may 17, 2024

5/17/2024

Friday | May 17, 2024

Ponca Proud

Last week, Ponca City Leadership Class 37 launched a new fundraising event: The Mr. Ponca City contest. PC Leadership classes are known for their outside-the-box class projects: The Battle of the Burger competition began by the 27th PC Leadership Class, The Ponca City Firehouse Bell project by the 22nd PC Leadership Class and The Lew Wentz Statue at the corner of Grand and Sixth Street with funds raised by the 2004 Leadership Class. Those are only the projects staff could find information on. Each Leadership Class has a project; each class accomplishes something for the good and benefit of Ponca City.

The goals of the Leadership Program are to Identify potential and proven community leaders, motivate them to be involved in Ponca City's future and create a united network of volunteers for Ponca City. Ponca City was built by leaders who gave back. Everywhere you look there are statues, memorials, plaques, and buildings dedicated (and many times donated) by Ponca Citians. This is how a community thrives. And survives.

So, if you haven't committed to a Ponca City Leadership class yet, here is your chance. The 38th Class of PC Leadership wants you. There is a time commitment; there is a business funding commitment but there is so much opportunity to get plugged into the community throughout the year as you learn about all things Ponca City. Need more information? Email [email protected] or call 580.765.4400 for a nomination form. You will never regret becoming part of the Ponca City Leadership Program.

Now, for some ROI from this year's Class Project "Mr. Ponca City". Thank you to the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce for sharing this information. Congratulations to PC Leadership Class 37 and to Mr. Ponca City, Relo Adams.

We Hate to See You Go

Last week PCDA Trustees made staff's day with the announcement of Lori Henderson as the next PCDA Executive Director. Though we have begged David to stick around for awhile, he has other retirement plans.

Join the PCDA Trustees and staff for a reception in David Myers' honor on Thursday, June 13th from 4 to 6 pm at City Central in the South Lobby (full invitation below). A little toasting to the man and a few tears on his "adios and ciao". Come and go, but David will be pushed to the front to say something at 4:30 pm.

Small Business Startups

99.9% of the businesses open in the United States are small businesses. Small business is defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as manufacturing companies with 500 employees or fewer and non-manufacturing companies with average annual receipts under $7.5 million.

Many of these small businesses are home-based or cottage industry with just one person on staff: the owner. PCDA, Pioneer Tech Business & Industry and The Chamber are here to help these small businesses. Last week, Honey Herbs & More set up a two-hour pop-up shop at City Central. Sunny Creek Trading Post has a storefront at City Central every Monday and PCDA Staff assisted with a provisional patent application this week. The Chamber has held several ribbon cuttings and a Business of the Month presentation to young Ponca City businesses. The Pioneer Tech Incubator is currently recruiting start-ups to their facility.

Do you want to own your own business? It's a big step, but Ponca City has you covered. Call Pioneer Tech Business and Industry Services at 580.762.8336 and chat with Janet, Ben or Brook about all things small business. Call the Chamber at 580.765.4400 and enquire about chamber membership and don't forget all the information available at GoPonca.com.

In the Gallery

You still have time to visit this unique and thought-provoking exhibit in the John McNeese Gallery. This art exhibit is an immersive exhibition created by artist Sarah Elsberry in memory of those lost to the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons epidemic.

Exhibition Hours are Tuesday thru Friday, 12 to 4 pm until the end of May. Spend time in this unique and beautiful exhibit created in remembrance for those lost in this epidemic. Ponca Tribe and/or City Arts members will be present during gallery hours to answer any questions.