As you probably know, Ponca City has one of the top leadership programs in the state. Every year, PCDA gets the chance to spend some time with the class at the end of their program to go over the year to try and answer the question “Where do we go from here?” That happened on Wednesday and this session functions to some degree as a Town Hall of very well-informed people. Several issues were discussed, many of which you know about including housing, childcare, the continued need for more quality employment, restaurants and so forth. Please understand that they knew about most of these challenges when they started last summer.

The Leadership program, however, offered these emerging leaders an opportunity to really dig around in those sandboxes and get to the heart of several of these issues. Mind you, Wednesday was not a gripe session. Most of the comments related to their discoveries during the nine-month program were about the strengths and opportunities in Ponca City and how to build on those. But it is human nature for leaders to look at potential weaknesses and to try and fix them, and that took up some of Wednesday’s time together. Another hot topic was community involvement, and how to get more people engaged. This, they opined, is our collective community and simply being a keyboard warrior with strong opinions is not the same as making a difference. 

A big part of the leadership program is meeting the people, that is to say the actual humans, who are in leadership positions of companies, government, non-profits, etc. One cannot “unmeet” people, nor did anyone in Leadership Ponca City want to do so. Once met, there is a much deeper understanding that the issues are more complicated than conveyed by the ever-vigilant digital commentators. Ponca City relies upon good people making good faith decisions about things that often look different on the inside than they appear to be on the outside. Building on Ponca City’s many strengths is the objective, and that starts with a new generation of informed leaders. PCDA met many of these on Wednesday…and it further bolstered our confidence in the future.

You still have time to sign up for the dynamic Small Business Conference next Wednesday, May 1st. Attend the morning and/or afternoon sessions but definitely make time for the Keynote lunch speaker Stan Clark. Yes, Stan Clark of Eskimo Joe's fame.

Full flyer with all the information is below. Scan the QR code and get your name on the list. Pioneer Technology Business & Industry Services puts together a heck of lineup. See you next Wednesday.

This survey is for rural people to share their challenges and assets. Your answers help us and other organizations like government agencies, university educators, regional utilities and chambers better serve their rural people. 

Saveyour.Town has been asking for and listening to rural challenges since 2015. We've been conducting the Survey of Rural Challenges for 10 years, and this year there are 10 questions on the survey.

We use the results to create practical steps that help you shape a better future for your town. Because you tell us what topics rural people most want help with, your responses also get shared with others who work with rural communities and in articles and media stories.

Your answers to the Survey of Rural Challenges will:

• Influence better services for rural communities by many agencies.
• Help others to know what the real issues are in rural communities.
• Assist those working in rural places to make changes that will matter.
• Help other organizations address the needs of rural people.
• Direct the conversation in important ways.

More than 1700 people answered the survey in previous years. Results from 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023 and links to media coverage are available here.

Pioneer Technology is well known as an educational facility: for high school students and adults seeking training or career enhancement opportunities. But it is so much more. Companies seeking onsite training assistance for their current employees will find assistance as well as access to specialized equipment in the Flex Lab. 

Recently, when a key piece of machinery needed maintenance, Custom Mechanical Equipment was able to use the laser welder at Pioneer Tech in the Flex Lab. Working with their employee, supervised students were able to get some “hands on” time with a real project. Do you want to know more about the Flex Lab at Pioneer Tech or onsite training for employees? Give Johnny Thornburgh a call at 580.718.4328.  

Friday, April 26 // Ponca Politics Forum // City Hall

This is the final State Legislative Forum for this Legislative Session

Noon to 1 pm.

Mondays // Sunny Creek Trading Post // City Central

Sunny Creek will have a Monday Store

every week, 10 am to 6 pm. Pick up your

favorite local merchandise at this Farm Hub.

Wed, May 1 // Small Business Conference // Pioneer Tech

Make plans to attend this conference now. Morning

and afternoon session available. See flyer below.

Sunday, May 5 // Cinco de Mayo Celebration // 3 to 8 pm

Enjoy some authentic Hispanic & Latino food vendors

and dance the evening away. Celebrate with your

Latino neighbors at City Central, Lower Level.

Thursday, May 9 // PCDA Board of Trustee Meeting // 7:30 am

Join PCDA staff and Trustees for the regular monthly

board meeting for May. Coffee's on.

Redbud Room, Lower Level, City Central

Tuesday, May 14 // Business on the Balcony // 7 to 9 am

Health & Wellness is the focus. Grab some grub

and network with the local health and wellness providers.

On the Balcony, Suite #200, City Central.

Monday, May 20 // Customer Service Training // PC Chamber

Please call the Chamber Office at 580.765.4400 to get signed up

or schedule a private customer service training

for your employees

Rental Property - Available Listings

SIGN UP FOR SBDC PROGRAMS HERE

The Oklahoma Innovation and Expansion Program (OIEP) is open to applicants until 5 pm today. This15-minute application will take less than 15 minutes. If you have questions or need assistance, give Laurence a call right after you read this. Keep in mind you do not have to be a manufacturing company. If you have a yearly payroll of over $650,000 and are considering an expansion project or new equipment purchase, this program may be for you.

Ponca City companies received $450,000 in funds from this program in 2023. The deadline for 2024 applications is TODAY, APRIL 12th.

Congratulations to the eight companies who applied and were accepted into the program in 2023. Companies qualifying for the program funding included Heather Cannon, Rick Scott Construction and Head Country. Find more information on this program on the OIEP website. If you are ready to apply, here is the link to the application. This is your final bump, push, elbow to the ribs. If you have a project that could qualify, take the time to fill out the application. Check out the video linked below for more information on how companies have utilized the OIEP funding.

