Are you an entrepreneur and don't know it? Let's chat. The Fall Business Plan Competition is fast approaching. Deadline to submit business plans is November 1. Maybe you have a great idea that needs some bones. Business Plan can do that. Or you have an existing business, but need some structure and next steps. Business planning will get you to the next level. And staff (Kat) knows business plans sound hard. And time consuming. And basically impossible. But fear not. There is no bad business plan; there are only unfinished business plans. Business planning means you are putting all that information you carry around in your head on paper. Or in a computer. And, once it is formatted, you can enter the competition to win $5000. Most small businesses can be started with less than $2000.

How do you get started? Click here and get your answers to these basic questions down in your phone; in a notebook or on your computer. These are the basics. Then, call Kat and she can assist you to get some pricing, marketing and needs assessments completed. Viola. You are halfway to finishing your business plan. Promise. Your business idea deserves a plan. Want to talk to someone who has gone through the process? Check out Paws on the Pavement, Aesthetic State of Mind, Gamemaster's Guild, The Grand Cigar and Lounge or drop by Nena Tacos. All of these businesses and more have participated in the competition. What are YOU waiting for?

PCDA has an award winning program called The Trade Show Brigade. PCDA identifies a tradeshow that can benefit several companies in Ponca City. Then staff reaches out to see if there is interest from those companies in the tradeshow. Staff is tickled to announce a group of Ponca City companies will be attending a government contracting show, ICBS, October 22-25 in Oklahoma City at Metro Technology Center.

Bowers Trucking, My Media Matters and Redlands Office Supply are all certified to contract with government entities including local, state, federal and Tribal. Schatz Publishing, whose business is based on government contracting in Blackwell, will also be hanging out with the PC Crew. This is a great turnout for a new Trade Show Brigade. If your company has a trade show that fits with any of the target industries here in Ponca City, reach out to our office and let's chat. Target industries include: food and agriculture manufacturing, contract manufacturing, energy, back office (including government contracting) and distribution. Special thanks to Dawn Brakey, the local government contracting APEX guru at Pioneer Technology Center Business Services for brainstorming this opportunity into existence.

A special congratulations to Winterrowd Talley Architects for their American Institute of Architects Peoples Choice Award on the Keller Williams famous barn rebuild. If you took a few minutes and voted for this project, good job. Supporting our local businesses for these types of recognitions strengthens the Ponca City reputation. And if you haven't taken a tour of the Keller Williams location on Lake Road, get over there. It is magnificent!

PCDA hosts Girl Power! Camp every summer for the last eight years. Occasionally, one of the campers shares their experience with staff. Thanks Ava!

Ava O’Neill

Girl Power Camper and Teen Counselor

When I was in eighth grade in 2021, my mom asked me if I wanted to go to Girl Power camp, I said, “What’s Girl Power?” I’d never heard of Girl Power. I ended up going with my two best friends and I loved the weeklong camp so much! I learned about the S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Manufacturing) community here in Ponca City, and what STEAM has to offer, especially all the jobs available to women.



Two years later in 2023, I was asked to come back as a Teen counselor for Girl Power! Camp hosted for seventh and eighth grade girls at City Central. And I learned even more when I came back! The campers and counselors went on so many tours to all the manufacturing places in town and hung out all day at Phillips66 with the engineers and support staff. During the tours, the campers and I heard from women working in STEAM areas. So many questions were asked and answered, and it was all around a great experience.

Ponca Works has touched on a few barriers to employment over the past weeks, and today’s board meeting was no exception to that train of thought. The number one concern plaguing PCDA trustees is available housing, or lack thereof. There are several multi-family housing units under renovation, including the Pioneer Place Apartments, a small building of units on South Pine St, The Wilbanks Apartments, and a new construction project of affordable houses and town houses for rent being built on Fifth and Bradley.

These rehabs and new construction projects will start to put a dent in the current market housing needs, but much more is necessary to match the demand. To attract population, and primarily more workforce, a solution(s) to lack of housing will be pivotal. Anecdotal stories are sometimes as powerful as hard data.

If you have information that will help share the housing needs of Ponca City, please share with us! 580-765-7070 or lleaming@goponca.com

PCDA is a member of several local and national economic development organizations: Select Oklahoma and IEDC are the main ones. Staff attended Select Oklahoma's conference two weeks ago and next week is the IEDC's Annual Conference in Dallas. Yay for close proximity conferences. Staff will hobnob with eight to nine hundred of our closest economic development brethren (and a host of vendors who flock to these types of things). We like the vendors too. They have access to information, data and processes that make our jobs more efficient.

