April 28, 2023

4/28/2023

NEW LEADERSHIP….. in a community is always exciting. But how does a community "get" new leaders? You grow them. Ponca City Leadership Class 36 had their final wrap-up this week at Camp Horizon with PCDA staff leading a spirited discussion on economic vibrancy, what a community needs to grow and thrive and how to "get stuff done". Next week, this 36th class of Ponca City leaders graduates on Thursday, May 4th at the Ponca City Country Club. If you would like to attend to cheer on your favorite new leader, please take a moment and call the Chamber to reserve a seat, 765.4400.

Some of these new leaders are involved with events coming up in the Ponca City community, that you will not want to miss. Saturday, May 6th has a little bit of everything from Tacofest celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Central Fare to the Paul Schatte Memorial Cookoff at First Lutheran to E.W. Marland's birthday celebration at the Grand Home. This small town stuff is real and you don't want to miss any of these events. And yes, this was a talking point at the Leadership wrap up.

If you want to participate in the next class for Ponca City Leadership, get your application from the Chamber office. You will definitely get involved with our community by participating in the leadership program. And building a better Ponca City is all about participation, getting involved and learning to lead.

DUKE.....continues to march closer to completion. With approximately 60 percent of the building complete, work has moved inside with walls, electrical and floors being the main focus. Look for this building to be available for lease by early summer. Do you know a company interested in leasing a brand new 39,000 square foot building? Feel free to send them the virtual walking tour of Duke. Here is the link to view.

Flower And Blossom Letter Building Word Congratulations

SUPERINTENDANT OF THE YEAR.....for the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators District 4 is Shelley Arrott! Arrott will be recognized at the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administrators (CCOSA) Summer Leadership Conference on June 14-16, 2023. If you see Shelley, give her a "Good Job" and "Congratulations". Read the complete press release here.

Interns Wanted Internship Training Trainee Concept

ATTRACTING YOUTH......to the Ponca City job market is the goal. Ponca Works attended a job fair at NOC this week, with little student engagement. What this lack of college student participation illustrated is employers seeking to secure their next workforce should consider capturing students in K-12 education. These students offer a fresh perspective and enthusiasm which can bring great benefits to any organization. Additionally, by building a connection with the community and providing opportunities for internships, businesses develop a pipeline of talent in alignment with their needs.

Investing in the next generation not only ensures a bright future for the workforce, but also fosters a sense of corporate social responsibility. Internships provide students with real-world experience and allow them to apply their skills in a practical setting. It's a win-win situation where both the employer and the student can benefit. By hosting interns and cultivating relationships with schools and other educational institutions, businesses can establish themselves as leaders in their communities and stay ahead of the competition in terms of securing top talent.

CELEBRATE....Cinco de Mayo with the Hispanic Oklahoma Latino Association (HOLA), North Central area at the first Saturday in May right here at City Central in the Food Truck Court, Central Fare. Food, music and dancing in the streets. Well, one street. Fourth street will be closed from Oklahoma to Central and there will be all types of taco and food trucks. Bring the family and share in the celebration of the date of the Mexican army's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. The actual day is May 5, but we wanted an all day celebration, so Saturday May 6 it is. Flyers and food truck information coming soon.