Benson votes to join development alliance

BENSON — The town is joining the I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance.

When the Town of Four Oaks and City of Dunn came together several years ago to form the alliance, Town of Benson leaders turned down an invitation to join.

Since then, the alliance has secured millions in state and local dollars to begin building a training center in Four Oaks for manufacturing jobs, and it’s at work in Dunn on training center for tech industry jobs.

Harold Keen is chairman of the alliance board. “The alliance leadership looks forward to the next steps in getting Benson on the team and to make Benson a more competitive place for new industry investment,” he said.

“The alliance and Benson leaders understand the importance of having good-paying jobs within our own communities so that those who live here may also work here,” Keen said. “Both parties feel that working together makes us all stronger and better.”

Mayor Jerry Medlin said it made sense for Benson to join. “The reason for Benson joining the alliance is because of our close proximity to one another,” he said. Four Oaks is just a few miles north of Benson, Dunn just a few miles south.

“It’s important that Benson is a contributor to this,” Medlin added. “With having Harnett and Johnston counties working together, I think it will make a lot of difference — especially when industry is looking to establish itself in this area. Working together will be a big advantage.”

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