WILL THIS AGE WELL????.....inflation, higher interest rates and bank jitters were in the news again this week. In the United Kingdom (if you are from Texas let us confirm that the U.K. is not Ponca City) the inflation report for February came in on Wednesday and it was 10.4%. The same day the Fed increased interest rates by a quarter of a point. Earlier in the week, the federal government had to assure people that they will support all banks, not just the big ones. What does this mean for Ponca City? First off, you’ll hear the usual suspects talk about recession or worse. This is what they do. The question is are they right this time? At some point, they will be…it’s the timing that matters. The fact is that the emergence from the pandemic is playing economically like the end of a major war. Layered on top of that is the huge stimulus funding and a workforce situation that has it’s foundation in long term demographic shifts and we find ourselves in a situation that is unlike previous economies. The bottom line is that no one really knows.

Now even the most extreme modern monetary theorist believes that we can print and tax our way to prosperity so there will almost certainly be a correction at some point. What it will look like is another story. All the banks in Ponca City fall into the “all” banks category and they continue to be strong, healthy and a safe place for your money. From an inflation perspective, the 10.4% rate of inflation was across the pond, not here. The last inflation reading for the U.S. was 6.04% and Canada reported a rate of 5.2% this week. It is also worth noting that the reason why prices continue to go up is because people continue to pay the inflating prices. There hasn’t been much “demand destruction” yet. As to the Fed and the overall economy, raising interest rates is something the fed does to tame inflation, sure, but inflation is a by-product of an over-heated economy. What drives an overheated economy? Jobs and rising wages. These are both good things but history teaches us that what goes up must come down so a more even keel is desirable. Can this balance out without a lot of pain?

PCDA has been saying for some time that if you want to know if we’re in, or headed towards, a recession, keep your eyes on the job market. An awful lot of awful can be overcome if people are working. As of today, there are literally thousands of open jobs in the Ponca City area so we’re looking okay for now. Local industries still report strong orders and planned investment. Sectors more sensitive to rising interest rates are not as robust as they were six months ago, but there are counterweights propping them up. Products for home construction, for example, have come off their highs as higher rates push down new homes sales. Nevertheless, there is a shortage of housing inventory in the nation (and Ponca City) so that pushes back and props up demand to a point. On it goes. For now, we are not in a recession and a so-called soft landing is still possible. The only thing certain is change and uncertainty. The economic context in which we find ourselves is unprecedented and unpredictable. There are still buyers. There are still sellers. Steady as she goes, Ponca City. 

DUKE HAS WALLS....In spite of the weather being very uncooperative in March, progress on the Duke building continues. High winds have complicated the installation of the roof panels and the remaining wall panels. With any luck, the vertical wall panel installation will be completed by March 25. The low roof office area will receive horizontal paneling, which will give the building a very distinct and attractive appearance. 

NEW DATE....If you showed up at the High School yesterday ready to recruit interns, many apologies. The Internship/Career Fair has been rescheduled for May 2nd, 10:45 to 12:30 pm at the High School. Internships are a great way to identify, coach and relate to the next generation of workers. Sign up for the Internship Career Fair here or contact Jordan Jackson-Gross at 580.718.4878 to get an intern assigned to your location for the 2023-24 school year.

GREAT DAY OF SERVICE..... is scheduled on the first Sunday of City Wide clean up here in Ponca City. This is a 10th Anniversary event where volunteers in Ponca City work to clean up yards and properties for free in underserved areas of town. Last year (2022) we improved 146 households with a team of 625 volunteers! The City of Ponca City received 66.4 TONS of material from the curbside just from our work. Phillips 66 and other local businesses are providing support and informing employee resource groups of this opportunity. Interested employees can sign up at a participating church.  Release form is here and to find a local church to sign up contact Ryan Hampl, Great Day of Service coordinator for P66 and Life Center in Ponca City. ryan.hampl@gmail.com. Cell 785.787.3604.

SPRING WORKSHOPS..... are happening for business owners and employees seeking to increase and hone skill sets. Pioneer Technology Center is hosting a Chamber Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, April 11th on Public Speaking (see below for flyer) and a "How To" on Facebook Business Suite on Wed, April 19th.

Need to get a little networking accomplished? Business on the Balcony here at City Central begins its 2023 season on Tuesday, April 11th at 7:00 am. Staff understands if that is a bit too early to be on your best networking game, so just plan to swing by before 8:30 am to meet with some local business people and owners and pick up a quick bite of breakfast. The schedule for all the B on the B's is listed below as well as all the flyers for upcoming programs.

Friday, March 24 // Ponca Politics // City Hall

Legislative Forum at 12 p.m.

with Sen. Coleman, Rep. Luttrell, and Rep. Pfeiffer

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

7:00 to 8:30 am on the Balcony 2nd Floor

Come and go; networking & breakfast

Tuesday, April 11 // Public Speaking Lunch & Learn // PTech

11:30. Call Tiffany at the Chamber 765.4400

to sign up. $10 - Flyer below

Friday, April 14th // Ponca City Senior Center Open House

Check out all the new at the Senior Center

319 W. Grand from 4 to 6 pm.

Sun, April 23 // Great Day of Service // Ponca City Clean-up Week

Ryan Hampl, Great Day of Service Coordinator 

ryan.hampl@gmail.com. Cell 785 787 3604.

