november 15, 2024

11/15/2024

November 15, 2024 - Economic Update

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit." -Aristotle

HOUSING IN PONCA CITY

PCDA commissioned a housing study for the Ponca City area this year. If you want to read the whole thing, check it out here. Basically, it confirmed the need for housing in Ponca City in the $150,000 to $300,000 range with at least three bedrooms and two baths. Got it. With assistance from the City of Ponca City....,

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MORE HOUSING INFORMATION

Oklahoma Housing Stability Program provides 0% interest construction loans for the new construction of single-family homes and for single and multifamily rental housing. Again, if you as a construction professional or investor have ever kicked around the idea of building homes, check out this Oklahoma program. Applications are being accepted now. There are still funds in the Ponca City HIP 2.0 program and the PCDA Incentive program for housing. Two more OHFA application due dates: November 20 and January 2025

Find out more

SMALL BUSINESS TIP

It's hard to look at your small business objectively. If you own a retail establishment, how is the flow and shop-ability of your store? Do you like it because it looks pretty or because merchandise sells? This is called merchandising and it is why larger retailers "reset" their shelves and move products around at least twice a year. And so should you. Need an extra set of eyes? Give Kat a call and let PCDA help you create more sales.

Tips & Ideas

AMENITIES FOR OUR COMMUNITY

In May/June of this year, PCDA Trustees and City Commissioners voted to add housing and retail assistance to our trust indenture. This means that PCDA can now work with and incentivize these sectors.

What does that mean? Keep reading to find out. Click the link below.

Ponca City Growth

Upcoming Events

Every Monday & Tuesday: Sunny Creek Farm Hub Store Open

City Central //10 to 6 pm

Friday, Nov 15 // Tree Lighting Ceremony // 6:30 pm

City Hall Building Downtown

Friday, Nov 15 // Ice on the Plaza Opening Night

7 to 10 pm Veteran's Plaza

Hot Cocoa & Cookies while they last

Saturday, Nov 16 // Sunny Creek Young Vendor Market

Vendor Pop-up 11 to 1 pm

Sunny Creek Store will be open as well.

Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 // Pioneer Technology Center

Holiday Market and Thanksgiving Meal

Make time to check out the Holiday Market from 9 to 2 pm

Nov. 28-29, 2024 // Thanksgiving // PCDA offices closed

City Central will be closed on Thursday, Nov 28th

Friday, December 6 // Lighted Christmas Parade

7:00 pm Downtown Ponca City

Thursday, Dec 12 // PCDA Board of Trustee Meeting

7:30 am in the Redbud Room, City Central

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November 1, 2024

11/1/2024

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November 1, 2024 - Economic Update

TIME TO MOVE ON

For many years, every time staff went to a trade show or conference, the main topic of discussion was "where is the workforce?" Recruiters, companies, industries: all wanted to know where they could find their next manager, next machinist, welder, accountant, etc... This year, at the FabTech show in Orlando, Florida, it appears the topic has changed. Check out what Laurence Beliel has to say about the new conversations......

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PCDA WELCOMES POHI INTERN

PCDA is happy to have an PoHi Intern this year. Meet Jordan Varbel. She has fit right in here in our crazy PCDA/City Central office. Jordan has jumped right in with building event calendars, creating Halloween doors and putting together Excel spreadsheets. She may or may not be a bit terrified of answering the phone, but with a little practice, we will conquer her telephone-phobia.

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LADIES NIGHT TONIGHT

You don't want to miss the Fall Ladies Night tonight, Friday November 1st. Grab some of your gal pals and check out all the shops and pop-ups downtown. Even if you just need to de-stress from the week, get some of your pre-Christmas gift shopping (or at least idea gathering) in while walking around downtown. Food, drink and be merry!

Learn More Here

PONCA CITY RANKS IN TOP 10

It's hard to see in the graphic, but for the second consecutive quarter in 2024, Ponca City ranked in the top 10 for lowest cost of living in the United States. Oklahoma has three communities in the top ten with Oklahoma City ranking #5, Ponca City ranking #7 and Muskogee ranking #10. Cost of living numbers are based on several things including automotive, housing, food, services and entertainment. Ponca City has an 18% lower cost of living than the normal (100%). Highest cost of living numbers go to the east and west coasts.

