The Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance has undergone a makeover that has the organization sporting a new name with new leaders at the helm of what is officially now known as the Stanislaus Business Alliance.

The Stanislaus Business Alliance serves Stanislaus County residents and businesses through an expansive four pronged economic development approach that includes Business Development, Workforce Development through the Alliance WorkNet, Innovation through the Alliance Small Business Development Center, and Marketing and Communications.

 In totality the Alliance helps to attract jobs to the county, aid local companies in expanding, addresses the workforce needs of employers as well as helps entrepreneurs develop their ideas into viable businesses. With such extensive services and diverse stakeholders the Alliance hopes that by making the organization’s name shorter and more concise, clients and community members will have a more clear understanding of the Alliance’s mission.

“We want local businesses to know that we support them. We are here to address their needs working in partnership with chambers of commerce, our nine cities, Stanislaus County and other partners,” said David White, Alliance CEO.

The name is not the only thing changing at the Alliance as Monday the Board of Directors unanimously elected several new individuals to serve as Executive Committee officers and board members. Of the five newly elected Executive Committee officers there is one Turlocker and the sole female Sharon Silva who will represent the Turlock Chamber of Commerce. Silva will serve concurrently on the Executive Committee as Secretary as well as a board member due to her recent reelection.

“The Alliance really has a lot of different components that work together on very different levels and I am looking forward to assisting in various capacities,” said Silva. “The Turlock Chamber really believes in working with partnerships and I am honored and excited to represent the Chamber and work with the Alliance on a local and county level.”

Having been appointed to the Stanislaus County’s Economic Development Board as well as serving on the Mayor’s Economic Taskforce, Silva intends to use her continued experience at the Stanislaus Business Alliance to strengthen economic development in Turlock and countywide.