Rental Property - Available Listings

SIGN UP FOR SBDC PROGRAMS HERE

SHARING IS CARING …this week at PCDA. Staff are the recipients of many types of email newsletters. From Manufacturing Daily to Pioneer News (OK Commerce) to the Small Business Administration (SBA), we receive so much information. Staff would like to share.

If you would like more information on what is happening in the Manufacturing world, check out "Today in Manufacturing" and get on their newsletter list. Everything from robotics in the workplace to making a faster, better widget. Another one of interest, which gives a good overview of all things Oklahoma and economy, is the "New Pioneer" monthly newsletter from Oklahoma Commerce Department. Point in its favor: it is MONTHLY! Two favorites from staff in the small business growth and mentoring arena, would be the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (OSBDC) and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE).

Of course all staff have different interests, especially with work-type newsletters and information gathering. For example, Ponca Works Director Liz Leaming likes the information found in Cat Johnson's newsletter and blogs about co-working and marketing strategies. All this to say, give us a call at PCDA. We may have the information you are seeking or know where to find it.

FINDING FUNDS....for projects last week were over 10 local companies at Pioneer Tech Center. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce Representative Jeremy Stoner gave a presentation on applying for Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program funding. This funding program will be open for companies to apply for a very short window, April 3-14 on the OK Commerce website. Jeremy gave information on types of programs, how much funding is available and how the incentive program works from a company's standpoint. Find out more here.

PCDA will continue to remind local industry and manufacturers to get your information and projects ready to apply. The two week application timeframe is set in stone, so don't procrastinate. Projects that have company investment, jobs and an impact to the community will have the best chance at this $15 million in state funding. Projects are eligible up to $150,000 matching funding. If your project is bigger than that, go ahead and apply as it could qualify for another program. More on that program soon.

FIND YOUR NEXT .....future employee at the Internship Career Fair next week on Thursday, March 23. Internships are a great way to train-up the next generation of workers on location. Sure, you need some patience and a way to onboard these high school Seniors one hour a day, five days a week. But bonus points to your company for educating this younger generation on jobs and careers available right here in Ponca City. Sign up for the Internship Career Fair here or contact Jordan Jackson-Gross at 580.718.4878 to get an intern assigned to your location for the 2023-24 school year.

GREAT DAY OF SERVICE..... is scheduled on the first Sunday of City Wide clean up here in Ponca City. This is a 10th Anniversary event where volunteers in Ponca City work to clean up yards and properties for free in underserved areas of town. Last year (2022) we improved 146 households with a team of 625 volunteers! The City of Ponca City received 66.4 TONS of material from the curbside just from our work. Phillips 66 and other local businesses are providing support and informing employee resource groups of this opportunity. Interested employees can sign up at a participating church.  Release form is here and to find a local church to sign up contact Ryan Hampl, Great Day of Service coordinator for P66 and Life Center in Ponca City. ryan.hampl@gmail.com. Cell 785.787.3604.

DEADLINE APPROACHES.....for the Spring 2023 Business Plan Pitch Off. Writing the business plan is the first step. And that is the big one. The business plan makes you really think about all the aspects of your business: financial, marketing, customers, employees and exit strategies. Business plans must be submitted on March 22 by 5 pm. Pitches will be heard on Monday, April 3rd at 9 am.

All the information on the PItch-off can be found here. Call Katherine at 580.761.3028 or email if you have more questions. Business must be located in or plan to relocate to Ponca City to receive incentives.

Wed, March 22 // Branding your Business // Pioneer Tech

Reserve your seat here for this program - $15

or call Brook at 580-718-4316

Wed, March 22 // Business Plans due // klong@goponca.com

Make sure to get your business plan submitted

to participate in the spring 2023

Business Plan competition.

Thursday, March 23 // Internship & Career Fair // PoHi

10:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Sign your business up here to recruit interns.

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

7:00 to 8:30 am on the Balcony 2nd Floor

Come and go; networking & breakfast

Sun, April 23 // Great Day of Service // Ponca City Clean-up Week

To participate or more information contact:

Ryan Hampl, Great Day of Service Coordinator 

ryan.hampl@gmail.com. Cell 785 787 3604.

Rental Property - Available Listings

SIGN UP FOR SBDC PROGRAMS HERE

WE ARE SO POPULAR …this week. PCDA Board of Trustees met this week and were flooded with information on items that serve the Ponca City economy. From the City of Ponca City, PCDA's match of the Community Development Block Grant program providing first time Ponca City homebuyer assistance was approved. Detention basin options in the Airport Industrial Park (AIP) were discussed after staff began conversations on this subject with the City and other engineers. Staff reported on the Design 2 Part show, the Wildcat Internship program and construction projects to bring all the Trustees up to date.

Staff has been in contact with 44 new industries, 127 existing industries, 66 regional partners, 33 small businesses and had over 100 meetings with City Central existing or possible tenants in the month of February. Awards were mentioned (keep reading) and congratulations were given. If you are interested in attending a PCDA Board of Trustee meeting, mark your calendar now for Thursday, April 13th and set that alarm clock early. Meeting time is 7:30 am at City Central.

