January 14, 2021

1/14/2022

MEETINGS

Used to be meetings were the gathering of people together to discuss one or more topics and work through projects to better be able to conduct work/events/programs. In 2022, meetings are more likely to be virtual or partially virtual with many emails, decisions trees, video chats and Team chats thrown in for good measure. Who would have thought after two years, professionals would be wishing to have face-to-face meetings on their schedule instead of griping about another meeting?

PCDA had the monthly Board of Trustee meeting this week. When we refer to our team, these are the owner reps calling the shots from the box seats. These meetings allow staff to seek direction on projects, report on projects and discuss economic vitality and needs for Ponca City. The PCDA Board of Trustees are our team and we are sure glad to have them. Keep reading for topics discussed this month. Meetings are open to the public every second Thursday at City Central, 7:30 am.

WORKFORCE

You may have heard a news story about workforce shortages; seen "Now Hiring" signs around town or are experiencing employee gaps at your own place of business. Why is that? Well, staff here at PCDA have been talking about this for awhile (13 years to be exact. But who's counting?). The presentation given by Laurence Beliel at this week's PCDA Board meeting gives you the highlights. Do you want to join our conversation? Send an email to lbeliel@goponca.com with questions, comments or just "I want in on this discussion".

BUILDING OUR OWN

On the topic of employees, Ponca Works is busy growing the next Ponca City workforce in partnership with the PC Public Schools System. How? Internship programs. Pairing local employers with interested high school students leads to hiring new employees which is how Ponca Works (the employer assistance arm of PCDA) is building the next workforce. Watch this video and meet a local entrepreneur who hosts one to two interns each year.

TEAM HEALTH

PCDA staff has also been having conversations with companies about retaining employees too. How is your company keeping the most valuable team players? The Gig Economy is a real threat, so having a conversation about health care, mental health, vacation, higher pay and remote work may need to happen for retention. Find out about mental health information here and read this article about how to have meaningful meetings on other topics with your employees here. The more you know......

TEAM MEMBERS

From lt to rt: David Myers, PCDA Exec. Director; Garrett Bowers, 2021 Chamber Chair & PCDA Board Member; Rich Cantillon, Chamber Exec. Director; Mayor Nicholson and City Manager Craig Stephenson.

Another set of team members is our wonderful Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Ponca City. This is a great picture as you get the full effect of teamwork in one take. Thank you to Rich's Team at the Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Nicholson and City Manager Craig Stephenson for their guidance from the City of Ponca City. Find out how to get involved with the Chamber on their website and there is always room on a City Board or Commission for an active citizen. Thank you Chamber and City teammates.