As we greet each other throughout December and into January, at parties, family gatherings, and office get-togethers; try different holiday greetings like "May your holidays shine bright", "Joyous Festivities!" and "Season's Greetings"; remember to also "Shop Local". The businesses, both retail and service in our community, are owned and/or managed by our neighbors and friends. They may be your child's best friend's mom or dad, or your sister's soon-to-be father-in-law. Whoever they are, these business owners took the plunge and opened a store, restaurant, or service in our community. Shopping local during this holiday season is the least we can do. Because it is the most we can do. Supporting local entrepreneurs and small business owners, franchisees and managers of larger retailers is still supporting our community. And spending money in the community is economically sound.

That money churning in our community is important; it keeps the economy moving in the right direction. And your kids need to see you spending your hard-earned cash here; locally. Ponca City is a retail hub for north central Oklahoma. Yes, really. People come from across the Kansas border as well as from the Osage and outlying areas to shop and seek entertainment right here in our Palace on the Prairie. Ponca City is surrounded by small towns. Heck, we are the big city to many. The Festival of Angels alone brings several hundred people to town on the weekend. Maybe they even eat dinner and grab groceries before they drive through the lights and head home. Here that? That is the sound of a driving and thriving economy. Happy Holidays and Shop Local.

New to the Ponca City manufacturing community, Trailer Butler relocated here in 2023 from Las Vegas. And as is right and true, growth is in their future. Enter Pioneer Tech welding students at their location. These two welding students are receiving some hands-on training from Troy Armonde, Trailer Butler owner. If you don't know what Trailer Butler manufacturers, check out this video as Troy explains and demonstrates.

This type of workplace experience is invaluable as these PTech students get to work on real projects and see end products. If your company is seeking to hire new employees, get in touch with Johnny Thornburgh to receive more information on aligning Pioneer Technology students with your industry/business needs.

Ponca City has its own magazine: Ponca City Monthly. Celebrating the third Christmas Gift Guide, which was on the racks before Black Friday, PC Monthly is packed with local stories about organizations, events, retail and restaurant locations, new business and industry in Ponca and the surrounding area. There is something for everyone, kind of like Ponca City: Small town, big life.

Copies are free and the list of rack locations are many. This month, check out a little something from PCDA Executive Director David Myers on the high touch economy in Ponca City and the future of remote work. Electronic copy found here. Thank you PC Monthly for the stunning picture of City Hall and Courtyard.

This morning from 8 to 11 am, First Fridays @the LInk is happening with Donuts & Dilemmas. Mostly, staff is talking business dilemmas, but maybe, you are seeking information on a project or program and just need some information or assistance. Come on over to The Link @City Central, grab a donut, and ask your questions.

Staff from Pioneer Technology Center Business & Industry as well as PCDA staff will be available to assist. Have banking or insurance questions? Jeff McKinnon from Cherokee Strip Credit Union will be available to answer questions as well.

Mark your calendars for the next First Friday @the Link, January 5th, for a free coworking day, complete with free wifi, first come, first serve office for the day, and some networking with existing Linkers. Need space for a meeting? One of the coworking perks at the Link is meeting room space. Want more information? See you today, Dec, 1, or January 5th.