THE TRADE SHOW BRIGADE....was in Dallas last week for the Design 2 Part show and barely got out of there before the tornadoes hit. Their timing is pretty good as several of the companies attending the show, Moonlight Machine, Centerline, K&C Manufacturing and Century Products, have already had several Requests for Quotes (RFQ) and some (staff won't mention any names) may have already engineered a prototype for a contract or two.

PCDA does love it when local manufacturers collaborate, cooperate and compete for contract manufacturing jobs in the region. Knowing each others capabilities (notice all those C's) keeps Ponca City at the top of the industry list for contract manufacturing.

AND THE AWARD GOES TO......Pioneer Technology Center's choice for their Partner in Progress was K&C Manufacturing. This award was presented at the annual Partners in Progress celebration in February. K&C owner and President Kirk Brown is also a PCDA Board of Trustee member. Brown moved his business founded in 1999 from Newkirk to Ponca CIty in 2014. K&C is a legacy company, working closely with Pioneer Technology Center with workforce training. Read all about the award, K&C and how this company continues to be a great industry partner with Pioneer Tech here.

NEW CITY COMMISSIONERS..... were sworn in last week, and we know them. Garrett Bowers, owner and President of Bowers Trucking has been a Trustee for the PCDA Board for five years and has recently taken on a new role of City Commissioner. Lucky for PCDA staff, Bowers will continue to be a Trustee as the City Commission representative Trustee.

Kelsey Wagner, Owner and President of My Media Matters and Ponca City Monthly also has strong ties with PCDA having began her media business in the Link Co-work space in 2019. They grow up so fast! Join us in congratulating Ponca City newest City Commissioners. They join City Commissioner Paul Taylor, Rob Bodick and Mayor Nicholson.

CONGRATULATIONS......to all the Ponca Main Street winners who were announced at the Main Street Mardi Gras Celebration last week which took place right here at City Central. And a special congratulations to the Main Street Hero, PCDA's own Lori Henderson. Many of the projects and business and our Hero receiving awards locally are in the running for the Oklahoma Main Street State Awards. Congrats and good luck with the next round of award ceremonies!

TALKING ABOUT .... internships yesterday at the PCDA Board of Trustee Meeting was Jordan Jackson-Gross from Ponca High School and Liz Leaming, Ponca Works Director. Jordan is the boots on the ground at PoHi; coordinating internships and pairing students with businesses as well as follow-up and soft skills training. This program increases community partnership and engagement and brings awareness to soon-to-be grads that Ponca City has jobs and career paths for all of them. If your company is interested in hosting an intern (or two) next year, please contact Jordan at 580.718.4878 and get on her list for the 2023-24 school year.

Make plans to attend the Internship Career Fair on Thursday, March 23 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at Ponca City High School. Sign your company up for this event here. Go Cats!

DEADLINE APPROACHES.....for the Spring 2023 Business Plan Pitch Off. Writing the business plan is the first step. And that is the big one. The business plan makes you really think about all the aspects of your business: financial, marketing, customers, employees and exit strategies. Business plans must be submitted on March 22 by 5 pm. Pitches will be heard on Monday, April 3rd at 9 am.

All the information on the PItch-off can be found here. Call Katherine at 580.761.3028 or email if you have more questions. Business must be located in or plan to relocate to Ponca City to receive incentives.

Fri, March 10 // OIEP Funding Meeting // Pioneer Tech

11:30 in Room B-131. Please RSVP to David Myers

at 580-765-7070 or by email to reserve your seat.

Wed, March 22 // Branding your Business // Pioneer Tech

Reserve your seat here for this program - $15

or call Brook at 580-718-4316

Wed, March 22 // Business Plans due // klong@goponca.com

Make sure to get your business plan submitted

if you are wanting to participate in the spring 2023

Pitch-off competition.

Thursday, March 23 // Internship & Career Fair // PoHi

10:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Sign your business up here to recruit interns.

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

7:00 to 8:30 am on the Balcony 2nd Floor

Come and go; networking & breakfast

Sun, April 23 // Great Day of Service // Ponca City Clean-up Week

To participate or more information contact:

Ryan Hampl, Great Day of Service Coordinator 

ryan.hampl@gmail.com. Cell 785 787 3604.

Rental Property - Available Listings

SIGN UP FOR SBDC PROGRAMS HERE

HAPPY TRAILS…if you are at all familiar with our dear friend Rich Cantillon of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, you know two things. The first thing is that he is retiring today and the second is that the Chamber only does one fund raiser every two years (and they are the only one that does this!). We’ll leave the latter for others and turn our attention to the former. Rich is retiring today from chamber life to be a professional traveler, leading tours of folks going to interesting places (including back to Ponca City). To say that PCDA wishes Rich well would be a significant understatement, but we will nevertheless use that term and hope that you understand we mean so much more. 

Rich has been a superb cheerleader for Ponca City, for the local economy, and for PCDA for which we are very grateful. Through recessions, good times, challenges and opportunities, Rich has been a great partner during live fire SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) drills played out in real time where it mattered most. Many people have used many words to describe Rich over the years. That is largely because if he is in a room…you know it. He wears his passions on his sleeve and we are thankful that Ponca City has been a major passion of his for these past 19 years. Rich has been the energizer bunny, fueled by a deep well of optimism, strong faith and, yes, a little Sooner Magic. He will be dearly missed. His short term and long-term successors are clearly up to the challenge of replacing him and we expect great things going forward. To borrow a Rich-ism, PCDA “is excited” to start working with them. Let’s face it, however, there is only one Rich, and to him PCDA says “thank you, job well done and happy tails.”

