March 22, 2024

3/22/2024

Friday | March 22, 2024

FUTURE WORKFORCE

It was Spring Break this week: kids at the Poncan Theatre enjoying a daytime movie, kids on skateboards and bicycles. And let us not forget the scatter of teens walking around town or the 20 almost 16-year-olds who spent the first part of spring break in a two-day driving school classroom right here at City Central. Now is when parents start thinking "What are the kids going to do all summer?" This was just a week; how do we plan two and half months?

There will be many event calendars popping up in the next few months which will list camps (McFadden, Pioneer Technology Center, Girl Power), movies (Poncan Theatre, The Hub) and events (First Fridays, Herb Festival, Sunny Dayz). Don't forget to explore the 30 City Parks, 10+ museums, five disc golf courses, five splash parks, two golf courses and one water park.

You may say, what does all the talk of children have to do with economic development? Why should children be a hot topic? Staff will adamantly reply "Those children are our next/future workforce. And we need them to want to stay in Ponca City or want to come back after college/travel/life happens." How do we do that? Give these kids something to remember fondly right here in Ponca City. And go. Summer is almost here. Keep reading for more hot economic topics.

THE GREAT PIVOT

If you’re familiar with PCDA-speak, you’ve heard us talk about the number of unfilled jobs right now in Ponca City. This is due to the workforce shortage impacting Ponca City for the last ten years or so. What makes it different today is that it hit most of the rest of the U.S. about five years ago. In short, when people have plenty of job opportunities without moving, they don’t move to follow jobs. So, without an available workforce, recruiting new businesses is a challenge. Businesses shopping for a new location are seeking areas that have a workforce surplus (not Ponca City) not a job surplus (Ponca City). In short, you cannot sell what you do not have. As noted above, Ponca City is not alone in this regard. There is a quiet transformation going on throughout North America in the economic development world, a shift from attracting companies to attracting people. This has actually been going on in Ponca City for some time but there is a catch. Seems people need a place to live even if they do consider following a job. Enter the City Commission.

On Monday of this week, the City Commission held a work session and one of the topics was whether or not PCDA should be allowed to provide incentives for both housing and retail. This is part of that quiet shift that is now going loud. The city has done a great deal in these areas, particularly in the housing area, establishing Ponca City as a statewide leader in the development of new rural housing initiatives. The question is whether or not the availability of PCDA incentives, or some other role for PCDA in housing or retail, could help close many of the deals the city has been working on.

Right now, PCDA is not legally allowed to provide incentives for either of these two things. It should come as no surprise when public money is involved the law is pretty clear about what one can and cannot do. Housing has been an issue in town for years and part of the competition for people involves having the retail they want. When PCDA was set up in 2003, it was given a laser focus to create “primary jobs” (think industry). Done. Growing the economy moving forward, however, will look a lot different than it did in 2003. Changing directions (and the law), however, is not something to be taken lightly and there isn’t enough public money to simply add something without taking something away.

The Mayor and Commissioners had a robust conversation on Monday about the future of the Ponca City economy. In many areas, people are sticking their collective heads in the sand and pretending that things have not changed. That was definitely not the posture of the City Commission this week. These conversations will continue in a PCDA committee set up last summer called, wait for it, “The Committee.” Is it jobs or people? Not a simple question and the comments of the Mayor and Commission will now shape the discussion on what this Great Pivot should look like in Ponca City, as well as the role that PCDA will play.

RETAIL VISITORS

Anonymous man with question mark. Male person not identified by name_ unknown faceless user_ incognito with concealed profile_ business secrecy or obscurity_ blind date partner. Vector illustration

Occasionally, site selectors will find their way to the PCDA office. I mean, it is a big building in the heart of the downtown area. Site selectors are the first people to scout land and or buildings for retailers and companies looking at locations for an expansion or new business. This is due to Ponca City's location (90 minutes from everywhere) and its high pull factor (ability to bring people outside of the community in for shopping and events).

Staff was able to chat with one of these mysterious folks about the above topics this week. They left with a map, traffic counts and the promise of more information to be emailed to them as soon as it can be found and digitized. It was a good day!

