February 3, 2023

2/3/2023

INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR…Last week’s Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Celebration included four major award categories. You no doubt read all about this in last Saturday’s Ponca City News but allow us, please, to dote on the Industry of the Year. This award is typically awarded to a manufacturing company that achieved great things during the year. “And the award (went) to”…..Evans and Associates. It’s not that they did anything particularly dramatic in the past year….and that was the point. They did what they always have done. Their employees leaned into community initiatives including schools, workforce, civic groups, charitable groups, etc. etc. They also lent strong support in many ways to other community activities including a lot of behind the scenes stuff that generally does not get much glory but is oh so important.

Lest we not forget, they also employ a lot of people at strong wages. The company had a lot to do with people having money in their pockets to spend at Ponca City restaurants, stores and so forth. Sure, they do this every year and that is exactly why they were honored. The high level of success and consistency of support can easily be taken for granted, as we humbly admit is done for other Ponca City companies as well. Last week, however, on that night and at that place the community stepped back and said to Evans and Associates, “You’re special, and you are appreciated.” And so they are.

Pictured below is Linda Brown, Lee Evans and David Myers.

THE ALUMNI…Another award presented during the Chamber Celebration was the Citizen of the Year award. This year’s recipient was Natalie Fraser, a selection immediately and heartily endorsed by the thousands, okay hundreds of people at the Celebration. The past Citizens of the Year were in attendance mingling with us commoners to welcome and congratulate their newest inductee. One thing became clear. Okay, two things. The first is that you have to be very special and work very hard to get that award. The second is that it really really helps, at least over the past ten years, to have served on the PCDA Board of Trustees. Natalie Fraser was a member, as was Jodi Cline, Lee Evans, Kelly Johnson and Larry Murphy before that. Coincidence? We think not. Pictured with Natalie is Health Cannon, the 2021 Citizen of the Year.

IRON UP....at the Duke building in the Airport Industrial Park. We have talked concrete and building supplies, but iron in the air means this project is halfway to completion. Laurence took a lot of pictures, but this one says it all. Check out the virtual rendering of Duke online. Marketing for companies to move into the building is underway in our target industries of contract manufacturing, business services, energy, food manufacturing and agriculture.

Transportation Survey – what is missing in our community with regards to transportation? Make your opinion known by taking this survey from Oklahoma Active Transportation. This group wants to hear from people in all types of communities about wants and needs for transportation, including infrastructure and all types of mobility including walking. Click here to read more about OKATP.org and take the online survey.

1MC.... happened this week at Pioneer Technology Center. Chad Winslow, Owner of Oklahoma Labels and A+ Printing was the business presenter. If you didn't make it, never fear: technology is here. Chad's presentation can be seen here and feel free to browse all the other businesses who have told their stories at 1MC. If you would like to share your story, reach out to Brook Lindsay at (580)718-4316 or brookl@pioneertech.edu.

See you next month. First Wednesday. 8:30 am.

We got the coffee. Bring a friend.

Business & Industry Services.....at Pioneer Tech has programs available for ongoing manager and supervisor training; Customer service training, crucial conversations and team building just to name a few. Corbin Dewitt specializes in onsite or classroom setting leadership training for individuals and businesses seeking to train-up key employees. Free and for-pay programs for local companies. Call 580.718.4222 or email corbind@pioneertech.edu to find out more about programs and training available.

Find all the services and resources at Pioneer Tech Business Services here.

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE..... at City Central. The Link and Link II have plug and play office space available for your specific needs. Need a desk for a day? Gotcha covered with wifi included. Need an office for a week to meet clients or have business meetings? Why yes, The Link is ready to assist. If you need further information, give Aubrey or Lori a call at 580.765.7070 or check out more info at CityCentralPC. The public art and comfy waiting chairs are just bonus features for the daily, weekly or monthly rates.