One of the programs that staff will be attending is the Accredited Economic Development Organization meeting. PCDA was the first office to be accredited with this program in Oklahoma back in 2008-09. This is year is another accreditation year for us, so be on the lookout for our brag box to be in full view for the last three years. And of course we will share. Staff is very proud of our award wall and you should be as well.

The second quarter Cost of Living numbers have been released and Ponca City is still in the top 10 in the United States for lowest cost of living. And it isn't some unbelievable low number at 82.7% of the national average of 100; But compared to the absurdly high cost of living in San Jose, CA of 174.9 percent, we are doing pretty well here in Ponca City.

Oklahoma ranks #3 in Wind Power and #7 in Film & Television Production on the 2023 Business Facilities' State Rankings Report . The rankings help site selection professionals evaluate locations for their corporate expansion and relocation projects. Texas was #1 in Wind Power and Georgia was #1 in Film & Television.

The workforce participation rate from a national level is leveling out, and even increasing from pre-pandemic numbers. Women are participating on a national scale slightly more than before the pandemic. Locally, Ponca City and the Midwest in general, takes longer to catch up, but there is and will continue to be a roadblock to the working mother's participation. Childcare. 

Availability of care is a huge issue; and might be that next big thing. Finding childcare for a child less than one year old in the Kay County region is slim pickings, and even when you do there will be a significant waiting list. For older children, it is the same - long wait lists and unknown situations. Another huge issue is the cost of childcare. The federal government has been backfilling funding for the last several years, but this will end within the next several months. Creating a safe environment that meets the State standards costs significantly more than the market can afford. DHS subsidy is offered only to those who make very little and isn't an option when you're working many of the blue-collar jobs that make up the Ponca City's manufacturing industry demographics. Don't get us wrong: higher wages are always encouraged from PCDA. However, it becomes a barrier when both spouses work and must also afford childcare. While many minds are working on these issues locally, we will leave you with this link to a Facebook group that offers openings to make day care options when you're in the market: North Central OK Licensed Childcare Openings.

1 Million Cups was packed at its new location within the newly rehabbed Pioneer Technology Center. The cafeteria area with its comfortable and relaxed seating area, served as a great location for this back from summer 1MC presentation from Jessica Fields of SWG (Stolhand Wells Group). She gave the business story of Stolhand to Stolhand Wells to SWG and updated the group on the ETA of the renovation of the bowling alley on Lake Road. This renovated space will bring all the SWG moving parts of plumbing, HVAC, electric and bottled water into one location.

This is a great small business story, and congratulations to this local company with 117 full time employees. But don't take our word on it. The full presentation can be seen on Facebook. Just click here. Next 1MC is Wednesday, October 4th with Trailer Butler presenting their business story.

The second quarter Cost of Living numbers have been released and Ponca City is still in the top 10 in the United States for lowest cost of living. And it isn't some unbelievable low number at 82.7% of the national average of 100; But compared to the absurdly high cost of living in San Jose, CA of 174.9 percent, we are doing pretty well here in Ponca City.

Oklahoma ranks #3 in Wind Power and #7 in Film & Television Production on the 2023 Business Facilities' State Rankings Report . The rankings help site selection professionals evaluate locations for their corporate expansion and relocation projects. Texas was #1 in Wind Power and Georgia was #1 in Film & Television.

Labor force participation rate…. Some really sexy verbiage for those of us in workforce. Let me hit you with some numbers. 

Our labor force participation rate is 58.6%(data.census.gov). Those are the people who above the age of 16 years old, who are working, or have recently stopped working and are looking for work. 

The national average labor force participation rate is 62.6% (BLS.GOV). The difference between these two numbers is 4.2%. There are about 20,000 people in our labor force in Kay County(Chmura Economics and Analytics), 4.2% increase in that would be 1,364 people. Phew! If you’re still reading, this is the kicker for you: in the last 30 days we’ve had about 1,026 open job postings on the internet for this area. All this data shows us that there are some barriers to work. If you’ve felt this in your business, or have any insight into the problems you’ve faced, please let us know about it! Over the next several months we will be diving into some of the barriers staff have seen and what we can do about them.

Summer is coming to a close and that means 1 Million Cups is ready to share more local business stories. 1MC provides a supportive, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and their communities to gather and connect, where they can work through business challenges and identify opportunities. All this is accomplished with a million cups of coffee.

Join the Ponca City 1MC on Wednesday, Sept.6 at Pioneer Technology Center to hear the SWG story, told by Jessica Fields. Get back into the swing of all things small business at 1 Million Cups. If you are interested in telling your business story to the community, please go to 1MillionCups.com/PoncaCityand apply to present at one of the next meetings. Always the first Wednesday of each month. Share your story over a cup of coffee.

