February 9, 2024

2/11/2024

Friday | February 9, 2024

This Week

This week, the PCDA February Board of Trustee meeting agenda was jam-packed with discussion items such as the upcoming Desigh 2 Part show happening in March, the process for finding PCDA's next fearless leader, and of course, discussion on housing, retail, childcare and workforce attraction and retention. Spec Building Duke was talked about, as pretty, ready-to-be-leased buildings often are as well as updates on the elevator project at City Central and flood plains in the AIP. January staff reports included 33 contacts with new industry, 62 "how you doin?" with regional partnership and over 125 "How can we assist?" meetings at City Central. There were three leads which brought total projects to three. One major announcement that staff proudly shared with Trustees and visitors, was the fact the PCDA's Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) visit last month went very well. So well, that PCDA has been resoundingly approved for accreditation by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for another three years.

Why is this accreditation important? Several reasons. Accreditation from the IEDC unequivocally proclaims PCDA as an excellent and high-functioning economic development office. Which in turn showcases Ponca City as a community ready and able to participate in the highest levels of economic development. Examples include supporting a new company such as Trailer Butler or Century Products. And assisting an existing company to grow and diversify such as CPM Bliss. Log10 or Dorada Foods. All of these companies were showcased during the AEDO Team site visit in January. Staff loves to talk about our companies and projects, but when we can show them off in person: that is showstopping! Special thanks to our AEDO Team visitors Fred Welch, Executive Director from Copperas Cove, Texas (right) and Jim Fram, Community Growth Strategies from Columbia, Missouri (far left). And a round of applause for all our companies, City officials, Pioneer Technology peeps, and all who participated in this visit.

What's Your Happy?

PCDA Trustee Erik Peitz was able to watch his son make Friends this week at a school signing. Evan Peitz signed to play football at Friends University in Kansas. And we all need friends, right? Trustee Peitz was heard saying at the PCDA Board of Trustee Meeting this week that Friends University is a good fit for his son who intends to study business.

Perhaps Ponca City has a third generation getting ready to steer Custom Mechanical Equipment in future decades. Gotta love a legacy family business! Congratulations to the Peitz Family and especially to Evan.

SBA Information

The Link First Friday's February presentation by Cindi Carter of the SBA was a wealth of information for those attending. These entrepreneurs enjoyed a little lunch and a whole lot of financial program overviews available from the Small Business Administration.

Make sure to mark your calendar for the return of Business on the Balcony, Tuesday, April 9th in the PCDA office and balcony. Invite new to Ponca City individuals as this networking breakfast is a great way to find your tribe here in Ponca City. And of course, don't forget the avocado sourdough toast. We won't. If you need more information on SBA programs, please do not hesitate to contact our local representative Ben Evans at Pioneer Tech at 580.716.4262.

1 Million Cups

Shawndra Sheik, owner of Waymakers Floral was the small business presenter this week at 1 Million Cups. Shawndra started a silk floral business for event rentals during COVID and was approached by the owners of Grand Flowers to purchase their business located at 111 E. Grand Ave. And the rest, makes for a wonderful business story.

Take a few minutes and listen to Shawndra's business presentation as well as the great Q&A session. She is being presented her very own 1MC cup by Brook Lindsay, PTech Business Solutions Coordinator.