MAY 28, 2021

5/28/2021

HOW ABOUT THAT WEATHER?....was the most asked question this week, otherwise known as pre-Memorial Day Weekend. Staff was interacting with local companies on workforce and supply chain issues as well as getting ready to launch some new businesses with the Business Plan Pitch-off on June 11th. The 28th Annual Herb Festival is next weekend, with a greatly expanded lead in, so don't miss the movies, costume contests and live theatre (flyer is below). Why does PCDA talk about stuff like activities for families, the lakes, the arts and the weather? Quality of life people. Quality of life. The days of workforce moving for a job are gone. Post-pandemic, people are looking for specific things: lifestyle, open space, affordable and appropriate housing and then, maybe, the job to pay for all of these things.

Remote working has been growing by leaps and bounds during the pandemic and will continue to fund many lifestyles in 2021 and beyond. Ponca City has to be a destination for some, a home for others and for those of us who already live here, our community. Get out and participate in all the things Ponca City; Remember all those who have died in service to our country and keep reading for workforce and industry updates.

Don't miss the 28th Annual Herb Festival at LA Cann Gardens on June 5th from 8 to 4pm. Be on the lookout for Gotham-ites, both good and bad,

roaming the downtown streets of Ponca City.

Farmer's Market is at the Pioneer Woman from 8 to 11 am.

SAVING MONEY FOR YOUR COMPANY

Oklahoma State University – Industrial Assessment Center (OSU-IAC) offers free energy audits to small and medium sized manufacturers. They are funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with a mission to reduce client’s energy costs. This program also provides opportunities for OSU engineering students to receive hands-on training under the direction of the OSU-IAC staff. They have successfully performed just over 1000+ industrial assessments, all at no cost to the clients. The OSU IAC program has identified and contributed $321.4 million in energy savings since 1982. Click here for brochure

Requirements:

The IAC is funded by DOE: $100K minimum annual energy bills; must be a small to medium sized manufacturer.

Rural Energy Assessment Center is funded by USDA: No minimum energy bill requirements; must be in rural area and small business. Any agricultural producers (mushroom, egg, jam and jelly, etc.), farm, ranch, hatchery, meat processing plant, commercial buildings, etc. are eligible. This program has more flexibility.

If you would like to learn more about the program or to schedule an assessment at your facility, please contact Janet Schwabe at janet.schwabe@okalliance.com or 580-823-0300.

YOU STILL HAVE TIME to submit your business plan for the Pitch-Off by 5 pm on Tuesday, June 1st to participate in the June 11th Pitch-off for over $5000 in incentives for your business. Check out the information sheet below and lets get your pitch perfected. Call or email Kat Long for more information 580.761.3028/klong@goponca.com

RESCHEDULED:

RETURN TO WORK job fair is happening next week on Tuesday, June 1 due to severe weather warnings yesterday. If your company or someone you know is looking for employees or a new job, city Central will be the place to be. If your company would like a table, here is the sign-up. See flyer below for more details.

GIRL POWER CAMP sign-ups are here! If you have a daughter, niece, or know of a girl between the ages of 12 and 13 getting ready to to into eighth grade next year, have we got a program for you. Get them signed up now with this link. Camp is the week of June 21 thru 25 at CIty Central. Cost is free for the campers. And if there is an educator or two who might be interested in assisting that week with pay, call Liz Leaming to find out all the details. 580.765.7070 or email lleaming@goponca.com.

GOTHAM COMES TO PC

And get ready to celebrate all things Bat....errrrr, Gotham as Ponca City goes a little batty June 3-5 during the Herb Festival weekend. All events are listed below and there is something for everyone when Gotham comes to Ponca City. Saturday, June 5th wraps up at City Central Courtyard with an interactive batman in the Courtyard, dancing, food trucks and drinks. Same bat channel, same bat time.

Tuesday, June 1 // Return to work Job Fair // City Central

Job seekers can put in application and interview

with employers from 4 to 6 pm.

June 3-5 // Gotham Comes to Ponca City // Downtown

Mark your calendars and keep on the lookout as the goodies and the baddies from Gotham descend on Ponca City to join the Herb Festival and Cruisin' Grand Festivities. See flyer below for full schedule.

Wed, June 9 // Cybersecurity & Working with DOD // City Central 9-4pm

See flyer below for more information on this free program

June 10-12 // 62nd Annual 101 Wild West Pro Rodeo // 101 Rodeo Grounds

Rodeo begins at 8 pm each night, with pre-show activities.

Friday, June 11 // Business Plan Pitch Off // City Central 9:00 am

Must have business plan submitted by 8:00 am on Tuesday, June 1

See information sheet below.

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