The First United Methodist Church offers a variety of ministries and outreach programs.
Established in 1955, Saline Memorial Hospital serves as the primary health care provider for the country.
Benton possesses a unique combination that attracts both families and industry - quality of life and a solid infrastructure to support industry and growth. Benton is a well-established community with a population of 22,000 located in central Arkansas, between Little Rock, the state's capital and Hot Springs, a worldwide tourist attraction.
With quiet neighborhoods, community-sporting events, nearby lakes and three golf courses, there's something for every lifestyle and you'll never have to worry about things to see and do in Benton. The area is full of interesting sights and abounds with outdoor recreational opportunities and community events. Saline County Fair and Rodeo, Saline County Celebration of Lights, Old Fashion Days and Cajun Feast are all annual events in Benton that attract visitors from across the state.
Benton's outstanding public schools are another reason many people want to live in Benton. They offer an environment that strives to ensure that every student is given the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that equip them to become responsible and productive adults, regardless of the career path they choose. Providing a well-rounded education in a safe and healthy environment is a priority of all Benton schools. The Benton School District has been named a Blue Ribbon winner by Expansion Management magazine and was previously named one of America's best schools by Redbook magazine.
Benton not only offers a model public school system but adult education opportunities and a service program to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities is also available. Pulaski Technical College and UALR Benton Center provide educational and training programs for adults who wish to continue their education or learn new skills. Civitan Services, one of the first seven learning facilities in Arkansas for those with developmental disabilities, provides educational and fundamental life skills training to enhance the quality of life for special needs individuals.
People today expect the best in health care services, and Benton is blessed to have such a facility in Saline Memorial Hospital. This 143-bed facility has kept pace with modern technology. It also has the most qualified personnel in providing the finest in medical care for Benton and surrounding areas. A wonderful quality of life is only one aspect of Benton. Benton's community leaders have been active as well in broadening the base of retail and industrial development in the area. Construction of the Saline County Regional Airport with a runway of 5,000 feet will be complete in 2006, and is sure to become the home base for many private and corporate aircraft.
Benton is a city with a unique blend of industry, business retail and tourism. The city boasts 80 industries - everything from industrial ceramics and steel fabrication to marine parts manufacturing and pollution control systems. Even though Benton has seen the growth of malls and strip centers, downtown still offers a unique shopping experience for residents and visitors. A department store and many varied specialty shops and businesses still surround the town square and offer a little bit of something for everyone with an old-time, down-home flavor.
Life in Benton offers the best of both worlds, quality of life andthemeans to support business and industry. Come and see why Arkansas' Community of Excellence is really just that... An excellence community.
For more information:
www.salinecountyeconomicdevelopment.com
www.benton.ar.gov
www.bentonchamber.com