April 29, 2022

4/29/2022

GETTING READY......for a REAL summer here in Ponca CIty. Outdoor events are happening (check out the Kay County Ampitheater opening tomorrow) and other upcoming events in thePonca CIty Monthly, May Edition for kids and adults both. Graduation celebrations are less than three weeks away, fundraisers abound and manufacturers are manufacturing all the things!

How does PCDA know "all the things?" Because it's what staff does: eavesdrop on conversations, insert ourselves into projects and be all around helpful with supplying information and demographics. All the while promoting Ponca City business, industry and non-profits. Speaking of small business and non-profits, make sure to get your Ponca City Grant applications submitted by Saturday, April 30th (that is tomorrow!). Grants in the amounts of $2500 to $10,000 will be awarded in early June to local small businesses (20 employees or less) and non-profits. Find your application here and keep reading if you have already uploaded your app.

REMOTE WORK....“The pandemic accelerated existing trends in remote work, e-commerce, and automation, with up to 25% more workers than previously estimated potential needing to switch occupations.”Find the complete McKinsey Institute article here.

There is not a day that goes by that Ponca Works doesn't talk to employers about how to entice employees back into offices. The work life balance has become much more important to workforce since many employees started working from home, at least part time, for the last several years. Another aspect which has been rushed is automation. There are many Ponca City companies who have invested in artificial intelligence as a way to increase production with the absence of new employees. Lastly, many people may need to make an occupation change during these times. Re-skilling employees is a way to help fill your gaps in employment. Pioneer Tech, and the Workforce Development Board have scholarship opportunities to help fill these gaps.

PONCA CITY GRANTS..... are only open today and tomorrow! Businesses with less than 20 employees and non-profits in the Ponca City limits you must apply online to receive this grant. The application is here for both; just get your information together and apply. $2500 to $10,000 is available for losses due to COVID during the March 2021 to March 2022 time frame. If your business was "in business" January of 2020, you need to apply.

PONCA CITY LEADERSHIP…Class of 35 wrapped up their year of everything Ponca City with a crash course on economic development lead by PCDA Staff. What's next for Ponca City? What are the future needs? Now Needs? All the questions were asked and several answers were put on the whiteboard (see all the writing). Get your application at the Chamber now and be part of the Ponca City Leadership Class 36.

MADE IN PONCA CITY......Staff likes to brag on our local industry any chance we get. So this beautiful product pictured here is our chance to brag on two companies. K&C Manufacturing (a Ponca City company) is making these product lids for Century Products (another Ponca City company). This is the kind of business to business activity which makes us all gooey eyed and dreamy. These injection molded covers are the lid to Century Products mineral feeder. Aren't they just beauties to behold?