See last quarter COLI #s

JOB GROWTH BY INDUSTRY

For you data wonks out there, let staff introduce you to the many layers of information which can be found on Census.gov. If you want accurate stats from 2024, you are going to have to pay for that information. However, if you want to see what our county looks like from an employed, population and industry standing, click on the link below for the 2022 statistics from the U.S. Census County Business Patterns. Suspense killing you? Click the link below to see Kay County data.

Data Visualizations

Get out and vote message with retro USA red_ white and blue stars on weathered wood

Upcoming Events

Every Monday & Tuesday: Sunny Creek Farm Hub Store Open

City Central //10 to 6 pm

TUESDAY, NOV 5 // VOTE AT YOUR POLLING PLACE

Find your polling place here.

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 // 1 Million Cups // 8:30 am

Pioneer Technology Center

Support your local small businesses and hear their stories.

Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 // Kay County Healthy Living Coalition

11:00 am here at City Central

Redbud Room, Lower Level

Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 // Worklahoma @ Pioneer Tech Center

Calling all job seekers. Network, get your head shots and

bring your resume for that possible interview.

Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 // PCDA Board of Trustee Meeting

7:30 am at City Central in the Redbud Room.

Coffee's hot.

Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 // Pioneer Technology Center

Holiday Market and Thanksgiving Meal

Make time to check out the Holiday Market from 9 to 2 pm

Nov. 28-29, 2024 // Thanksgiving // PCDA offices closed

City Central will be closed on Thursday, Nov 28th

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October 18, 2024

10/18/2024

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October 18, 2024 - Economic Update

THIS WEEK IN PICTURES

Sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words. This week, PCDA staff and many Ponca City companies were out and about in the world. Some made it back just in time to light up 2000+ kids lives at Goblins on Grand. To celebrate all the things, check out these pictures sent back to the PCDA office.

TRADE SHOWS = NEW OPPORTUNITIE$

KR Automation (pictured here) and Centerline attended the Oil & Gas Show in Oklahoma City last week.

These conferences are an excellent way to meet a lot of prospective clients. Always nice to have several companies at one show.

Centerline was joined by some Pioneer Technology friends to help at their booth.

We are pretty sure Johnny Thornburgh (left) and Ian Freeman (right) hung out at the KR Automation booth some as well.

Apparently, Johnny T was everywhere. He and Laurence attended The Fabtech show in Orlando.

Forming and Fabrication with 3D printers was almost out of reach 10 years ago. Ask LB or Johnny T about capabilities now.

CENTURY PRODUCTS ANNOUNCES

CENTURY PRODUCTS BECOMES THE OFFICIAL STOCK TANK OF PRORODEO

Century Products is thrilled to announce our new partnership with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), making Century the Official Stock Tank of ProRodeo and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

"We're honored to partner with PRCA......

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MORE ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS

PCDA Board Trustee Erica Fetters and PCDA Executive Director Lori Henderson present Poncan Theatre Board Chair Luke Garrison with incentive funds.

“....The funds allocated through PCDA ensure any money made by the Poncan Theatre on future movie showings has an instant return on investment. This will allow the Poncan to focus on future production and sustainment cost of our nearly 100-year-old Historic theatre,” says Luke Garrison, Poncan Theatre Board President. “The new (Icon Cinemas) theater will help keep entertainment dollars within our community, changing the perception that residents must leave Ponca City for quality entertainment."

Learn More Here

CAREER TECH IN THE NEWS

A new study shows the direct and indirect economic impact of Oklahoma CareerTech’s technology centers, Skills Centers and Adult Education and Family Literacy providers generated nearly $1 billion for the state in 2023. This impact reflects stronger businesses, higher-paying jobs and a more resilient workforce.

Check out the Video

Upcoming Events

Every Monday & Tuesday: Sunny Creek Farm Hub Store Open

City Central //10 to 6 pm

Thursday, Oct 24 // Business After Hours // Equity Bank

222 E. Grand Ave., 5-7 PM

Saturday, Oct 26 // PonCon: Out of the Dungeon // City Central

See Flyer Below for Schedule of Events

Ponca City's own microcon.

