If the more than one thousand people that lined up for the Hilmar Cheese hiring fair in October is any indicator, Turlockers are ready and willing to work. Fortunately, the outlook is bright with numerous new businesses slated to open their doors in 2015.

Regionally within the city there is development on every front. With new downtown bar, the Udder Place, as well as The Yogurt Mill on Geer Road each slated to hire 10 to 15 people, a diverse range of employment positions will be available in upcoming months.

“I think Turlock has a vision for itself that not a lot of other town’s in the area have,” said Yogurt Mill Owner Larry Young of his decision to expand to Turlock where his fourth shop will open in spring 2015.

Ask Maryn Pitt, assistant to the city manager for Economic Development and Housing, and she would likely agree with Young’s remark: Turlock’s growth is not coincidental.

“This is from good, long-term planning,” said Pitt.

With former Mayor John Lazar’s vision of making Turlock the “Silicon Valley of Food Processing,” the City of Turlock is consistently entertaining requests regarding the Turlock Regional Industrial  Park where Hilmar Cheese will be opening the doors of its milk processing facility in 2015 with 40 positions. Also, in November 2015 the $10 million Dust Bowl Brewery expansion is slated to open its 30,000 square foot facility at the intersection of Dianne Drive and Fulkerth Road. The brewery, which presently employees 50 full-time and part-time employees, plans to fill at least 20 positions, from brewery employees to tasting room servers, at the new facility.  A Taco Bell is also going to open near Pitman High School come the new year as well as an 85-room Hampton Inn on Lander Avenue near Highway 99, or Lander Crossings, which will include a medical tenant on the property as well.

But what about what is arguably the most popular development in Turlock — Monte Vista Crossings?

“There is a synergy for sure that the Monte Vista Crossings has created by being a regional power center,” said Pitt.

While there is no doubt that the opening of a slew of stores including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts in the southern expansion of the complex has contributed to Turlock’s economic development, two more stores will soon open their doors at the Countryside Drive property in front of Dick’s — a café Deli Delicious and a Sprint store. In late spring to early summer, Buffalo Wild Wings also plans to open its doors at 2739 Countryside Drive and will hire roughly 100 team members to operate the restaurant.

“We’ll be looking for everything from cashiers to greeters, to servers and cooks,” said Regional Market Manager Jon Gotreau. “We’re excited to join the Turlock community.”