March 8, 2024

3/8/2024

Friday | March 8, 2024

Recruiting Future Employees

Where are small business future employees coming from? Internships and apprenticeships are one way to start the recruitment process. Get those high school students interested in your business model or your product now. And here is a readymade opportunity: The Career and Internship Fair on March 13th. Scheduled from 10:30 AM to 12:45 PM at PoHi. Picture yourself in the middle of a buzzing atmosphere filled with eager young minds, all hungrily seeking opportunities to connect with companies like yours.

By participating in this event, you'll not only boost awareness about your company but also have the chance to scout potential interns for the upcoming school year. Think of it as an early talent acquisition strategy - getting in on the ground floor with bright, ambitious students who could be the perfect fit for your team.

But wait, there's more! This isn't just about finding interns; it's about laying the groundwork for future collaborations. You'll have the platform to share your company's requirements for employment, ensuring that the next generation of workforce talent is aligned with your needs. And let's not forget about the graduating seniors. This is a prime opportunity to market any job openings you have to these eager soon-to-be graduates. Tap into their energy and enthusiasm as they prepare to take their first steps into the professional world.

Staff believes the more connections are fostered between education and industry, the greater the synergy created right here in Ponca City. To get your company on the roster for March 13th, click on this link and fill in those blanks. See you soon!

International Women's Day

Ponca City is known for its strong and memorable women, both past and present. Just walk down Grand Ave and check out some of our Main Street businesses including Farmhouse Kids, Kids Review, Simply Quilted, Cast Iron Company and PC Provisions to name a few retailers. There are also Edward Jones offices, Harvest Hall, The Doodle Academy and of course, The Pioneer Woman.

City Central was the venue for Dia de la Mujer (Day of the Women) hosted by HOLA (Hispanic Oklahoma Latino Association) featuring Dr. Robles OBGyn from Integris Medical, Ana Morales, Women's Coach and Family Therapist Daniella Reyna. This program was specifically for the Latina/Hispanic community and well attended. Dr. Robles had a very robust Q&A session and new friendships were formed within our diverse Hispanic community. Congratulations to the Outstanding Women selected, Mercedes Avila, Owner of Enrique's Restaurant and Stacy Calderon, local entrepreneur.

1 Million Cups

Sizzle Sauce Media was the business highlighted this month during 1 Million Cups. This Kauffman Foundation initiative gives our community a front seat, coffee infused opportunity to hear a business story. Most of the time it is a local success story like Sizzle Sauce Media. SIzzle, think sizzle real of all the best media and Sauce for the special sauce. Andy Hicks, owner and operator tells it much better.

Listen to his business story, where his business started and how it has changed and adapted with the years and technology. Congratulations to Sizzle Sauce Media and the collaborative efforts of all our local social and electronic media makers.

Oklahoma Innovation & Expansion Program

OIEP is a program for small businesses in Oklahoma funded through qualifying employee taxes. If that sounds hard to comprehend, let staff introduce you to Jeremy Stoner, Senior Vice President for Oklahoma Finance Authorities. Jeremy's presentation this week focused on how to access these funds during the application process coming up April 1-12, 2024.

In 2023, eight Ponca City companies received over $400,000 in funds based on their paid state employment taxes. Interested? The 11 companies in the room this week were as well. If you have questions, Jeremy has answers. Contact him here and take a look at his slide deck information here. And you need to look at the sample application here. If your company's payroll is a minimum of $625,000/year and you have a future capital investment project you plan spend some dollars on, this program may be for you.