PCDA BUSINESS PLAN PITCH-OFF

Best Pitch words in a red and black ink grunge style stamp to illustrate the top, most convincing and persuasive presentation or proposal

The Business Plan Pitch-off is just a few weeks away. Three businesses will pitch to a panel of local judges about why their business should be awarded over $5000 in local incentives. This is where the rubber meets the road, the nose hits the grindstone, the squeaky wheel.... well, you get the idea. These three businesses have submitted a business plan for review and now will get five minutes to pitch their existing or start-up business for incentives.

This is the seventh year for the PCDA Business Plan PItch-off. To date, the businesses that have pitched and those receiving the incentives package, currently support 21 jobs in the Ponca City area. These entrepreneurs sometimes continue to work for themselves (Sizzle Sauce Media) or may have hired several employees (we see you Aesthetic State of Mind). With support from Pioneer Technology Center Business & Industry Services, Oklahoma Small Business Development Center, local bankers and PCDA, all you need to do to start your road less traveled as an entrepreneur is check out this Road Map. What are you waiting for?

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, March 22 // Ponca Politics Forum // Noon

In the City Commission Chambers Meeting room

at City Hall. Get involved with local politics.

Tuesday, March 26 // Ponca City Main Street Awards // City Central

Hang out with all your Main Street besties

and see who takes home the awards.

6 to 7:30 pm See flyer below.

Wed, March 27 // Manufacturing Supervisor Primer Class

Held in the Flex Lab at Pioneer Technology Center

Find out more information on the class here.

Wed, March 27 // Sunny Creek Pop-up Store // City Central

Find all your favorite locally produced food at this pop-up.

11 to 2 pm in the City Central Lobby area.

Thursday, March 28// Intro to Gov't Small Business Certifications

If you want to know more about Government contracting,

get signed up here.

Room D101

Thursday, March 28 // Business After Hours // Phillips 66

at the Conoco Museum 5 to 7 pm

See flyer below for all the details.

Wednesday, April 3 // 1 Million Cups // PTech

8:30 am in the Cafeteria Atrium

Sacket Gallery is presenting.

Rental Property - Available Listings

Visit our website

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March 15, 2024

3/15/2024

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Friday | March 15, 2024

This Week

PCDA Board of Trustees monthly meeting was this week with information shared about PoHi internships and Kay County job openings (941 to be exact), tradeshows and career fairs, employment tax credit programs for businesses as well as the return of Business on the Balcony and a few updates on possible, and not so possible, projects in the Airport Industrial Park. (insert mysterious background music)

In the month of February, PCDA staff shook hands with 36 new industries, visited existing industries 118 times, played nice with 18 government types and eight consultants and chatted with 19 small business owners or entrepreneurs (yes there is a difference). There were two new leads for a total of four projects. City Central was hopping with staff touring, contracting or eventing with 115 contacts. Whew! Talk about a leap year.

The John McNeese Gallery in the Lobby area of City Central is hosting its membership show March 14 through April 12, so drop in during Spring break next week if the kids need some art in their lives. Did we say Spring Break? Yup, so everyone be on the lookout for kids on skateboards, bikes and scooters on our streets and sidewalks next week; Can't risk injuring any of our future Ponca CIty workforce!

Ponca City Showcases Manufacturing

PCDA has a goal at tradeshows: to own the show. The Design 2 Part show in Dallas is a contract manufacturing show. This means people and companies attending this show are seeking manufacturers to make stuff for them: widgets to large parts, welded to formed, and in all types of materials. After seven years of working this show, Ponca City is consistently sought out by companies and entrepreneurs. It's like we have a reputation for innovation.

This year the Ponca CIty booth had representatives from Centerline, K&C Manufacturing and Bowers Logistics. Laurence and Johnny T were representing and answering questions about all the other contract manufacturers located in Ponca City. Some past participants in this show include Custom Mechanical Equipment, Source Fabrication, Century Products and Precision Tool & Die. These companies rock this show and staff is sure there will be more contracts coming to Ponca City from their time spent at D2P! If you are interested in participating in a Trade Show Brigade, give Laurence a call at the office and chat. 580.765.7070.

Workready Community

The Ponca City Chamber of Commerce was busy this week with several ribbon cuttings. Work Ready Oklahoma is a new tenant on the Third floor of City Central and they had a crush for their ribbon cutting Thursday. This employment education initiative, brought to our community by Pioneer Technology Center, is made possible through funding from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. The Work Ready Oklahoma office helps people gain independence and provide financially for their family and future through quality employment.