NEXT WEEK.....is a large contract manufacturing show for the central United States region in Texas. Ponca City's own manufacturers will be attending the Design 2 Part Trade Show (otherwise known as the Trade Show Brigade) and are getting their marketing materials ready. One company who has just recently joined the Ponca City manufacturing landscape is Century Products.

Century manufactures agriculture products including cattle feeders and hay bale holders.  Since moving to Ponca City in 2021, Century has added new equipment and entered the rotational molding arena, adding more capacity to this fast growing food and ag business. Working with other manufacturers in the area, Century's capabilities with metal and rotational molding are adding value to products without costly shipping and time consuming delays. Welcome to the Trade Show Brigade Century Products.

POSSIBLE FUNDING.......The State of Oklahoma will fund another round of grants this year through the “Oklahoma Innovation and Expansion Program,” (OIEP). The application period for the program, which has budgeted $15 million that will go to qualifying companies throughout the state, opens on April 3^rd and closes on April 14^th.

In order to help prepare Ponca City companies that might be interested in the program, PCDA, Pioneer Technology Center and the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority (ODFA) will sponsor an informational lunch on Friday, March 10 at 11:30 a.m., Room B-131 at Pioneer Technology Center.

Jeremy Stoner from the ODFA will be on hand to make a brief presentation about the opportunity and to answer questions. The goal is to help any business that is interested to decide if they should apply for the program and, if so, to help them prepare for the short application process.

During the 2022 application period, Commerce received 163 submissions for project funding. Of those applications, 125 projects received awards ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 with the total awards funding reaching $9.241 million. The funding will facilitate $58.065 million in projects. These companies plan to create 767 jobs with a total payroll of $35.4 million. 

This lunch meeting is free and you may certainly bring an associate or someone in your place, but an RSVP is required. Please email or call David Myers at dmyers@goponca.com or 580.765.7070 and let us know if you can attend.

For more information on the Oklahoma Innovation and Expansion Program, visit OKCommerce.gov/OIEP.

BLUE SKIES..... continues to frame our favorite project in the Airport Industrial Park. Though the weather was a little schizophrenic this week, the cold weather brought clear blue skies and "skin" being added to the "bones" at Duke. Insulation is next. If you want a walkthrough of Duke, check out this handy little marketing video put together by a local marketing company. Duke Virtual Tour

Tuesday, February 28 - Pioneer Technology Center

YOU STILL HAVE TIME.... to build your work team by acknowledging diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. This unconscious bias training will give your management team an added layer of success when training employees and volunteers. These strategies will make recruits to your organization feel supported and sustained in their efforts.

You still have time to sign up for this workshop with presenter Linda Jenkins. Register now at Pioneer Tech by clicking this link.

WORK YOUR PITCH.....at the Spring 2023 Business Plan Pitch Off. Is your business ready to grow here in Ponca City? Maybe you need more manufacturing space or your business is ready to be the next big thing. PCDA want's you in Ponca City. First: write and refine your business plan. Second: send business plan to klong@goponca.com on or before March 22 at 5 pm. Third: Call Kat and start working your pitch for judges on April 3rd. Fourth: Win $5000 for your business.

All the information on the PItch-off can be found here. Call Katherine at 580.761.3028 or email if you have more quesitons. Business must be located in or plan to relocate to Ponca City to receive incentives.

FOX ALERT!..... coming to a street or location near you: fox statues. You may have seen them around town or even at their holding location at City Central when you and the family were checking out the Seed Reef. These larger than life statues are sponsored by individuals and businesses all over Ponca City to delight locals and visitors both. PC Arts is the driving organization behind this foxy project and City Central is glad to be these foxes holding location before their final installations.

E.W. Marland brought the sports of polo and fox hunting to Ponca City (don't get upset; it was the thing to do in the 1920s) and the descendants of the "fox that got away" can be seen all over our lovely community. Stay tuned for an updated "fox hunt" and keep on the lookout as new foxes are added to the PC scenery each week.

Friday, Feb 24 // Rich Cantillon Reception // Country Club

Drop in 2 to 5 pm at the Country Club

to wish Rich a happy retirement.

Tues, Feb 28 // Diversity, Equity & Inclusion // Pioneer Tech

5 Strategies for Disrupting Your Unconscious Bias

Register: Pioneertech.edu/bis-events

10 am to Noon - See flyer below

Thurs, March 9 // PCDA Board of Trustee Meeting // City Central

Meeting begins at 7:30 am in the John McNeese Gallery.

Coffee is always on site. It is very early.

Fri, March 10 // OIEP Funding Meeting // Pioneer Tech

11:30 in Room B-131. Please RSVP to David Myers

at 580-765-7070 orby email to reserve your seat.

Wed, March 22 // Business Plans due // klong@goponca.com

Make sure to get your business plan submitted

if you are wanting to participate in the spring 2023

Pitch-off competition.

