March 17, 2023

3/17/2023

SHARING IS CARING …this week at PCDA. Staff are the recipients of many types of email newsletters. From Manufacturing Daily to Pioneer News (OK Commerce) to the Small Business Administration (SBA), we receive so much information. Staff would like to share.

If you would like more information on what is happening in the Manufacturing world, check out "Today in Manufacturing" and get on their newsletter list. Everything from robotics in the workplace to making a faster, better widget. Another one of interest, which gives a good overview of all things Oklahoma and economy, is the "New Pioneer" monthly newsletter from Oklahoma Commerce Department. Point in its favor: it is MONTHLY! Two favorites from staff in the small business growth and mentoring arena, would be the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (OSBDC) and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE).

Of course all staff have different interests, especially with work-type newsletters and information gathering. For example, Ponca Works Director Liz Leaming likes the information found in Cat Johnson's newsletter and blogs about co-working and marketing strategies. All this to say, give us a call at PCDA. We may have the information you are seeking or know where to find it.

Businessman using a computer to document management concept_ online documentation database and digital file storage system or software_ records keeping_ database technology_ file access_ doc sharing.

FINDING FUNDS....for projects last week were over 10 local companies at Pioneer Tech Center. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce Representative Jeremy Stoner gave a presentation on applying for Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program funding. This funding program will be open for companies to apply for a very short window, April 3-14 on the OK Commerce website. Jeremy gave information on types of programs, how much funding is available and how the incentive program works from a company's standpoint. Find out more here.

PCDA will continue to remind local industry and manufacturers to get your information and projects ready to apply. The two week application timeframe is set in stone, so don't procrastinate. Projects that have company investment, jobs and an impact to the community will have the best chance at this $15 million in state funding. Projects are eligible up to $150,000 matching funding. If your project is bigger than that, go ahead and apply as it could qualify for another program. More on that program soon.

FIND YOUR NEXT .....future employee at the Internship Career Fair next week on Thursday, March 23. Internships are a great way to train-up the next generation of workers on location. Sure, you need some patience and a way to onboard these high school Seniors one hour a day, five days a week. But bonus points to your company for educating this younger generation on jobs and careers available right here in Ponca City. Sign up for the Internship Career Fair here or contact Jordan Jackson-Gross at 580.718.4878 to get an intern assigned to your location for the 2023-24 school year.

GREAT DAY OF SERVICE..... is scheduled on the first Sunday of City Wide clean up here in Ponca City. This is a 10th Anniversary event where volunteers in Ponca City work to clean up yards and properties for free in underserved areas of town. Last year (2022) we improved 146 households with a team of 625 volunteers! The City of Ponca City received 66.4 TONS of material from the curbside just from our work. Phillips 66 and other local businesses are providing support and informing employee resource groups of this opportunity. Interested employees can sign up at a participating church. Release form is here and to find a local church to sign up contact Ryan Hampl, Great Day of Service coordinator for P66 and Life Center in Ponca City. ryan.hampl@gmail.com. Cell 785.787.3604.

DEADLINE APPROACHES.....for the Spring 2023 Business Plan Pitch Off. Writing the business plan is the first step. And that is the big one. The business plan makes you really think about all the aspects of your business: financial, marketing, customers, employees and exit strategies. Business plans must be submitted on March 22 by 5 pm. Pitches will be heard on Monday, April 3rd at 9 am.

All the information on the PItch-off can be found here. Call Katherine at 580.761.3028 or email if you have more questions. Business must be located in or plan to relocate to Ponca City to receive incentives.