People have the opportunity to work with job coaches and learn skills such as resume building and interviewing. This is a program to train and develop skills to get people to their next, best job and career. Work Ready Oklahoma in Ponca City can be emailed here or call their office at 580.718.4237 if you have questions. Hannah, Fae, Cena and Dondi are ready to assist. Welcome to City Central!

Business on the Balcony Returns

Business on the Balcony is set to return on Tuesday, April 9th. And yes, staff is posting this way early because we know how busy small businesses and entrepreneurs can get in the spring. Or anytime.

B on the B is an early-in-the-day networking meet-up. A come and go event from 7 to 9 am, business owners, people new to the community as well as representatives from organizations and businesses take a few minutes before their days get crazy, to grab some breakfast and chat with fellow businesspeople. On the Balcony.

If you haven't made it to one yet, get this on your calendar. If you know someone new to our community, forward the flyer below. All are invited, but the early person gets breakfast. Coffee is always available. We just make more. See you the second Tuesday of every month April through September for Business on the Balcony.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, March 15 // B&I Breakfast // Pioneer Tech Center

7:30 am focusing on Cyber Security this month

Room B131

Friday, March 22 // Ponca Politics Forum // Noon

In the City Commission Chambers Meeting room

at City Hall. Get involved with local politics.

Tuesday, March 26 // Ponca City Main Street Awards // City Central

Hang out with all your Main Street besties

and see who takes home the awards.

6 to 7:30 pm See flyer below.

Wed, March 27 // Manufacturing Supervisor Primer Class

Held in the Flex Lab at Pioneer Technology Center

Find out more information on the class here.

Wed, March 27 // Sunny Creek Pop-up Store // City Central

Find all your favorite locally produced food at this pop-up.

11 to 2 pm in the City Central Lobby area.

Thursday, March 28// Intro to Gov't Small Business Certifications

If you want to know more about Government contracting,

get signed up here.

Room D101

Thursday, March 28 // Business After Hours // Phillips66

Stay tuned for more information

and details on this BAH.

Rental Property - Available Listings

Visit our website

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March 8, 2024

3/8/2024

0 Comments

Friday | March 8, 2024

Recruiting Future Employees

Where are small business future employees coming from? Internships and apprenticeships are one way to start the recruitment process. Get those high school students interested in your business model or your product now. And here is a readymade opportunity: The Career and Internship Fair on March 13th. Scheduled from 10:30 AM to 12:45 PM at PoHi. Picture yourself in the middle of a buzzing atmosphere filled with eager young minds, all hungrily seeking opportunities to connect with companies like yours.

By participating in this event, you'll not only boost awareness about your company but also have the chance to scout potential interns for the upcoming school year. Think of it as an early talent acquisition strategy - getting in on the ground floor with bright, ambitious students who could be the perfect fit for your team.

But wait, there's more! This isn't just about finding interns; it's about laying the groundwork for future collaborations. You'll have the platform to share your company's requirements for employment, ensuring that the next generation of workforce talent is aligned with your needs. And let's not forget about the graduating seniors. This is a prime opportunity to market any job openings you have to these eager soon-to-be graduates. Tap into their energy and enthusiasm as they prepare to take their first steps into the professional world.

Staff believes the more connections are fostered between education and industry, the greater the synergy created right here in Ponca City. To get your company on the roster for March 13th, click on this link and fill in those blanks. See you soon!

International Women's Day

Ponca City is known for its strong and memorable women, both past and present. Just walk down Grand Ave and check out some of our Main Street businesses including Farmhouse Kids, Kids Review, Simply Quilted, Cast Iron Company and PC Provisions to name a few retailers. There are also Edward Jones offices, Harvest Hall, The Doodle Academy and of course, The Pioneer Woman.

City Central was the venue for Dia de la Mujer (Day of the Women) hosted by HOLA (Hispanic Oklahoma Latino Association) featuring Dr. Robles OBGyn from Integris Medical, Ana Morales, Women's Coach and Family Therapist Daniella Reyna. This program was specifically for the Latina/Hispanic community and well attended. Dr. Robles had a very robust Q&A session and new friendships were formed within our diverse Hispanic community. Congratulations to the Outstanding Women selected, Mercedes Avila, Owner of Enrique's Restaurant and Stacy Calderon, local entrepreneur.