Sun, April 23 // Great Day of Service // Ponca City Clean-up Week

To participate or more information contact:

Ryan Hampl, Great Day of Service Coordinator  

ryan.hampl@gmail.com. Cell 785 787 3604.

Rental Property - Available Listings

SIGN UP FOR SBDC PROGRAMS HERE

BY THE NUMBERS…the unemployment rate in the Ponca City Labor Market was 2.8% at the beginning of this year. That’s the latest official report since it takes time for the guvment to gather and report data. The unemployment rate for Kay County is 3.2%. Whichever you choose, this is effectively well below full employment. You know this. What you may not know is that the vacancy rate in Ponca City’s rental housing market is even lower. Homes for sale are also low. Available industrial buildings are also virtually zero. There is that big one by the airport, of course. If you are thinking that a company could be recruited that would bring hundreds of jobs to that location, however, you must ask yourself whether a company thinks it can 1) find a local workforce or; 2) will transfer their existing workforce. 

For the first one, with virtually no unemployed available, the only place a company can find workers is to steal them from existing Ponca City companies. For point number two it’s important to understand that a company transferring a large swath of their workforce is rare. We do have one example in Ponca City of a company that does this but that is the exception, not the rule. But let’s pretend for funsies that we did find that rare unicorn company that does transfer their own workforce. Where would they live? This is economic development in 2023 post-pandemic America. It has shifted from a simple goal of “we need jobs” to one of diversifying a local economy, growing your own workforce, figuring out how to tackle housing, workforce attraction, child care and so much more. 

Read on and you’ll see some of the ways that PCDA has been working in recent years (the above is not new) to stabilize, sustain and grow the local economy. It’s not headline grabbing, but the goal is a strong economy, not headlines.  

CONTRACT MANUFACTURING....is a large part of the manufacturing industry located here in Ponca City. With the Design 2 Part Trade Show (otherwise known as the Trade Show Brigade) fast approaching, staff thought sharing an overview of Ponca City contract manufacturers participating would be a good idea. Let's start with Centerline.

Centerline is a family owned and operated company. The Engster family began Centerline in the Pioneer Technology Business Incubator, then built their current facility on Ash after graduating from the Incubator program. Centerline's participation in many PCDA award winning programs is championed by President Stephen Engster and Operations Manager, Jeff Williams. These programs include Lighten the Load, which won a Bellman Award, and most recently, the Trade Show Brigade and the Shared Equipment Program. Centerline specializes in spindle manufacturing and repair in diverse industries ranging from dental lab to automotive and aircraft industries. In addition, they are growing their machining services with a focus on lathe work.

WORK SMARTER.....not harder. That is the motto for our local manufacturers and PCDA supports this with the Plan and Shared Equipment Room at Pioneer Technology Business and Industry Services Center. The Plan room is where local contractors and subs can check out building plans for the State of Oklahoma: new build and renovation construction projects. Contractors/suppliers can also make copies of the plans as needed for a small fee with the large scale printer.

The Shared Equipment Program can be seen below with The Keyence Measuring tool. This shared piece of equipment allows at least five of our local manufacturers to measure new and existing products to perform quality assurance on a micrometer scale. The time saved from not having to ship these products outside Ponca City and wait for the results has saved companies both costs and downtime. PCDA is proud to partner with Pioneer Tech on these projects to support local manufacturing and contractors.

DUKE..... is the fourth speculation building constructed by PCDA in the Airport Industrial Park. While construction of Duke has experienced a few weather related delays, the project is moving along nicely. All of the red iron component should be installed by Friday, 16 February. Staff expects to see insulation and wall sheeting going up sometime during the week of February 19.

THE HISPANIC ASSOCIATION.... of North Central Oklahoma is forming in Ponca City. This group of Latinos and Hispanics came together to put on the Hispanic Festival in September of 2022 and they need your support to keep the momentum going. Whether you are a business or individual seeking to participate or lend your support, you want to be at the kick-off meeting Monday, February 20th at 7 pm in the Summit Conference Room right here at City Central! Some of the future activities include a Father's Day celebration, the next Hispanic Festival, Christmas Parade and Mercado! Tell your friends, neighbors and family. This is your time to get involved.

Tuesday, February 28 - Pioneer Technology Center

BUILD YOUR WORK TEAM.... by acknowledging diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. This unconscious bias training will give your management team an added layer of success when training employees and volunteers. These strategies will make recruits to your organization feel supported and sustained in their efforts.

You still have time to sign up for this workshop with presenter Linda Jenkins. Register now at Pioneer Tech by clicking this link.

WORK YOUR PITCH.....at the Spring 2023 Business Plan Pitch Off. Is your business ready to grow here in Ponca City? Maybe you need more manufacturing space or your business is ready to be the next big thing. PCDA want's you in Ponca City. First: write and refine your business plan. Second: send business plan to klong@goponca.com on or before March 22 at 5 pm. Third: Call Kat and start working your pitch for judges on April 3rd. Fourth: Win $5000 for your business.

All the information on the PItch-off can be found here. Call Katherine at 580.761.3028 or email if you have more quesitons. Business must be located in or plan to relocate to Ponca City to receive incentives.