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 // 1 Million Cups // 8:30 am

Pioneer Technology Center

Support your local small businesses and hear their stories.

Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 // Kay County Healthy Living Coalition

11:00 am here at City Central

Redbud Room, Lower Level

Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 // Worklahoma @ Pioneer Tech Center

Calling all job seekers. Network, get your head shots and

bring your resume for that possible interview.

Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 // PCDA Board of Trustee Meeting

7:30 am at City Central in the Redbud Room.

Coffee's hot.

Nov. 28-29, 2024 // Thanksgiving // PCDA offices closed

City Central will be closed on Thursday, Nov 28th

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October 4, 2024

10/5/2024

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October 4, 2024 - Economic Update

PAWS ON THE PAVEMENT

The PCDA offices were jam-packed this week to applaud Paws on the Pavement. Ponca City Chamber of Commerce held PotP's official ribbon cutting. Paws on the Pavement is the 2023 PCDA Business Plan Pitch-off competition champion. After the ribbon was cut and the first chamber buck presented, owner Justin Mathews thanked everyone for attending, thanked his crew (pictured with him) and thanked his family, especially Mom! Many in the room were clients of this pet sitting, dog walking, pet taxi, anything to assist with your furbabies.........

Check out their services

Adorable hispanic boy playing with tools toy sitting on floor at kindergarten

CHILDCARE WOES

This week, Ponca City lost 80 childcare spots in our community. Much like anything else, possibly all 80 spots were not filled. Staff is sure that most of them were utilized by workforce living and working in Ponca City. If you don't use childcare, you may not know parents finding a safe, available and affordable childcare provider when needed is no longer guaranteed.

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CHILDCARE TRAINING

One way to assist with lack of childcare homes and centers, is to offer training. PCDA has partnered with Pioneer Technology Center to offer FREE CPR and First Aid training on Monday, October 14th (Ponca City Schools are out for Fall Break). Local resources to assist those wanting to become a licensed childcare will be available. If you are a babysitter or new grandma wanting to get certified or take a refresher course, these classes are for you. Scan the QR codes or click on this link to sign up. 10 spots remain for the CPR class and First Aid has many openings. Grab a friend and get some training.

WORK READY PONCA CITY

WORKlahoma Job Fair is set for Thursday, November 7^th and will be held in the Pioneer Technology Center’s conference center. Join us from 10am and 2pm to meet top employers in the Kay County area seeking to fill positions. This is a twice-yearly job fair hosted by Work Ready, Ponca City. Come dressed to impress and take advantage of professional headshots as Kayla Blaes Photography will be set up at no cost to you. At 11:30 there will be a “Remote Work Info Session” to learn more about local and remote work opportunities.

Next Steps

CHEERS TO A FESTIVE WEEKEND

Having festivals and celebrations that bring people together strengthen the community. This past week, we had a whole lot of strength training happening. Art Festival, Standing Bear Powwow and the Hispanic Heritage Festival gave everyone in Ponca City a chance to hang out with their favorite people. Thank you to the event coordinators, the volunteers, the vendors and especially to all those that attended. The Hispanic Heritage Festival featured Oklahoma Guitarist Extraordinaire Edgar Cruz (pictured on stage).

Upcoming Events

Every Monday & Tuesday: Sunny Creek Farm Hub Store Open

City Central //10 to 6 pm

October 5-6 // Octoberfest//Marland Mansion

Make your way to Octoberfest on the

fabulous Marland Mansion grounds. Games, food and

of course, beer!!

Sat, Oct 5 // Fly-In at Ponca CIty AIrport // 8 to 10am

Get your breakfast on with a couple hundred

other flying enthusiasts.

Sat, Oct 5 // Haunted Halls // PoHi

Hosted by the Wildcat Theatre Co. $10/person

For a scary good time!

Flyer Below for details

Thurs, Oct 10 // PCDA Board of Trustee Meeting // 7:30 am

In the Redbud Room, Lower Level of City Central

Sat, Oct 12 // Mutt Gala // Tickets still on sale

See flyer below to support this fundraiser for our

Northern OK Humane Society.