1 Million Cups

Sizzle Sauce Media was the business highlighted this month during 1 Million Cups. This Kauffman Foundation initiative gives our community a front seat, coffee infused opportunity to hear a business story. Most of the time it is a local success story like Sizzle Sauce Media. SIzzle, think sizzle real of all the best media and Sauce for the special sauce. Andy Hicks, owner and operator tells it much better.

Listen to his business story, where his business started and how it has changed and adapted with the years and technology. Congratulations to Sizzle Sauce Media and the collaborative efforts of all our local social and electronic media makers.

Oklahoma Innovation & Expansion Program

OIEP is a program for small businesses in Oklahoma funded through qualifying employee taxes. If that sounds hard to comprehend, let staff introduce you to Jeremy Stoner, Senior Vice President for Oklahoma Finance Authorities. Jeremy's presentation this week focused on how to access these funds during the application process coming up April 1-12, 2024.

In 2023, eight Ponca City companies received over $400,000 in funds based on their paid state employment taxes. Interested? The 11 companies in the room this week were as well. If you have questions, Jeremy has answers. Contact him here and take a look at his slide deck information here. And you need to look at the sample application here. If your company's payroll is a minimum of $625,000/year and you have a future capital investment project you plan spend some dollars on, this program may be for you.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, March 13 // Intern & Career Fair

At PoHi Old Girls Gym during lunch hours.

Contact Liz Leaming for more information.

580.765.7070

Friday, March 15 // B&I Breakfast // Pioneer Tech Center

7:30 am focusing on Cyber Security this month

Room B131

Friday, March 22 // Ponca Politics Forum // Noon

In the City Commission Chambers Meeting room

at City Hall. Get involved with local politics.

Wed, March 27 // Manufacturing Supervisor Primer Class

Held in the Flex Lab at PIoneer Technology Center

Find out more information on the class here.

Thursday, March 28// Intro to Gov't Small Business Certifications

If you want to know more about Government contracting,

get signed up here.

Room D101

Thursday, March 28 // Business After Hours // Phillips66

Stay tuned for more information

and details on this BAH.

Rental Property - Available Listings

Visit our website

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March 1, 2024

3/1/2024

0 Comments

Friday | March 1, 2024

THANK YOU SO MUCH

Thanks to our Industry of the Year Phillips 66, our High School will have a new STEM lab and classrooms!. Shorthand for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (or if you are from Ponca City, Manufacturing), STEM aligns well with Phillips66, and Ponca City's, future employee needs.

It really has been a great couple of weeks right here in Ponca City. Look at the grin on Superintendent Leaming's face.

Thanks again Phillips66 for your investment in Ponca City! Read the full press release here

From the PCPS FB Page:

A $1 million check is presented to PCPS from Phillips66 for the new STEM facility at Ponca City High School.

Refinery Leadership Team members present at the press conference included Heath Wanamaker; General Manager; Kevin Schmitt, Operations Manager; Chad Scantlin, Technical Services Manager; Zack Montague, Maintenance Manager; Sara King, HSE Manager; and Erin Liberton, Community Relations and Public Affairs.

Talking Less Taxes

Oklahoma state map with doodle decorative ornaments. For printing on souvenirs and T-shirts

Not federal taxes. Sorry, you still have to have those submitted to the IRS by Monday, April 15th. Less tax is the bill to eliminate the state's 4.5% sales tax on groceries that Governor Stitt signed on Tuesday this week. Gov. Stitt stated the measure is needed to combat higher inflation and is expected to reduce state revenue by $418 million a year. House Bill 1955 will take effect 90 days after the Legislature closes this session and will likely become effective in late August, 2024.

What does that mean? HB 1955 eliminates the state portion of sales tax on groceries. Local sales tax will still be charged on groceries, but the Bill prohibits cities and counties from increasing sales tax until July 1, 2025. And groceries are defined as non-prepared food items. Food such as warmed pizza, fruit bowls and deli items will still be charged 4.5% state taxes.