Business on the Balcony had some out-of-town visitors from the great state of North Dakota. Apparently, Ponca City's fame has spread to Watford City. Specifically, how all our business and city partners, well, partner so well. Pioneer Tech, the City of Ponca City, The Chamber, and PCDA were just tickled to tell them and show them all the things.

One of those things being B on the B where the 12 or so delegates from Watford City chatted with local business owners, City Central Tenants and got to see the view (though it was very chilly Tuesday morning) from the Balcony. Thanks for visiting and staff is positive they will borrow and copy all the Ponca City things.

National Small Business Week is the first week in May and Pioneer Tech has an amazing Small Business Conference lined up for May 1st. Stan Clark of Eskimo Joe Fame is the keynote speaker for the day. So, whether you can make time for the morning session, the afternoon session or stay for the day, you won't want to miss Stan at Lunch. Click here to see the speaker lineup.

This small business conference is for start-ups and existing businesses; there is something for everyone. If you are thinking about exit strategies, next-generation business owners or website/E-commerce accessibility, you need to get signed up now. For more information contact Janet Schwabe: [email protected] or 580.718.4309.

Monday, April 22 // Earth Day // Unity Gym

The City of Ponca City will hold an Earth Day

Event at the Unity Gym

9 to 1 pm. All Citizens are invited.

Monday, April 11 // Sunny Creek Trading Post // City Central

Sunny Creek will have a Monday Store

every week, 10 am to 6 pm. Pick up your

favorite local merchandise at this Farm Hub.

Thursday, April 18 // Bowling with PYE // The HUB

6 p.m.- 8 p.m. located at 16601 W. South Ave. in Tonkawa.

Friday, April 26 // FAQs in Food Manufacturing // Online

Register now for this online course hosted by Oklahoma

Small Business Development Center. Flyer is below.

www.oksbdc.org/apr26

Wed, May 1 // Small Business Conference // Pioneer Tech

Make plans to attend this conference now. Morning

and afternoon session available. See flyer below.

Rental Property - Available Listings

SIGN UP FOR SBDC PROGRAMS HERE

The Oklahoma Innovation and Expansion Program (OIEP) is open to applicants for one more week. If you are not sure your business could benefit from the15-minute application, please click on one of the businesses below and hear their story on how OIEP has assisted the growth of their companies. Not a manufacturing business? If you have a yearly payroll of over $650,000 and are considering an expansion project or new equipment purchase, this program may be for you.

Ponca City companies received $450,000 in funds from this program in 2023. Deadline for 2024 applications is April 12th. That is next Friday for anyone not near a calendar.

Congratulations to the eight companies who applied and were accepted into the program in 2023. Two of those companies are CME and K&C Manufacturing. Find more information on this program on the OIEP website. If you are ready to apply, here is the link to the application.

Business on the Balcony returns on Tuesday, April 9 to City Central, 7 to 9 am. This early morning networking opportunity is open to businesses, industry, Ponca City newcomers or anyone wanting to take advantage of a breakfast business meeting. Back for its fourth season, B on the B is the second Tuesday of each month April through September. This come-and-go event from 7 to 9 am is a chance to connect with business owners, managers and resource partners in the Ponca City area. City Central tenants are always welcome to drop by, grab a bite to eat, and chat.

Whether you have five minutes or have time to stay the full two hours, you are welcome to attend Business on the Balcony. April is the kick-off month and PCDA staff hopes everyone makes time to swing by. Tuesday, May 14th will be wellness and health-focused, featuring Integris Hospital staff, wellness practitioners and supporters. See all the dates on the flyer below. See you on the balcony.

That's a wrap on the 2024 PCDA Business Plan Pitch-off competition. High score business this year was Kristan Lawson with Under My Wing Academy LLC. This new model of childcare for Ponca City wowed the judges and gave Under My Wing the scores needed for the business incentives.

Next up was Liz Threlkeld pitching her Farm Hub store Sunny Creek Trading Post coming in a close second. Third place was Lonnie Doyle with his merchandising subscription service MerchClaim. Business plans were scored, Pitches were heard and the judges made some tough choices. Congratulations to Under My Wing Academy for being this year's Pitch Off Champion. Under My Wing moves forward with their new location at Marland's Place. Sunny Creek Trading Post will have a weekly store located in City Central (day and hours to be announced) and MerchClaim continues its beta testing, getting closer to a launch date.

If you would like more information on any of these business, please do not hesitate to give the PCDA office a call at 580.765.7070.

Saturday, April 6 // Seed/Plant Swap // City Central

Bring seeds or plants to swap with other

gardeners. But you don't have to. All are welcome.

10 to 1 pm

Saturday, April 6 // City Wide Garage Sale // Ponca City

List of garage sale sites will be available

online at poncacityok.gov.

All Day.

Sunday, April 7 // Great Day of Service // Life Church

Flyer is below with all the information. Please

sign up to help by Sunday, March 31st.

Tuesday, April 9 // Business on the Balcony // 7 to 9 am

B on the B returns to City Central. Make time

for some breakfast and some networking.

All are invited; come and go event.

Wed, May 1 // Small Business Conference // Pioneer Tech

Make plans to attend this conference now. Morning

and afternoon session available. See flyer below.

Rental Property - Available Listings

SIGN UP FOR SBDC PROGRAMS HERE