Monday, Oct 14 , all day// Childcare Training // City Central

Hosted by PCDA. See flyer below to sign up.

Thursday, October 17 // Goblins on Grand // 5:30 pm

Take your littles (and your bigs) out for a

fun night on Grand Ave - costumes are FABULOUS!

Saturday, Oct 26 // PonCon: Out of the Dungeon // City Central

See Flyer Below for Schedule of Events

Ponca City's own microcon.

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 // 1 Million Cups // 8:30 am

Pioneer Technology Center

Support your local small businesses and hear their stories.

Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 // Kay County Healthy Living Coalition

11:00 am here at City Central

Redbud Room, Lower Level

Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 // Worklahoma @ Pioneer Tech Center

Calling all job seekers. Network, get your head shots and

bring your resume for that possible interview.

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August 16, 2024

8/16/2024

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August 16, 2024 - Economic Update

Do You Host Interns? You Should

Ponca City High School had a record number of businesses (60+) hosting a record number of interns (140+) last school year. That is 140 students that now have on the job training at a local business. You gotta get in on this. Keep reading to find out more.... or just reach out to Jordan Gross at [email protected] to get started on hosting an intern at your business.

Business on the Balcony

It was a little hot this week for B on the B. OK, it was alot hot, but we had a great turnout. Special thanks to Nena Tacos for the breakfast tacos (yes, they serve breakfast) and Grand Cafe for the biscuits, gravy and egg casserole. People were introduced from CPM Bliss, Pioneer Tech, Farmer's Market , Workforce Office, Ponca City Real Estate Company. and QutesyQs, a new subscription box service shipping from Ponca City. Sunny Creek Farm Hub Store is extending their hours (you get first-hand news like this) when you attend B on the B. One more this year. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, September 10th, 7 to 9 am.

Closeup on businessman holding a card with COST OF LIVING rising arrow and chart business concept image with soft focus background

Tracking Cost of Living

Did you know that Ponca City is ranked in the top 10 for low cost of living in the U.S.? It's true. PCDA staff collect prices for goods in health & beauty, appliance repair, automotive, recreation and of course, food costs. If you want to see how we rank against another community, just click below and check out the Cost of Living calculator on the goponca.com website. Apples to apples or in this case, ribeye to ribeye.

Cost of Living Calculator

The Growth Factor

Ponca City is know for the companies we keep. Over the years, industries and businesses have started, grown and thrived right here. One of those industries is food and agriculture. Think Lopez Dorada Foods, Log10, Cookshack, CPM Bliss and of course, Century Products. All of these companies reflect the Ponca City success story: start small and grow, grow, grow. Sometimes...

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LOCAL EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

Though the kids are heading back to school next week, you might want to plan your Septemer Ponca City activities. Between the Cherokee Strip fundraisers, The PC Arts Festival at Cann Gardens, the All Tribe Fancy Dance Compeition or The Hispanic Heritage Festival, there is culture and activities for every family. And most are free! Make sure to check out the Visit Ponca City Calendar to

Learn More

Upcoming Events

Back by popular demand, here is the list of upcoming events

Every Monday & Tuesday: Sunny Creek Farm Hub Store Open

City Central //10 to 6 pm

Saturday, August 17 // Stuff the Bus // 9 am to 1 pm

Donate school supplies and stuff the bus at Walmart.

Friday, August 23 // Party at the Palace // 6:30 to 10 pm

Tickets still available from the Chamber office.

Saturday, August 31 // Under My Wing Academy Fun Run

See the flyer below for the details. Fundraiser for outside equipment

at Marland's Place. 2nd Shift & overnight spots available.

Tuesday, Sept 10 // Business on the Balcony // 7 to 9 am

Join some of your favorite business people for a little

breakfast and a whole lot of networking.

City Central // 400 E. Central Ave

Thursday, Sept 12 // PCDA Board of Trustee Meeting // 7:30 am

Redbud Room, Lower Level.

Wednesday, Sept 4 // 1 Million Cups // 8:30 am

Pioneer Technology Center

Support your local small businesses and hear their stories.