Without the 4.5% state sales tax, this will lower grocery taxes (on non prepared/ready to eat foods) to 5.08% in Ponca City. This includes Kay County tax rate of 1.25% and Ponca City (City) tax rate of 3.83%. And why does all this matter? Because taxes are confusing at the best of times. HB1955 is about state-level taxes. Taxes at the County and Municiple level will still exist because we love our schools, like our roads drivable, can't live without our parks and RecPlex....you get the idea. The public services we all enjoy must be maintained and local taxes are how that happens. Just an explanation of taxes (or lack thereof) coming soon to a grocery store near you. And if you want to ask any questions, the next Ponca Politics forum is Friday, March 22nd at City Hall, high noon.

Business Growing Pains

Business concept vector illustration. Growth_ balance_ success_ business opportunities concept. Elements are layered separately in vector file.

All small businesses want to grow quickly, correct? They want to sell all their products/services at such a fast rate they are always scrambling to catch up. Wrong. Businesses want to be successful. Success has a different definition for every business.

And sometimes growth is too fast. How does a business keep up with this fast growth? They ask for help; for assistance with training their employees. With managing their systems. With allocating funds and utilizing inventory stocks correctly. Ponca City has some great resources to assist your company manage high growth. You just have to ask. Ask Laurence, PCDA Business Retention and Expansion Pro. Reach out to Pioneer Tech Business & Industry Services. Ponca City has many resources. Just give PCDA a call and we will get you pointed in the right direction for your business.

Ponca City Commissioners

Just one more local politics update. PCDA wishes Commissioner Paul Taylor the very best as he takes his leave of the City Commission Chambers. Mayor Nicholson presented him a service medallion for his service as City Commissioner since 2018 at the City Commission Meeting this past Monday.

New Commissioner Stephanie Austin and returning Commissioner Rob Bodick were sworn in at the same Monday meeting. Commissioner Austin and Commissioner Bodick join current Commissioners Wagner, Bowers and Mayor Nicholson as the current Ponca City (City) Commission. Whew, that's a lot of commissioning. Carry on.

Pictures from City of Ponca City, OK FB page

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, March 5 // OIEP Luncheon // PTech

Oklahoma Innovation & Expansion Program Information

11:30 to 1 pm at Pioneer Tech - Rm B131

RSVP to [email protected]

Wednesday, March 6 // 1 Million Cups // PTech

Join the business community to hear

Sizzle Sauce Media's business story. Coffee is always on.

In the Pioneer Tech Atrium by the Cafeteria

8:30 pm

Wednesday, March 13 // Intern & Career Fair

At PoHi Old Girls Gym during lunch hours.

Contact Liz Leaming for more information.

580.765.7070

Thursday, March 28 // Business After Hours // Phillips66

Stay tuned for more information

and details on this BAH.

Rental Property - Available Listings

Visit our website

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March 22, 2024

Friday | March 22, 2024

FUTURE WORKFORCE

THE GREAT PIVOT

RETAIL VISITORS

PCDA BUSINESS PLAN PITCH-OFF

March 15, 2024

Friday | March 15, 2024

This Week

Ponca City Showcases Manufacturing

Workready Community

Business on the Balcony Returns

March 8, 2024

Friday | March 8, 2024

Recruiting Future Employees

International Women's Day

1 Million Cups

Oklahoma Innovation & Expansion Program

March 1, 2024

Friday | March 1, 2024

THANK YOU SO MUCH

Talking Less Taxes

Business Growing Pains

Ponca City Commissioners

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March 22, 2024

Friday | March 22, 2024

FUTURE WORKFORCE

THE GREAT PIVOT

RETAIL VISITORS

PCDA BUSINESS PLAN PITCH-OFF

March 15, 2024

Friday | March 15, 2024

This Week

Ponca City Showcases Manufacturing

Workready Community

Business on the Balcony Returns

March 8, 2024

Friday | March 8, 2024

Recruiting Future Employees

International Women's Day

1 Million Cups

Oklahoma Innovation & Expansion Program

March 1, 2024

Friday | March 1, 2024

THANK YOU SO MUCH

Talking Less Taxes

Business Growing Pains

Ponca City Commissioners

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​> LIVE

>do business

>programs

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