April 7, 2023

4/7/2023

FINDING YOUR PEEPS.....isn't just code for Easter traditions. Welcoming new people to the community whether at faith based events, at work, community clubs or at the local watering hole, serves to strengthen the Ponca City population. People stay and work where they are welcome. With an extremely low unemployment rate of 2.8%, Ponca City employers would like to retain their workers. So invite that new co-worker to have a beer. They don't drink? How about some frisbee golf or a f ox tour? New person have kids? Even better. There are 27 parks in the Ponca City area with various and sundry activities. Have some doggos who want to socialize? Check out the dog park.

Just having a job or a house in Ponca City doesn't mean new people have an immediate sense of community. So be a good neighbor or work-friend and help them find their tribe. Make sure to reach out to the Chamber of Commerce at 765.4400 or drag that person (possibly kicking, hopefully not screaming) to a Lions Club or Rotary meeting. Or perhaps Business on the Balcony next Tuesday or any of the Chamber of Commerce events. People and families new to the community have to find their tribe. All we, as friendly and here for the long haul Ponca Citians, can do is assist. Happy Easter and go find some Peeps.

MOVING RIGHT ALONG.....is spec building Duke in the AIP. Walls are up and the doors are going on now. This 39,000 square foot beauty is almost halfway completed and staff is excited to see the finished product. Stay tuned for some inside views and more concrete pours for the parking lot.

BUSINESS PLAN CHAMPION...... of the 2023 Spring Pitch-off is Paws on the Pavement, owned and operated by Justin Mathews. Three businesses presented business plans and pitched to judges Monday at City Central. Pictured are judges Eric Peitz, Vice President CME; Jodi Cline, Edward Jones Financial Advisor; Kerri Bowman, Equity Bank; Paws on the Pavement Owner Justin Mathews and Shane Blaes, RCB Bank. Shane was the tabulator for the competition. PCDA thanks all the judges for sharing their time and talents and to all the competitors which included Talk To Me Speech Therapy, owner Jennifer Walenciak and The Alley, owner Seth Hammock.

If you know someone interested in competing for $5000 in cash and incentives, please contact Katherine Long at PCDA, 765.7070. The next competition is scheduled for October, 2023.

BUSINESS ON THE BALCONY...returns to City Central on Tuesday, April 11 from 7 to 8:30 am. On the PCDA office Balcony. This is your chance to do a little networking and grab some breakfast with 30 to 40 of your best new work associates. Open to anyone interested in networking for partners, business, organizations or looking to meet some other early risers.

You are invited. Full schedule is listed below. Mark your calendar for every second Tuesday, April thru October for a little B on the B.

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.

CALLING ALL BUSINESSES.....seeking interns for 2023-24 school year. The Internship/Career Fair is happening on 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.

CELEBRATE....Cinco de Mayo with the North Central Oklahoma Latino's Association (NCOkLA) 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.

CONGRATULATIONS..... to our friends at the City of Ponca City. Ponca City Energy recently competed in the American Public Power Association (APPA) National Lineworker’s Rodeo in Kansas City, Kansas. The 3 man team consisted of Tomas Alvarez, Austin Fry, and Keenan Pappan. This team took first place in the Hurtman Rescue event giving them the APPA National Championship for Hurtman Rescue in 2023.

Bringing a 1st place win back to Ponca City and the state of Oklahoma is something they and The City of Ponca City is very proud of!