The city of Turlock’s Anthony Sims has been named the Economic Developer of the Year by Opportunity Stanislaus.
Sims, who has been with the city since July 2022, spearheads the city’s efforts to attract new businesses while helping existing businesses find new ways to prosper.
“This recognition reflects the hard work, creativity, and collaboration of our entire economic development and communications team here at the city of Turlock,” said Sims, who picked up his award in front of more than 250 people at Dust Bowl Brewing Co. on April 17. “We’re fortunate to have an innovative and forward-thinking leadership team that supports our economic development efforts.
“Economic development is a team sport, and each year, we hold hundreds of meetings and events, working alongside our mayor, city manager, police chief, and city staff to support local businesses, address challenges, and celebrate their successes.”
A graduate of Ceres High School and Modesto Junior College, Sims earned a bachelor’s degree from Stanislaus State in business administration. He began his career in economic development working for Opportunity Stanislaus, then became the economic development director for the city of Ceres before moving to Turlock.
“I’m especially proud of the new programs we introduced this year, including our Business Development and Assistance Program, which has already provided consulting services and marketing grants to 60 local businesses,” said Sims. “And the Fusus Security Enhancement Pilot Program has improved business safety in partnership with Turlock PD.”
To be eligible for the nomination, Sims had to deliver measurable growth and positive results in his jurisdiction, demonstrate a passion for developing new skills, earn certifications or industry-recognized accolades, and create marketing tools that promoted Turlock businesses.
The crown jewel for Sims came recently when the city of Turlock secured a popular Chick-fil-A franchise, which will open on the southwest corner of Countryside Drive and Tuolumne Road. Next in his sights is high-end grocery store Trader Joe’s.
“We created a business-attraction video telling Trader Joe’s, ‘Hey, the city of Turlock wants you.”
Each year, Opportunity Stanislaus holds its Celebrate the Central Valley event, which celebrates Stanislaus and San Joaquin county businesses. Other awards given out were: Best Places to Work, Workforce Champion, Small Business Development Center Client of the Year, and Economic Project of the Year.
Turlock’s Paper Moon Stationery & Art Supply was named Small Business of the Year.
Other honorees included:
Best Places to Work — Black Water Consulting Engineers, DeHart Plumbing, Heating & Air, E-Technologies Group, Grimbleby Coleman, Haggerty Construction, … IT Solutions/Currie, Oak Valley Community Bank (Modesto/Turlock), One Digital, Reed Family Companies, Stanislaus County Office of Education, The Wonderful Company, and Westwood Professional Services.
Workforce Champions — 3R Technology, Associated Feed (Turlock), BEAM Circular, Boyett Petroleum, Care One Home Health, Chicken Ranch Casino, Dhillon Healthcare Group, Divert (Turlock), Dust Bowl Brewing Co. (Turlock), GAF, Great Wolf Lodge, Health Force Partners Northern San Joaquin Valley, Hi Tech Emergency Vehicle, Kaiser Permanente, Kevin’s Natural Foods, Legacy Home Care, Oak Valley Community Bank (Modesto/Turlock), Pacific Southwest Container, Partners Personnel, Reed Family Companies, Refresco, Seva Hospice, Sierra Vista Cares, Valley First Credit Union (Modesto/Turlock), and Valley Milk (Turlock).