FOX ALERT!..... coming to a street or location near you: fox statues. You may have seen them around town or even at their holding location at City Central when you and the family were checking out the Seed Reef. These larger than life statues are sponsored by individuals and businesses all over Ponca City to delight locals and visitors both. PC Arts is the driving organization behind this foxy project and City Central is glad to be these foxes holding location before their final installations.

E.W. Marland brought the sports of polo and fox hunting to Ponca City (don't get upset; it was the thing to do in the 1920s) and the descendants of the "fox that got away" can be seen all over our lovely community. Stay tuned for an updated "fox hunt" and keep on the lookout as new foxes are added to the PC scenery each week.

Monday, Feb 20 // Hispanic Association Meeting // City Central

Join your Hispanic and Latino community to plan

the next year of events. 7:00 pm in The Summit

Wed, Feb 22 // Canva 2.0 // Pioneer Tech Seminar Room

Join Terri Busch for this next level course on Canva.

9-10 am. Click here to register.

Tues, Feb 28 // Diversity, Equity & Inclusion // Pioneer Tech

5 Strategies for Disrupting Your Unconscious Bias

Register: Pioneertech.edu/bis-events

10 am to Noon - See flyer below

Rental Property - Available Listings

SIGN UP FOR SBDC PROGRAMS HERE

SEE YOU AGAIN SOON.....was the theme this week at PCDA. The phones were ringing with businesses seeking land, buildings and possibly looking at Duke as an answer to their prayers. Staff and Trustees met yesterday for the monthly PCDA Board Meeting and wished one of our own the best as this Trustee retires from the City Commission and the PCDA Board.

A Special Thank You to PCDA Trustee Lanita Chapman. For the last six years, Trustee Chapman has been a Ponca City Commissioner appointed as the City Commission liaison to Ponca City Development Authority (PCDA) Board of Trustees. During her six years as a City Commissioner, Trustee Chapman has championed the City's Broadband to Home project, assisted with 16 completed  economic agreements which represented $25 million in new investment and 972 jobs for the Ponca City community.

​

PCDA staff and fellow trustees wish her well in her next endeavors and applaud Trustee Chapman for all her hard work and support for Ponca City's economic vitality.  

FOR VALENTINES DAY....Laurence got a building frame. Actually, all the office considers Duke a labor of love. The Duke building in the Airport Industrial Park has its framework up. The iron has moved along at a good clip this week and staff is excited to see the building getting its bones in the air. Much like flowers and chocolate, the next phase is outer skin and parking lot concrete. We know a building is a little much for most people, so just a gentle reminder to remember your valentine next Tuesday.

THE HISPANIC ASSOCIATION.... of North Central Oklahoma is forming in Ponca City. This group of Latinos and Hispanics came together to put on the Hispanic Festival in September of 2022 and they need your support to keep the momentum going. Whether you are a business or individual seeking to participate or lend your support, you want to be at the kick-off meeting Monday, February 20th at 7 pm in the Summit Conference Room right here at City Central! Some of the future activities include a Father's Day celebration, the next Hispanic Festival, Christmas Parade and Mercado! Tell your friends, neighbors and family. This is your time to get involved.

BUILD YOUR WORK TEAM.... by acknowledging diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. This unconscious bias training will give your management team an added layer of success when training employees and volunteers. These strategies will make recruits to your organization feel supported and sustained in their efforts.

You still have time to sign up for this timely workshop with presenter Link Jenkins. Register now at Pioneer Tech by clicking this link.

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY SERVICES.....at Pioneer Tech has incubator space for your small business. Maybe. Do you have a business plan ready? Know who your customer is? Need some assistance fleshing out financial projections and how many employees you will need? Business & Industry Services located at the southeast corner of Pioneer Tech can assist with all of these items; Plus your business may be an excellent fit as an incubator client. Get your business out of the house and into a manufacturing incubator with business assistance at your fingertips. Find out more about the business incubator services and how to apply to be an incubator client here.

Find all the services and resources at Pioneer Tech Business Services here.

THIS IS THE LAST WEEK!..... to see the Seed Reef interactive, immersive art installation at City Central. Bring your kids, bring you family but definitely take a few minutes at lunchtime or after work to see this amazing art installation. Local artists contributed to the installation. Learn more about reef die off and rejuvenation, watch a video on how the artists began this project and take some pictures or buy some art on display outside the John McNeese Gallery. City Central, 400 E. Central. Tues-Friday 10 to 6 and Saturday, noon to 4 pm. This is the last week! Don't miss it.

Monday, Feb 20 // Hispanic Association Meeting // City Central

Join your Hispanic and Latino community to plan

the next year of events. 7:00 pm in The Summit

Wed, Feb 22 // Canva 2.0 // Pioneer Tech Seminar Room

Join Terri Busch for this next level course on Canva.

9-10 am. Click here to register.

Tues, Feb 28 // Diversity, Equity & Inclusion // Pioneer Tech

5 Strategies for Disrupting Your Unconscious Bias

Register: Pioneertech.edu/bis-events

10 am to Noon - See flyer below

Rental Property - Available Listings

SIGN UP FOR SBDC PROGRAMS HERE

INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR…Last week’s Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Celebration included four major award categories. You no doubt read all about this in last Saturday’s Ponca City News but allow us, please, to dote on the Industry of the Year. This award is typically awarded to a manufacturing company that achieved great things during the year. “And the award (went) to”…..Evans and Associates. It’s not that they did anything particularly dramatic in the past year….and that was the point. They did what they always have done. Their employees leaned into community initiatives including schools, workforce, civic groups, charitable groups, etc. etc. They also lent strong support in many ways to other community activities including a lot of behind the scenes stuff that generally does not get much glory but is oh so important. 

