May 26, 2023

5/26/2023

MANUFACTURING..... is being accomplished using robotics and AI. This used to be a thing of the future. Welcome to the future! With ChatGBT, Google AI, Salesforce Einstein and many more AI programs used for writing, art and business, a new arena to conquer has emerged: workforce. Robotics are becoming more prevalent in the manufacturing world. Several manufacturers here in Ponca City have machines going 24/7. And the demand for these machines grows daily. Robotics won't replace workforce; machines do what they're told and employees must have higher and better skill sets to be able to manage and program the robots. So, where does AI come into play? Can employees use AI to become more proficient at their jobs? Will artificial intelligence take over jobs? Maybe. We may all need to re-watch the "Terminator" movies because the future is now.

We still don't have hover skateboards for purchase, but computers live among us and they are changing our world. Some for the better; some for the worse. Because, good or bad, computers are still controlled by humans. And there are humans with good intentions, ethics and practices and then there are the bad humans; Using AI for scams, money bilking and calling poor old grandmas and grandpas and scaring them to death. Let's all be good humans and use AI and robotics in the best ways possible: Use technology to build bigger, faster, better businesses and communities.

THE AIRPORT INDUSTRIAL PARK.... or as staff lovingly refer to it, the AIP, is 1.25 square miles which includes the west and east sides of the Airport. That is 800 acres of land for industry, storage, some shovel ready land for development and water detention. Because, for better or worse, we have some hilly land in the AIP and water has a tendency to pool. Many thanks for our City engineers for being on top of this situation and enforcing the rules for building new buildings. Currently, many of the AIP companies are landlocked or water detention locked: Even though companies own land for building expansion, there must be concurrent water detention built.

PCDA continues to work with our companies to assist with these type of "good for industry" projects. Stay tuned for more updates in the water detention arena as staff explores the possibility of these large scale land (or water) projects.

GIRL POWER CAMP.....sign up is happening now for seventh and eighth-grade girls until June 10th. Discover the exciting world of STEM and unleash your inner genius. Girl Power STEM camp is the ultimate day camp experience designed exclusively for seventh and eighth-grade girls. This camp isn't just about fun; it's about building a pipeline of brilliant young women who will change the world. Get ready to immerse yourself in hands-on STEM activities and gain invaluable exposure to diverse industries. You will tour local companies, witness the latest innovations, and meet inspiring women who have conquered the STEM world!

Sign up now at poncaworksgirlpower.com and secure your spot in this exclusive camp. Discover your passion, make lifelong friends, and unleash your inner brilliance.

Some of the hands-on activities include project management, welding, using hand tools and chemistry.

MAY IS SMALL BUSINESS......month. Have you always wanted to start your own business, but don't think you "know enough"? Even more common for staff to hear is you have a gig/garage business that could become your full time business, but are unsure how to proceed. Enter in Oklahoma Small Business Development Center online programs. Many of these small business programs are remote and webinar based.

Use this last week of May to plan for June. There are programs for website design, business start-ups and budgeting (see below). Classes are all online. After you sign up for them, make sure to get dates and times on your calendar. Take an early lunch and tune in. Most programs are right around lunch time. Too much work and you can't make the program? OSBDC will record the presentations and send you a link to watch. You don't have the Q&A opportunities, but the information is gold. Bookmark upcoming events here.