A few months ago, Ponca City was recommended to Troy Ormonde as a possible location for his small manufacturing business. After a few phone calls and a site visit, his family owned business Trailer-Butler is settling into their new location on First Street here in Ponca City. Along with his wife, Mother and Uncle, several Ponca City Chamber members helped cut the ribbon and officially welcome Trailer Butler to the business community last Friday.

If you want an excellent explanation of what Trailer Butler is, please click here and watch this short video of Troy explaining and demonstrating his product to the crowd last Friday.

You don't want to miss Business on the Balcony next Tuesday, August 8th, 7 to 9 am. Yes, that is in the morning before the heat takes over. A little bit of breakfast, a whole lot of networking. Meet your local companies, welcome new people to the community. There is always something happening at B on the B.

This is a come and go event. Show up anytime between 7 and 9 am.

So many people were in attendance for the Ribbon Cutting this week at the New Emergency Resource Center and Police Station. Chief Bohon thanked everyone for attending as did Mayor Nicholson. It was so hot, the ribbon almost didn't get cut as everyone tried to head inside after the Thank yous!

Everyone seemed to get the blue shirt memo and it was another great day in Ponca City!

Just another shout out to all the industry companies who assisted with tours and hosting the 2023 Girl Power STEM Camp last week. A big Thank you to Winterrowd Talley Architects, Phillips 66 Refinery, K&C manufacturing, Custom Mechanical Equipment, Continental Carbon and Century Products for your time and talents giving the Girl Power campers a glimpse of their future possibilities.

To see the campers at all the locations, follow Ponca City Development Authority on Facebook. A special thanks to the facilitators including past camper, Ava O'neill.

You won't want to miss the ribbon cutting ceremony and Open House for the new Ponca City Emergency Resource Center/Police Station on Monday from 2 to 5 pm. As PCDA's neighbors to the south, staff have watched from the beginning as all the pieces have come together. Our emergency services and police officers deserve this state of the art and spacious building to protect and serve.

Make sure you make time to attend the ribbon cutting and tour the new facility. It is very cool. See you Monday, July 31st between two and five.

This week was the season for PCDA’s “Girl Power!” summer camp. We could tell you all about how it has received international recognition, was the first of it’s kind, has been around for years and a bunch of other (true) propaganda. All good stuff but the bottom line is that “Girl Power!” is all about workforce in and for Ponca City. The fact that its been around a while now can be seen in two quick fun facts.

The first is that some past “Girl Power!” campers have now graduated high school and are working in Ponca City companies. The second is that other “Girl Power!” alumni are now helping to teach at “Girl Power!” The camp started back in the day when PCDA noticed that there were very few jobs available in positions more traditionally occupied by females. At the same time, there were a bunch of openings for jobs more traditionally held by men. The goal was to introduce middle school young ladies to the idea that these traditionally male dominated career paths were actually open to them too. So “Girl Power!” continues to introduce young ladies to a lot of careers that need filling in Ponca City. Mind you this isn’t about putting these middle schoolers to work right now in jobs, that would be a no-no. It is about getting them to consider these career paths in Ponca City for their future. Long story short, it’s working and, this week, we were back at it.  

How's that for a before and after picture? PCDA is excited to attend the Ribbon Cutting and Open House for the new Ponca City Emergency Resource Center/Police Station on Monday, July 31st from 2 to 5 pm. As PCDA's neighbors to the south, staff have watched from the beginning as all the pieces have come together. Our emergency services and police officers deserve this state of the art and spacious building to protect and serve.

Make sure you make time to attend the ribbon cutting and tour the new facility. It is very cool. See you Monday, July 31st between two and five.

When you were young, did you want to drive big trucks? Maybe you still want to get behind the wheel of a bigger vehicle. Now is the time to check out this in-demand career. Pioneer Technology Center is starting enrollment for their next truck driving school. Rumor has it there might be a school for the younger set of 18 and older.

If you have an interest or want to ask some more questions, give Johnny Thornburg a call at Pioneer Tech. 580.718.4328 or click here to find out more details.

This week the 2020 Ponca City Business Plan Pitch-off winner celebrated three years in business. Congratulations to Aesthetic State of Mind, Ponca City's first and only Med Spa. Owner Shannon Puetz-Somers pitched her business plan to a panel of five judges in June of 2020, during a worldwide pandemic, and never looked back.