Lest we not forget, they also employ a lot of people at strong wages. The company had a lot to do with people having money in their pockets to spend at Ponca City restaurants, stores and so forth. Sure, they do this every year and that is exactly why they were honored. The high level of success and consistency of support can easily be taken for granted, as we humbly admit is done for other Ponca City companies as well. Last week, however, on that night and at that place the community stepped back and said to Evans and Associates, “You’re special, and you are appreciated.” And so they are.

Pictured below is Linda Brown, Lee Evans and David Myers.

THE ALUMNI…Another award presented during the Chamber Celebration was the Citizen of the Year award. This year’s recipient was Natalie Fraser, a selection immediately and heartily endorsed by the thousands, okay hundreds of people at the Celebration. The past Citizens of the Year were in attendance mingling with us commoners to welcome and congratulate their newest inductee. One thing became clear. Okay, two things. The first is that you have to be very special and work very hard to get that award. The second is that it really really helps, at least over the past ten years, to have served on the PCDA Board of Trustees. Natalie Fraser was a member, as was Jodi Cline, Lee Evans, Kelly Johnson and Larry Murphy before that. Coincidence?  We think not. Pictured with Natalie is Health Cannon, the 2021 Citizen of the Year.

IRON UP....at the Duke building in the Airport Industrial Park. We have talked concrete and building supplies, but iron in the air means this project is halfway to completion. Laurence took a lot of pictures, but this one says it all. Check out the virtual rendering of Duke online. Marketing for companies to move into the building is underway in our target industries of contract manufacturing, business services, energy, food manufacturing and agriculture.

Transportation Survey – what is missing in our community with regards to transportation?  Make your opinion known by taking this survey from Oklahoma Active Transportation. This group wants to hear from people in all types of communities about wants and needs for transportation, including infrastructure and all types of mobility including walking.  Click here to read more about OKATP.org and take the online survey.

1MC.... happened this week at Pioneer Technology Center. Chad Winslow, Owner of Oklahoma Labels and A+ Printing was the business presenter. If you didn't make it, never fear: technology is here. Chad's presentation can be seen here and feel free to browse all the other businesses who have told their stories at 1MC. If you would like to share your story, reach out to Brook Lindsay at (580)718-4316 or brookl@pioneertech.edu.  

See you next month. First Wednesday. 8:30 am.

We got the coffee. Bring a friend.

Business & Industry Services.....at Pioneer Tech has programs available for ongoing manager and supervisor training; Customer service training, crucial conversations and team building just to name a few. Corbin Dewitt specializes in onsite or classroom setting leadership training for individuals and businesses seeking to train-up key employees. Free and for-pay programs for local companies. Call 580.718.4222 or email corbind@pioneertech.edu to find out more about programs and training available.  

  

Find all the services and resources at Pioneer Tech Business Services here.

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE..... at City Central. The Link and Link II have plug and play office space available for your specific needs. Need a desk for a day? Gotcha covered with wifi included. Need an office for a week to meet clients or have business meetings? Why yes, The Link is ready to assist. If you need further information, give Aubrey or Lori a call at 580.765.7070 or check out more info at CityCentralPC. The public art and comfy waiting chairs are just bonus features for the daily, weekly or monthly rates.

Thursday, Feb 9 // PCDA Board of Trustee Meeting // City Central

7:30 am at City Central. Coffee is on. Meeting in The Summit.

Monday, Feb 20 // Hispanic Association Meeting // City Central

Join your Hispanic and Latino community to plan

the next year of events. 7:00 pm in The Summit

Wed, Feb 22 // Canva 2.0 // Pioneer Tech Seminar Room

Join Terri Busch for this next level course on Canva.

9-10 am. Click here to register.

Tues, Feb 28 // Diversity, Equity & Inclusion // Pioneer Tech

5 Strategies for Disrupting Your Unconscious Bias

Register: Pioneertech.edu/bis-events

10 am to Noon - See flyer below

Rental Property - Available Listings

SIGN UP FOR SBDC PROGRAMS HERE

LOOKING DEEPLY ..... into your crystal ball may be as accurate as listening to the economists, pundits and politicians about what the economic future holds for consumers. One thing is certain, people gotta eat. Instead of debating the price of eggs, PCDA staff are looking at which comes first: the chicken or the egg. In this case, the chicken is workforce and the egg is childcare. Or vice versa. Also on topic, is transportation: appropriate and available transportation. Everyone has an opinion. Keep reading to give yours in survey form.

And no matter which side has your vote for what the economic future holds, people continue to start, launch, grow and need assistance with small business ventures. If you want to get more involved with small businesses in the Ponca City area, make sure to attend 1 Million Cups next week. And there is always our wonderful manufacturing community collaborating, cooperating and getting ready to seek more contracting in the wilds of Texas at the D2P show. Catch up on what is happening in our world this week.

And stay tuned next week for the spotlight on our Industry of the Year, as well as all the other award recipients given at the Ponca City Chamber Banquet.