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August 2, 2024

8/2/2024

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August 2, 2024 - Economic Update

More Houses Equal More People

The Journal Record reported this week that OKC is listed in the top 10 among large U.S. cities with the fastest growing housing market. Coincidentally, OKC's population has increased 15% over the last 10 years. New housing brings people to the community. And employers do love new workforce!

Welcome New Teachers

For many, these are the dog days of summer. Kids are soaking up their last days of freedom, families take that last quick summer vacation and teachers are getting ready to head back into the classrooms. Each year, the PC Chamber hosts a New Teacher Luncheon as a meet and greet for the new to Ponca City teachers. If you would like to host a teacher or a table, make sure to contact the Chamber.

Host a Teacher

MLB Smart industry robot arms for digital factory production technology showing automation manufacturing process of the Industry 4.0 or 4th industrial revolution and IOT software to control operation.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

What is the economic impact to Ponca City of a new contract for an existing company? There are modifiers and impact models, but the fast answer is: it depends. Does the company have to buy new equipment? Add a second shift? Invest in raw materials? There are so many factors; for the company and measuring impact for the community. Here's how PCDA starts.......

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Adam Meeks from Link #7 grabbing a group selfie with Chamber Staff.

PC Chamber @City Central

PCDA and the Chamber always work well together. So well, The Chamber staff are moving into City Central: Temporarily. The Chamber office is getting a facelift, so Shelley, Tiffany, Kelly and Zac will be in Suite #302 on the third floor of City Central all next week. The Business Council will meet on Tuesday, August 6th in 3C, also on the third floor. Make sure to visit them and get your Party at the Palace tickets.

Party at the Palace

LOCAL EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

Stay up to date on all the events happening in Ponca City. See flyers below for upcoming networking and seminars. Click the button below to see the current calendar of upcoming Ponca City Chamber of Commerce events. DXDT Friday, Crazy Days Sales and local young entrepreneurs Lemonade Stand Project sponsored by Trailblazers Rotary.

Learn More

Connect with us!

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July 19, 2024

7/19/2024

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July 19, 2024 - Economic Update

PCDA COMMITS $1 MILLION

With the addition of housing and retail to the PCDA Trust Indenture, PCDA Board of Trustees have voted to commit One Million Dollars over the next three years to building a variety of housing here in Ponca City. Following the City of Ponca City’s lead…….

There Might Be A Grant for That....

There might be a grant out there to grow your great idea. Gamemasters Guild, a 2019 PCDA Business Plan Pitch-off participant, had an idea for a mobile gaming unit. Because they like to share their passion for tabletop and board games, this homegrown small business wanted to take their business on the road to smaller communities lacking a hobby store. Enter The Backing Small Businesses Grant.......

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CONGRATULATIONS!

The Grand Cigar & Lounge celebrated their five-year anniversary this month. This 2019 PCDA Business Plan Pitch-off competition businesses has survived and thrived here in Ponca City. Around the corner for Vortex Alley Brewing, The Grand has partnered with other businesses and created an outdoor patio area second to none here in Ponca City. Cheers to you and here’s to many more years in business.

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GEN Z WORKPLACE CONVERSATIONS

If you were able to attend the Workforce and Education Summit this week, you heard from the newest workforce (and soon to be the biggest workforce) Gen Z. These are the twenty-somethings, with college, with training, with jobs. Here are some highlights from the event......

LOCAL EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

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Connect with us!

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June 28, 2024

6/28/2024

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Friday | June 28, 2024

A Fond Farewell.....

GODSPEED, PONCA CITY…Today is my last day at PCDA. I am so incredibly grateful to all of Ponca City for these past two decades. It’s almost a cliche to say that you can’t thank everyone…but I’m at least going to try. Let’s start with you. You may not, and probably do not, fully recognize how important you are to this community. People make Ponca City, and like the pebble in the lake, the ripples we all make spread far and wide.

We live in our own little worlds; However, there are people with whom we come into contact daily. I have been very fortunate to rub elbows with leaders who were and are focused on making Ponca City one of the finest examples of success in rural America.

