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06/20/08
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK...it's not like we have a thought for the week every week but this one comes from our friend, leadership guru Ron Kessler. Ron quoted noted futurist Alvin Toffler: "The poor of the future will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn." If you doubt this, keep in mind that a few years ago there was no such thing as either a "leadership consultant" (i.e. guru) or a "futurist." What's next?
BI--O.....BIIIII----OOOO...Bio 2008, one of the largest annual conference of scientists on the planet met in San Diego this week and PCDA was part of an Oklahoma delegation of 90 people representing communities, universities, private enterprise and government. There were many goals for Oklahoma's attendance: 1) Promote Oklahoma as a leader in the industry, (which we are) and, on a related matter, continue to punch holes in the stereotype that we're nothing but oil, cattle and football; 2) Promote Oklahoma as a great place for scientists to do their research; 3) Promote the state to Oklahoman scientists who left and now wish they hadn't, (filed under "Come home, all is forgiven") and, 4) Promote the research, opportunities and labs in Oklahoma for collaboration and business. One such lab is the UML and PCDA spent a lot of time explaining that yes, Virginia, there really is a place where you can do sensor test and evaluation from a world class trusted agent. Oklahoma communities participating in the show included Oklahoma City, (lead dog) Ponca City, Ardmore, Tulsa, Stillwater and Claremore. The OK Biosciences Association, the Department of Commerce, OSU, OU, the Presbyterian Health Center and private businesses all played major roles.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS(ES)...the work of economic development sometimes includes trade shows like Bio but mostly it involves nose-to-the-grind-stone work. This week, such work was the over arching priority of PCDA as the focus continues to be on our two construction projects, (Encompass Tool and Continental Technologies). Also dispatched this week was a proposal to an out of state company, a legal agreement to another we hope we're close on, working with an existing one on housing issues, (both kinds), working with the City on housing issues, (the primary kind) completing our semi annual newsletter and completing an inventory of degree programs at Kansas universities, (Oklahoma ones were already done).
GAS PAINS ARE SOMEWHAT RELATIVE...we keep hearing from people that the price of gas in the U.S. is relatively cheap compared to the price of gas elsewhere. How about around the U.S.? Well, the PCDA staff person who attended Bio reported that when he left San Diego yesterday evening, he flew into Tulsa and gassed up at a station near Tulsa Airport before making the short trip home to Ponca City. The price of gas at that Oklahoma station was $1.12 less per gallon, same day, than at the gas station closest to San Diego Airport.
UPCOMING...
Mon. Jun 23rd: PCDA briefs the City Commission, 5:30 p.m., City Hall
Mon. Jun 30th: PCDA presentation to the Ponca City Rotary Club, Noon, Pizza Hut
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