April 1, 2022

4/1/2022

APRIL FOOLS DAY..... is today. If you are a prankster, we wish you well. Just keep in mind that post-COVID people are not taking jokes so well (anyone see the Oscars?) With THAT out of the way, on to the information part of our day. The word of the day is Grants. Grants for small businesses, grants for non-profits and grants for manufacturing companies looking to increase capacity and diversify. Keep reading to get in on all the grant funding. Yes, you have to apply. Some are City sponsored, some are state sponsored. Timing is everything.

Finding a J-O-B has never been easier. And harder. Companies are being picky about who they hire because, hey, training and on-boarding new employees costs $$$ AND those looking for the jobs actually have to apply. There's that word again. Apply: to make a formal application or request. That means a resume, filling out an application and, gulp, interviewing with the company face-to-face. The next generation of workforce is a little lacking in those skill sets. Ponca Works to the rescue. And if that isn't enough to get you started, make sure you look at the online application for Ponca City grants which goes live TODAY. See below for more information and ALL the upcoming events.

Welcome to April people. "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Ferris Bueller

RUBBING SHOULDERS...... with the bigwigs. On Tuesday night, PCDA was invited by one of PCDA’s leaders (board member) to go with them to a reception that introduced members of the Oklahoma Defense Industry Association with state legislators. Said leader who opened the door and saved the taxpayers some money wanted to remain anonymous. We therefore told Garrett we wouldn’t mention his name so don’t ask. The reception was held in the shadow of the Capitol and provided PCDA with a target rich environment for visiting with folks who can either help Ponca City’s future economy, add to that future economy or both. These were companies, leaders within state government who had lots of connections with companies in the industry and numerous legislators themselves who are trying to grow this industry in our state. Senator Coleman and said anonymous benefactor, call him “Mr. B” ushered PCDA around the room to make sure the right introductions were made and the right conversations were had. Business in America, and even more so in other parts of the world, is about relationships. You can’t have a relationship until you meet someone with whom you want to have (and build) a relationship. Without that foundation, business is simply not going to grow or find Ponca City. We thank “Mr. B’ for his vision and generosity. This stuff really helps.

STATE GRANT PROGRAM FOR

MANUFACTURING COMPANIES…Beginning this Monday, the State of Oklahoma will begin accepting applications for a grant program aimed exclusively for manufacturing companies. This is a competitive program meaning that a lot of companies will be competing for the grants. Last year, for example, the program received 137 applications, approved 108 of those and awarded a total of $7.74 million. The OIEP is seeking to encourage capital investment and expansions, particularly those that help diversify the state’s economy and increase manufacturing capacity. Successful grants are paid as a payroll rebate to the company on a monthly basis so it’s not a lump sum. It does not necessarily require an increase in job creation but that certainly would make an application more attractive. In addition, it requires company investment as well. Applications will only be open from April 4^th to April 15^th so it’s a relatively short time window to apply. Fortunately, the application is relatively simple (provided you have the information they need). For more complete information, visit The Oklahoma Commerce Website here.

ITS A JOB THING.....

The state of workforce in Ponca City is lean. 1.9% unemployment rate and 2000 unique job postings. Speaking with employers over the last few days makes staff aware that employers have to get creative with recruitment! Implementing AI and other technology, using the remote workforce, offering unique benefits, making down payments on employee houses and many other smart ideas makes staff stand up and cheer for these great companies and motivates Ponca Works to keep working with the next generation of workforce to help them choose a career that will fill these gaps. At the last PoHi Career Fair, hundreds of kids signed up for more information about In Demand Careers in our region. See the Oklahoma wide list here