After receiving the high score for the Pitch-off competition, Aesthetic opened in July of 2020. Today, Aesthetic has four employees on staff, the owner received her NP in 2022 (click here for the teams total qualifications) and the med-spa has expanded twice. Again, Congratulations to Aesthetic State of Mind for hitting the three year mark and still going strong. Stay tuned for the owners latest venture, also on Grand Avenue: Oklahoma Infusion Clinic (OIC).

If you are an inventor or have a great idea for a new product, don't tell yourself you'll get to it later. And if your kid has a great idea, even better. Now is the time to research other products like yours; prototype the idea, get a provisional patent, talk to someone about copyright and trademarking your idea and get that product to market.

Does all this sound scary? That's ok. Stuff worth doing is scary. And PCDA is here to help. Stop by the PCDA office and get more information about getting your product to market. There are a lot of resources available to assist you.

If you need a starting point, make sure to click on this link and check out this "top10 list for product development" from Stephen Keys.

This week several businesses attended a Lunch & Learn at Pioneer Technology Center to learn more about the internship program with the High School. The big goal is to grow Ponca City's next workforce and expose them to available career paths. Workforce is a big topic in the economic development world. Heck, it's a huge topic everywhere: Jobs are available and unemployment is very low in Ponca City, Kay County and many other places in the U.S. Exposing high school students to available job training and experiences early is an excellent way to fill the local workforce pipeline.

Over 60 PoHi students participated in the internship program co-sponsored by PCDA. The goal for next year is 100 students. Your business needs to be part of this. One hour a day, Monday through Friday during the school year, broken up by semester. If you need more information or want to ask some specific questions, please call Jordan Jackson-Gross at the High School, 580.718.4878 oremail here.

This year, Oklahoma is in an El Nino summer. Basically, you don't know if it will be hot or cold, raining or sunny from day to day. And the meteorologists are "best guessing". Welcome to summer in Oklahoma! Thank goodness you live in Ponca City where we are 90 minutes from everywhere and we have two lakes within a 10 minute drive for those really hot days. And the actual drives are pretty scenic as well. Did you know about the prairie dog community on the way to Kaw Lake? Or the swim beach at Lake Ponca? Have you been to Wentz Pool lately and walked the campgrounds or the hiking trails? Perhaps you need to check out the three disc golf courses which have hosted national frisbee golf competitions. And don't forget First Fridays & DXDT this Friday. (flyer is below)

The thing all of these activities have in common is they are outdoors, which is kind of our claim to fame being rural and in the center of all this nature stuff. So take some time with the family, with your significant other, with friends or maybe on your own, to explore this great place we call home.

Don't forget all the art to be found in and around Ponca City This weekend might be an excellent opportunity for a fox hunt right here in Ponca City. Between downtown murals and the large painted foxes located in front of multiple businesses, your kids and any visitors to Ponca will enjoy an early morning or late evening fox hunt.

Click on the fox and check out all the central business district, downtown foxes. Stay foxy people. For more information on the fox statues in Ponca City,take the online tour here.

Spec building Duke had visitors touring through its very new walls: PCDA Trustees and friends. In a Special Meeting posted at PCDA and City Hall, Duke was toured by PCDA Trustees, as well as Mayor Nicholson and Shelley Arrott, Ponca City Chamber CEO.

The 39,000 square foot building is 80% complete on the inside and is awaiting a few dry days to pour the concrete parking lot. Duke is ready for companies to check out its power and capacity. For your tour and more information, don't hesitate to call staff at the office, 580.765.7070.

The Ponca City community comes together regularly to support our community. Staff knows that sounds redundant, but it needs to be said. There are two opportunities before the fireworks go off on the Fourth to celebrate and assist our Ponca City community: Friday, June 30th at the Sean Anderson Memorial Fish Fry & Blood Drive at the Carolyn Renfro Event Center (see flyer below) and for all the Veterans and their families in our community, head out to Lake Ponca on Saturday, July 1st at 4 pm for some free hot dogs brought to you by The Veterans Landing and several other businesses and organizations in the community (again, flyer is below).

These types of events showcase the orgs in our community as they benefit friends and neighbors. And these aren't the only two events happening for the good of the community. Ask around to support other organizations including NERA, United Way and more. It's another great day in Ponca City.

This weekend and The Fourth of July are an excellent opportunity for a fox hunt right here in Ponca City. Between downtown murals and the large painted foxes located in front of multiple businesses, your kids and any visitors to Ponca will enjoy an early morning or late evening fox hunt. It's an Oklahoma Summer, so limit those high temperature, middle of the day outside excursions. Unless you are at Wentz or AMBUC Pools.

Click on the fox and check out all the central business district, downtown foxes. Stay foxy people. For more information on the fox statues in Ponca City,take the online tour here.