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Weekly Information Rebate

01/25/08

January 25, 2008

LOOKING BACK TO LOOK AHEAD...no one should drive into the future with your eyes firmly fixed on the rear view mirror but you do need to evaluate what you're doing to make sure it's effective. So looking back at this week, PCDA was involved in follow-up with two companies interested in locations here. If you have ever moved, you know the devil is in the details and often companies look to PCDA to be the devil slayer. Also this week, PCDA started the implementation of the SFS-FTS and Precision agreements reached two weeks ago. In addition, work continued on Bob and the Encompass Tool facility as well as an outreach program to college graduates in the region. We also worked on upcoming trade shows, continued to target desired companies, and polished our new website, (www.goponca.com).

THE GOPONCA ROAD SHOW...we used to refer to it metaphorically as a road show as communities asked us to come and make presentations about programs in Ponca City that went beyond the talking phrase to real action. Now it really is a road show as "Skills on Wheels," Pioneer Tech's new mobile Fab Lab and manufacturing training center now graces the state's highways. This week, Pioneer Tech and PCDA were in Norman with said truck at the state's "Industry Sectors Strategies Institute." The state agency and local officials in attendance seemed out of breath after just saying the name of the conference so they rested their impressive vocal cords and swarmed over the truck, ewwing and ahhing and mumbling "why didn't we think of that" with what little breath they had left. At a conference in Moore the week before, (same team and truck there) several leading manufacturers said of Skills on Wheels, "that's exactly what we've been asking for." Now they know where they can find it.

INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR...congrats to ConocoPhillips selected by the Chamber of Commerce as the Industry of the Year for their donation of Research East and $2 million for the new UML. The company was so honored last night at the Chamber's 114th Annual Banquet. It's pretty hard to compete with what ConocoPhillips did last year but there were several local companies with big news themselves who will be strong contenders next year. PCDA congratulates all of the winners last night, with a special nod to PCDA Chair Lee "Birthday Boy" Evans, the banquet MC, and our partners at the Chamber for a great evening.

WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE SWEET LOVE...this isn't a plug for Valentines Day (but guys don't forget that's coming up). On February 4th at 11:30, PCDA will host a luncheon for all area churches and faith based organizations to build that partnership. These area organizations add great value to our city through community involvement, community enhancement and connections to workforce. If you have a connection to a faith based organization give ‘em a bump and encourage them to join us.

UPCOMING...

 Wed. Feb. 13th: Economic Development Day at the Capitol (you guessed it, it's session time)

 Thur. Feb. 14th: PCDA February Board meeting, 7:30 a.m., Chamber Conference Room

 Thur. Feb. 14th: Workforce Oklahoma Day at the Capitol (with our PTC and WIB partners)

 

Ponca City Development Authority. 102 S. Fifth Street, Ste. 3, Ponca City, OK 74601

580.765.7070/580.765.0969-fax, email dmyers@goponca.com, www.goponca.com