By the year 2001, 27 business partners were aboard and the organization received an honorable mention by the Illinois State Board of Education and an Award of Distinction by the Illinois Connections Project. The Crete-Monee Business Partners prepare students for the workforce through real-world application to the classroom. Ventures facilitated by the Business Education Partnership such as the Crete Public Library Coffee Connection, provided opportunity for students with disabilities to be a part of the community and gain valuable work experience. Another such project includes the Sixth Grade Center's “Reality Store”, in which students are given a “day in the life” of their parents, complete with job, spouse, house, checkbook, kids and all the related expenses, and have to complete the day with a positive balance in their checkbooks. Or, the Monee Friendship Garden, in which fourth grade students were paired with high school horticulture students and created a community garden at Monee Elementary School. All of these projects include input and a curriculum piece from school staff, students engaged in the project, as well as business people who volunteer their hours of service to the students and community.

A new administration in 2007 brought a revived interest and commitment to the Business Education Partnership. New partnerships have been forged, new projects created, such as the collaboration with Prairie State College and Career Preparation Network. The projects continue to grow and flourish. Today, the Business Education Partnership has grown to over 40 active and committed members.

Through the partnership, students and teachers build collaborative relationships between educators and business people while motivating and encouraging engaged learners. This Partnership connects businesses to schools to develop mutually beneficial relationships, build stronger ties with our communities, and the fulfillment of a common vision– our students' success.