Rather than name them all due to space limitations, the following are their initials. Some of these are three initials but most are two. To save space, some represent more than one person with the same initials. Sadly, some are no longer with us but, happily, the vast majority still are. All represent the finest of Ponca City. They may be in business, city or county government, education, health care, non-profits, the PCDA staff or private citizens. The one thing they all have in common is that they all call Kay County home, and I have been blessed to have the opportunity to stand by them all at one or more points over the last 21 years. The lift can be heavy, but the load is lighter with more hands lifting.

My thanks to them all:

“jmsktlkjledsgnjlcvdmspjmdrlclmcrfbgmtbcbaumgcgsbbppplbhspdhchgpdcdhwbrhkwstttmbmkrkrscsbcklsvdmslpsawjnjschkrelchjkekmbdsjgdbdwdcntkcrmnfdwmslbjcscpbtrcclcmdjdcemehfpgigghrhbhcjpjrkalhlvmsmtmcmsrdnhncshpefepbpjpttsabwdppsjskllltstssjtbhmtrwkejdshjrbglcgbmbbltlnlmgmkmdkbltlwalbbjm”

You may have noticed that there is one set of initials, the first two and the last two, that do repeat: JM. When I walked into PCDA on September 8, 2003, my wife Janice was at my side. As I head into retirement today, I’ll be at her side. Words fail me. I tried to thank her in public recently for all she has meant not just to me but to Ponca City. No deal, however, is ever truly done until it’s in writing so here it is. No one could ask for a better life partner. Thank you, Sweetheart.

I leave PCDA under the guidance of a remarkable group of leaders, PCDA Trustees, city leadership and the most qualified economic development staff in the state of Oklahoma. I’m not just saying that; the data backs that up.

Please never forget that economic development means different things to different people. At its core, it is about guiding and growing an ever-changing local economy, influenced far more by having what people and companies want than by other factors. There are different ideas about the how, the why and the which way. It can be a messy, time-consuming business where you give a little and get a little. Welcome to life. But having a tool such as PCDA in the toolbox to get us where we collectively want to go can make all of the difference. Disagree, sure. Disengage, never.

The next generation has begun.

David Myers

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mondays// Sunny Creek Trading Post // City Central

Sunny Creek will have a Monday Store

every week, 10 am to 6 pm. Pick up your

favorite local merchandise at this Farm Hub.

Tuesdays // Summer Movies // Poncan Theatre

Every Tuesday, 10 am and 2 pm.

If you have the kids or grandkids,

take advantage of these free movies.

Friday, June 28 // Fish Fry Blood Drive // 9 to 6 pm

Carolyn Renfro Event Center

Honoring Sean Anderson

Thursday, July 4 // City Central Building Closed

Happy Fourth of July Celebrations!

Friday, July 5 // DXDT // Veteran's Plaza

6 to 9 pm

Food trucks and live music

Tuesday, July 9 // Business on the Balcony // 7 to 9 am

Local Producers edition.

Local food, local agriculture

Thursday, July 18 // Workforce & Education Summit

Pioneer Technology Center 8:30 to 3:30

Rental Property - Available Listings

Visit our website

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June 21, 2024

6/21/2024

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Friday | June 21, 2024

Future Workforce Engagement

Many conversations (some lamenting, some extolling) are had on the youth of today. Many of these conversations are about future workforce; some are about current workforce. And then there are the conversations about where IS the workforce?

Staff believes all these conversations are valid. At an economic development conference in OKC, Mark Perna was the keynote speaker and the topic was generational divide and workforce engagement. Perna gave the example of his own son's lack of engagement with school. Until, that same son became motivated by the possibility of a profession: An end goal. Perna tells a heck of a story and he also gives his listeners practical techniques to overcome the lack of engagement and battle the generational divide happening all over the world.

Whether you are a business owner, educator or parent, the upcoming Workforce & Education Summit is a must attend event. Topics will include career awareness, Gen Z motivation, skills gaps, apprenticeships and local solutions. Call the Chamber now to get signed up. PCDA thanks our partners on this event including Northern Oklahoma College, Pioneer Tech, Ponca City Public School and the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce. Save the date: Thursday, July 18th.

