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

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, 2016 from 10am to 3pm. We are once again looking for arts & crafts, farmers market, antique, repurposed treasures and food vendors to set up on 4th Street.
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 to Benton County for our small business community.
The series will be made up of 9 sessions that focus on getting, keeping and growing customer bases.
Shopko in Vinton: Work under way; company seeks customer service teammates

Benton County Community Foundation introduces new look

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, members will hold an election of officers for President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. Each officer is elected for one calendar year.
Those in attendance will also be setting action priorities for 2016.
Holiday Punch Card wrap-up; winners listed
The ‘Holiday Lights’ punch card promotion has officially wrapped up! During our promotion, almost 1,300 completed cards were turned in! That’s a lot of folks shopping local if you ask me! We look forward to bringing you this promotion again for the 2016 holiday season but in the meantime please toss any cards you may have left over.
2105: Another successful year for Benton Development Group
As we reflect on 2015, Benton Development Group is able to reminisce on the progress and preparation for future growth that has been established this past year. As our group continues to grow and assist our communities and businesses in unique ways, we find each project has its own set of trials and tribulations. In 2015, we were able to use our strategic partnerships and dedication to our businesses to tackle issues head on to ensure success for our communities, businesses and our organization.
Double punches Saturday and Sunday; card promotion ends Christmas Eve

Week 3 punch card winner: Joyce Kenney; look for more news soon
CONGRATULATIONS to Joyce Kenney on being our week three winner for the ‘holiday lights’ punch card! Joyce has won $50 Vinton Value Dollars.
Make sure to get out there and keep shopping! Each full card is one ticket into the weekly drawings! Look for more winners to be announced each week&n