kind in the world outside of China, and Johnson said it’s considered critical for national security and economic independence. The neodymium iron boron magnets it produces are used in many consumer technologies like electronics and robotics and in military and defense systems.
Murphy and Rideout are relatively new to their roles but are diving right in.
Murphy’s time at the podium was devoted to the importance of public and private partnerships needed to equip the areas around the I-95/I-40 corridor for beneficial economic growth.
He noted that the new Johnston Community College Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Four Oaks was a crucial component for Vulcan to position itself in Johnston County. That facility will handle much of the workforce training tied to the operation.
Rideout’s comments addressed the financial problems the Town of Benson has been facing and said it will take a united front to fix them. The first step was a substantial increase in Benson’s electric rates, a move Rideout said was long overdue.
He said Benson is facing growing pains ahead with some tough decisions on the horizon, but is moving in the right direction.
“We’re doing all the right things now,” he said. “It can be fixed and we’re going to fix it the right way.”
With exponential growth imminent, Rideout said Benson must position itself to provide the infrastructure needed such as water, electricity and housing for the influx of residents they are sure to see, all while supporting its existing local businesses.
“How do you do all of this without losing our small town charm? That’s what we’re working on,” he said.