Young Leaders

Three High School Juniors from Kay County were selected for the Youth Leadership Oklahoma Program (YLOK) this June. YLOK annually recruits 50 high school student leaders from across Oklahoma who have completed their junior year in high school to participate in a leadership training program. There were over 300 applicants from across the state.

Those selected were Hannah Cross from Newkirk and Brylen Liberton and Annie Leaming (staff knew they were special from their Girl Power Days!) from Ponca City. These three spent a whirlwind week of touring and learning about Oklahoma. These YLOK alumni are young leaders who feel hope, pride, and responsibility for Oklahoma's future. Join staff in congratulating these three for this honor.

Congratulations!

Ponca City has some great businesses, projects and people who are finalists in the Oklahoma Main Street Awards for 2024. A big shout out to all, but especially to 2020 PCDA Business Plan PItch-off Champion Aesthetic State of Mind, our favorite grant writer Rhonda Skrapke, the very popular event Goblins on Grand (those kids are adorable!) and our very own staff person Lori Henderson.

Congratulations to all our Ponca City people, businesses and programs, and to our Ponca City Main Street Program for writing some fantastic nominations.

Work Ready Ponca City

Work Ready Oklahoma (WRO), the Ponca City office, held their first community job fair at Pioneer Technology Center. WRO is powered by Pioneer Technology Center and is a program designed to assist individuals gain independence and provide financially through quality employment.

At the event yesterday, professional headshots were offered, local resources were highlighted, and several local employers were taking applications and doing interviews at the event. If you would like more information on the WRO program, please call 580.718.4237 or visit the WRO Ponca City office here at City Central, Suite #307.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mondays// Sunny Creek Trading Post // City Central

Sunny Creek will have a Monday Store

every week, 10 am to 6 pm. Pick up your

favorite local merchandise at this Farm Hub.

Tuesdays // Summer Movies // Poncan Theatre

Every Tuesday, 10 am and 2 pm.

If you have the kids or grandkids,

take advantage of these free movies.

Friday, June 21 // Fish Fry for the Small Fry // 6 pm

Standing Bear Park - supports Dearing House

Tasting kits are $10.

Friday, June 28 // Fish Fry Blood Drive // 9 to 6 pm

Carolyn Renfro Event Center

Honoring Sean Anderson

Thursday, July 4 // City Central Building Closed

Happy Fourth of July Celebrations!

Tuesday, July 9 // Business on the Balcony // 7 to 9 am

Local Producers edition.

Local food, local agriculture

Rental Property - Available Listings

Visit our website

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June 7, 2024

6/7/2024

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Friday | June 7, 2024

Small Businesses Drive The Economy

Big corporations get a lot of press when it comes to creating jobs, but small businesses employ more people and have an easier time pivoting when times get tough. And, if you think about it, all big businesses started small. No one ever opened their doors with thousands of employees. Staff may be repeating ourself, but it bears repeating: 99.9% of all U.S. businesses are made of businesses employing 500 employees or less (SBA's definition of small business).

Now, don't take that the wrong way. We love having Phillips 66 and Lopez Dorada Foods. If you know their origin stories, both of these over 500 employee companies began with a much smaller footprint. And our Ponca City economy applauds their growth. And the growth pattern of all small business in Ponca City.

The Ponca City Chamber does an excellent job celebrating our small businesses in the community. This week, Farm House Kids Co. was awarded June Business of the Month by the Chamber Business Council. Find out more on theirFacebook page or website. Farm House Kids Co ships items all over the United States and has a baby/mama registry online and in-store. Supporting these local companies keeps the Ponca City economy moving on down the road. Beep, beep.

1 Million Cups

Sunny Creek Trading Post was the featured business at 1MC this week at Pioneer Tech. And what a way to close the year than with a homegrown (pun intended) small business, with their eye on food security and local product alignment.

