June 18, 2021

6/18/2021

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT....asked a person this week. What does that mean? Which made staff stop and think. Because we have the standard answer of growing new jobs for Ponca City. But there is so much more: expansion of existing companies; business to business partnerships and contracts; attracting businesses which compliment and grow existing companies' reach to customers. Then there is assisting small business with staff time, information and access to existing industry. And workforce! You can't have a conversation about the economy in this day and age without workforce being front and center. How to recruit; where to recruit; what is the average pay scale and how the heck do we keep employees once they are hired?

All these things are on the whiteboard right now as PCDA moves into the new fiscal year. Yes, that's right. It is almost July and the relentless march of time continues. Keep reading to find dates and information on Lunch & Learns for finding and keeping employees who are a "fit" for your company; Girl Power! Camp is happening next week as we groom the next generation of workforce and a standing ovation for The Splash Co for receiving the high score on last Friday's Business Plan Pitch-off. And last, but not least, where were you Tuesday morning when Business on the Balcony was happening? Keep reading for all the details. And our businesses like us! They really like us!

The Splash Co received high score and praise from the judges for a clear, concise business plan submission and an excellent pitch which included a powerful one minute video. Brittany Rector, owner and operator of The Splash Co Survival Swim saw a problem when she learned accidental drownings were the leading cause of death in children ages zero to four. She also had a solution when she discovered formal swimming lessons can reduce this number by 88%. And her business model was started. The Splash Co will receive a $2000 check as well as money for equipment, marketing, office space and Ponca City Chamber membership for one year totaling $5000 in small business support. “This is overwhelming and amazing,” said a grinning Rector. “I knew I was competing for incentives, but this type of support is much more than I thought possible.” Find out more information about The Splash Co on their Facebook page and the website www.gosplashco.com.

The next Business Plan Pitch-off is scheduled for November 12 with business plans to be submitted by close of business Tuesday, November 2. Businesses must be based in Ponca City whether store front, online, manufacturing or back office. For more information and to participate in the next Pitch-off, contact Kat Long at 580.761.3028 or email klong@goponca.com for more information. Congratulations to The Splash Co Survival Swim as the Spring 2021 Pitch-off incentive recipient.

Pictured Judges and Pitch-off winner: Shane Blaes, RCB Bank; Brittany Rector, Owner The Splash Co; James Roller, Victorum Capital and Mark Detten, PCDA Trustee

B ON THE B

25 people attended the June B on the B (business on the balcony) this past Tuesday including Tanner Roberts, Field Rep for Senator James Langford. Tanner got the true B on the B experience by chatting with the 7 am drop ins and then some conversation with the 8 am group pictured here. We truly love the synergy in City Central when the community drops in to do some networking with other businesses. On the balcony. Mark your calendar for the next B on the B Tuesday, July 13 from 7 to 8:30 am. This is the place to find out information, ask those questions and get the 411 on the things PCDA can talk about.

Girl Power! Camp is happening next week! Staff is getting all the project ready for the 13 girls attending this STEM camp. They will explore construction, manufacturing, welding, assembly, chemistry and some augmented tours of industry. The coolest part? Staff keeps running into past girl power girls at high school graduations and they say "I am so glad I attended Girl Power!". Yes, we are too.