ECONOMIC TOPICS THIS WEEK......ranged from buildings, to land, to abstracts about land, to land use, to spec buildings, to buildings being built....well you get the idea. Land and buildings were definitely the high score on the discussion list. And rightly so as the economy not only opens up, but to use a colleagues expression, the economy is popping the clutch and hitting the gas. So why so much chatter about land and buildings? Businesses are looking to expand and increase capacity to keep pace with the uptick on demand for products and services. New businesses are opening or looking to open (keep reading for Business Pitch-off update) and most, if not all, want a brick and mortar storefront (building) and the rest want land to build on. Hence, the land part of these conversations. 

​HOW ABOUT THAT WEATHER?....was the most asked question this week, otherwise known as pre-Memorial Day Weekend. Staff was interacting with local companies on workforce and supply chain issues as well as getting ready to launch some new businesses with the Business Plan Pitch-off on June 11th. The 28th Annual Herb Festival is next weekend, with a greatly expanded lead in, so don't miss the movies, costume contests and live theatre (flyer is below). Why does PCDA talk about stuff like activities for families, the lakes, the arts and the weather? Quality of life people. Quality of life. The days of workforce moving for a job are gone. Post-pandemic, people are looking for specific things: lifestyle, open space, affordable and appropriate housing and then, maybe, the job to pay for all of these things.
 
Remote working has been growing by leaps and bounds during the pandemic and will continue to fund many lifestyles in 2021 and beyond. Ponca City has to be a destination for some, a home for others and for those of us who already live here, our community. Get out and participate in all the things Ponca City; Remember all those who have died in service to our country and keep reading for workforce and industry updates.