Click here to see the full presentation by Sunny Creek owner Liz Threlkeld. Sunny Creek is a current Pioneer Technology Center Incubator Client, and their Farm Hub store has a storefront at City Central every Monday, 10 am to 6 pm. Sunny Creek participated and received the second high score in the PCDA Business Plan Pitch off competition. For more information on Sunny Creek Trading Post and the Farm Hub Store,find them on Facebook or call Liz at 580.304.3623 or just stop by the store at City Central next Monday.

The Power of Industry Visits

Girl Power Camp is on its ninth year of encouraging Ponca City seventh and eighth-grade girls to explore non traditional careers (for women) at local manufacturing companies. The power of an onsite visit to see the machines, ask questions of the employees and to have the owner of a business like Century Products giving the tour: wow! Jay Fagen, Century Products CEO, showed off equipment by saying "when you work here" and "when you are working with this type of equipment". That is the power of industry right there.

A special thanks to CME, Phillips 66, Century Products, Log10, Cookshack, MakeKings, K&C Manufacturing and WT Architects for taking time to tour your next workforce through all the facilities.

A Good Fix Community

This past week, along with all the other first weekend in June festivities and festivals, The Good Fix crew was back for a fourth time in Ponca City. The numbers for their four days of work are amazing! A big thank you to the Northern Oklahoma Humane Society for being the point person on bringing The Good Fix group to Ponca City.

Big shout out to Ponca City Schools for the use of the High School and to everyone who sponsored, donated or volunteered. PCDA cut loose our two favorite guys to help out one day and we got pictures to prove it. Thanks to everyone for these amazing numbers. Find out all the info on the NOKHS Facebook page.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mondays// Sunny Creek Trading Post // City Central

Sunny Creek will have a Monday Store

every week, 10 am to 6 pm. Pick up your

favorite local merchandise at this Farm Hub.

Thurs-Sat June 7-9 // 101 Wild West Rodeo

Check out the website for tickets and info

101 Wild West Rodeo

Sat, June 8 // 101 Wild West Rodeo Parade // Downtown

Parade begins at 10 am and the library

will have after the Parade events happening.

Tuesday, June 11 // Business on the Balcony // City Central

Grab some breakfast and chat with local

business people t this once a month event

7 to 9 am. On the Balcony

Thursday, June 13 // PCDA Board of Trustee Meeting

Redbud Room, Lower Level

7:30 am

Thursday, June 13 // Celebrating David Myers // 4 to 6 pm

Retirement Reception for David Myers

John McNeese Gallery, City Central

Friday,

Rental Property - Available Listings

Visit our website

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November 15, 2024 - Economic Update

HOUSING IN PONCA CITY

MORE HOUSING INFORMATION

SMALL BUSINESS TIP

AMENITIES FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Upcoming Events

November 1, 2024 - Economic Update

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PCDA WELCOMES POHI INTERN

LADIES NIGHT TONIGHT

PONCA CITY RANKS IN TOP 10

JOB GROWTH BY INDUSTRY

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October 18, 2024 - Economic Update

THIS WEEK IN PICTURES

TRADE SHOWS = NEW OPPORTUNITIE$

CENTURY PRODUCTS ANNOUNCES

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CAREER TECH IN THE NEWS

Upcoming Events

October 4, 2024 - Economic Update

CHILDCARE WOES

CHILDCARE TRAINING

WORK READY PONCA CITY

CHEERS TO A FESTIVE WEEKEND

Upcoming Events

August 16, 2024 - Economic Update

Business on the Balcony

Tracking Cost of Living

The Growth Factor

LOCAL EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

Upcoming Events

August 2, 2024 - Economic Update

More Houses Equal More People

Welcome New Teachers

ECONOMIC IMPACT

PC Chamber @City Central

LOCAL EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

July 19, 2024 - Economic Update

PCDA COMMITS $1 MILLION

There Might Be A Grant for That....

CONGRATULATIONS!

GEN Z WORKPLACE CONVERSATIONS

LOCAL EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

Friday | June 28, 2024

A Fond Farewell.....

Friday | June 21, 2024

Future Workforce Engagement

Young Leaders

Congratulations!

Work Ready Ponca City

Friday | June 7, 2024

Small Businesses Drive The Economy

1 Million Cups

The Power of Industry Visits

A Good Fix Community

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