August 4, 2023

8/4/2023

Friday | August 4, 2023

Broadband to Home Project Completed

You might have noticed that The City of Ponca City has been in the midst of a broadband to home project within the city limits for the last couple of years. If you haven't noticed, here is your update. The broadband to home project is complete. Any home (including apartments) in the Ponca City limits can access broadband as part of their utilities. This is a big deal. Not to steal the City's thunder ,here is their very detailed press release on PC Broadband. Just to highlight, having a city-wide network is very big city for our small micropolitan. And it took quite a few years and a lot of champions (thank you City Commissioners) and resources to complete. Pricing is excellent (starting at $60/month) and it is available for businesses (wifi) as well. If you need the actual hardwire, it may cost you more. But staff digresses.

Be proud of your City Government. As many people realized during the pandemic, fast reliable, broadband was essential for people to work from home; Especially for healthcare workers sending electronic files, supporting patient portals and completing telehealth visits. According to the study Bringing Broadband to Rural America, published in 2020 by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, rural areas benefit from strong broadband infrastructure: “Broadband access and adoption in rural areas is linked to increased job and population growth, higher rates of new business formation and home values, and lower unemployment rates.” Economic vitality is judged by business growth, influx of new businesses and the ability to recruit workforce. Having access to city-wide broadband is a huge plus for retaining and attracting companies.

Business on the Balcony Next Week

You don't want to miss Business on the Balcony next Tuesday, August 8th, 7 to 9 am. Yes, that is in the morning before the heat takes over. A little bit of breakfast, a whole lot of networking. Meet your local companies, welcome new people to the community. There is always something happening at B on the B.

This is a come and go event. Show up anytime between 7 and 9 am.

New Emergency Resource Center is Open

So many people were in attendance for the Ribbon Cutting this week at the New Emergency Resource Center and Police Station. Chief Bohon thanked everyone for attending as did Mayor Nicholson. It was so hot, the ribbon almost didn't get cut as everyone tried to head inside after the Thank yous!

Everyone seemed to get the blue shirt memo and it was another great day in Ponca City!

Thank you Ponca City Industries

Just another shout out to all the industry companies who assisted with tours and hosting the 2023 Girl Power STEM Camp last week. A big Thank you to Winterrowd Talley Architects, Phillips 66 Refinery, K&C manufacturing, Custom Mechanical Equipment, Continental Carbon and Century Products for your time and talents giving the Girl Power campers a glimpse of their future possibilities.

To see the campers at all the locations, follow Ponca City Development Authority on Facebook. A special thanks to the facilitators including past camper, Ava O'neill.

Ponca City Needs Housing

This week the Oklahoma Academy hosted a listening session at City Hall to hear what Ponca City has to say about housing. Topics included affordability, accessibility and attainability as well as roadblocks and points of pain for those wanting to live and work in north central Oklahoma. Though many in the room spoke of owning a house, the subject of market rate apartments and well kept rental housing was part of the conversation. Industry, non-profits, legislators and regular citizens were in attendance. Staff was so engaged, pictures were not taken. Instead, this picture is of the new housing addition being built on Bradley and Seventh.

The conversation highlights and points of interest will be part of the three day Oklahoma Academy held in October in Tulsa. Rural communities are encouraged to send delegates to the conference to participate in this important subject of housing. The 2022 topic for the Oklahoma Academy was Workforce. See past reports here.

New Teacher Luncheon Sponsorships

The Chamber is still seeking sponsors for new teachers starting at PCPS this year. The annual New Teacher Luncheon will be held on Thursday, August 17th from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Ponca City Country Club. Cost is $50 and covers your meal and a new teacher's meal.

This is a great opportunity to support our educators as well as introduce yourself and your company to these new teachers. Some of them are new to the community and it's always nice to meet a friendly face.