Transportation Survey – what is missing in our community with regards to transportation?  Make your opinion known by taking this survey from Oklahoma Active Transportation. This group wants to hear from people in all types of communities about wants and needs for transportation, including infrastructure and all types of mobility including walking.  Click here to read more about OKATP.org and take the online survey.

1MC.... is happening next week on Wednesday, February 1st at Pioneer Technology Center. This program is the first Wednesday of each month, 8 am at Pioneer Tech. As a program of the Kauffman Foundation, 1 Million Cups works with entrepreneurs, empowering them with the tools and resources to break down barriers that stand in the way of starting and growing their businesses. The Ponca City chapter is always on the lookout for entrepreneurs to share their business story. Contact Brook Lindsay to share your story at (580) 718-4316 or brookl@pioneertech.edu.   See you next week. There is always coffee ready and bring business cards for networking.

BUSINESS RESOURCES...... are available for your start-up or existing small business. Need some management training? How about HR questions? Team building, setting goals and crucial conversations with partners or employees? The Business Services Team at Pioneer Technology Center is a resource for your company: Training, one-on-one meetings, both paid and free resources. Give Corbin Dewitt a call and find out what management training resources are available for your business, no matter what size or how many employees, the resources are available. Call or email for more information 580.718.4222. Find all the services and resources at Pioneer Tech Business Services here.

IT IS TIME....to collaborate and market Ponca City contract manufacturing again at the March Design 2 Part show in Dallas. This award winning program assists Ponca City contract manufacturers to market their ability to make stuff: metal, plastics, moldings, electrical and more. PCDA sponsors the booth and promotes Ponca City as the manufacturing hub we are, while our companies wheel and deal for new contracts and prototyping. Contact Laurence if your company is interested in participating.

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE..... at City Central. The Link and Link II have plug and play office space available for your specific needs. Need a desk for a day? Gotcha covered with wifi included. Need an office for a week to meet clients or have business meetings? Why yes, The Link is ready to assist. If you need further information, give Aubrey or Lori a call at 580.765.7070 or check out more info at CityCentralPC. The public art and comfy waiting chairs are just bonus features for the daily, weekly or monthly rates.

Wed, Feb 1// 1 Million Cups // Pioneer Tech

This month, Chad Winslow from OK Labels will be telling his business story.

Doors open at 8 am. And there is coffee.

Thursday, Feb 9 // PCDA Board of Trustee Meeting // City Central

7:30 am at City Central. Coffee is on. Meeting location will

be posted at the elevators.

Wed, Feb 22 // Canva 2.0 // Pioneer Tech Seminar Room

Join Terri Busch for this next level course on Canva.

9-10 am. Click here to register.

Rental Property - Available Listings

SIGN UP FOR SBDC PROGRAMS HERE

BUILDING BUILDINGS… is always an interesting proposition; more so in the post covid world of supply chain issues, shipping/trucking delays and all around higher prices. Staff is proud to say concrete is poured at the Duke building and sticks will be in the air soon (keep reading). Also currently on staff's radar is the continuing need for manufacturing companies (and other industry segments) to adapt to workforce and timeline demands while receiving some well deserved recognition for excellence in the workplace.

Word on the manufacturing.net street is sustainability and prepping for risk will be the focus for 2023. PCDA is here to support opportunities for local companies to grow and collaborate in these areas as Ponca City manufacturers move through the first half of this new year.

CONCRETE DOWN.... at Duke. Above, you can see the second section of concrete being poured and below is the final pour for the Duke building pad.   PCDA received the break test results on the first section poured. The concrete is well above the required pressure per square inch (PSI) requirement on strength. Building framework should begin on January 26th or 27th. 

CONGRATULATIONS TO.... Cookshack, as they have been selected for the second year in a row (and for the fifth year overall) as a top place to work in the state of Oklahoma. Read all about Cookshack, their values and what makes them, well, Cookshack here. Proud of you guys! Keep up the good work.

IT IS TIME....to collaborate and market Ponca City contract manufacturing again at the March Design 2 Part show in Dallas. This award winning program assists Ponca City contract manufacturers to market their ability to make stuff: metal, plastics, moldings, electrical and more. PCDA sponsors the booth and promotes Ponca City as the manufacturing hub we are, while our companies wheel and deal for new contracts and prototyping. Contact Laurence if your company is interested in participating.

YOU HAVE TO SEE..... this interactive, immersive exhibit! Located in the first floor lobby inside the John McNeese Gallery, the pictures do not do it justice. Local artists lent their talents to create the creatures and backgrounds. Children (and there have been all ages of students coming through since the exhibit opened) as well as adults are invited to participate. Visit the Seed Reef Tuesdays - Fridays 12-6 pm and Saturdays 12-4 pm until February 18th. Active arts for the family. This is quality of life stuff right here.

Thurs, January 26// Surety Bonding for Contractors//

Pioneer Tech Bis Services D123

Call Dawn at 580.718.4261 to register. 10 to 11 am.

Wed, Feb 1// 1 Million Cups // Pioneer Tech

This month, Chad Winslow from OK Labels will be telling his business story.

Doors open at 8 am. And there is coffee.

Rental Property - Available Listings

SIGN UP FOR SBDC PROGRAMS HERE