November 5, 2021

11/5/2021

END OF THE YEAR…is signaled by the arrival of November. Some people say December, but they don't own or operate a business. This is the time of year businesses start assessing their tax burdens (or losses), manufacturers rush to complete this year's contracts and fill that pipeline with next January 2022 customer orders and the retail and service industry start the Christmas sales. This year feels a little different than last year and a whole lot different than 2019 now that we collectively enter into the ", after a Pandemic" phase.

COVID shots are available for those that want them; boosters are available if you qualify, but still available. Business and industry are in full swing and as mentioned, Christmas is happening. Supply chain issues still abound and collaboration to get jobs done is on the upswing. Pioneer Technology Center is able to see the light at the end of their construction and we all wait patiently (and not so patiently) for that open house party. The Pandemic taught industry how to work together; how to partner and collaborate. Ponca City is primed to continue this type of business building and we have some success stories to share.

Just a Reminder: Veterans Day is next week on on Thursday, November 11th and take time to attend the Veterans Day Parade this Saturday.

An old american flag on a antique wooden platform - Veterans Day

Paint by Numbers: Copyright and Trademark for your created products is happening next week on Wednesday, November 10th at City Central, Room 3C. This Lunch & Learn with Chad Hinrichs, Patent Attorney, will be specially geared for artists and other creatives to safeguard your work and products. Bring a friend. Lunch is provided until it runs out.

Call Kat at 580.761.3028 to sign up or send an email or message. You know who she is. And if you don't sign up and find the time that day to come, program begins at 11:30 and the presentation is an hour. Take your lunch with us on Wednesday, Nov. 10th.

Program will be recorded and uploaded on November 15th for viewing on the PCDA Facebook page.

ONE MORE TIME:

NETWORK DANGER!

SAFEGUARD YOU COMPUTERS.....especially at work. As you hear more companies getting ransomed and "hacked", here are some tips to pass on to your employees to keep your computer network safe.

Infection of a single device on your local network can compromise all local data.

If you receive an unexpected email stating you need to update your account password, do not click a link in the email to go reset it. Open another browser and go to that website and reset the account there. The links embedded in the email are often spoofed to have you enter your account information into the bad guys’ system..

Any email with overly aggressive wording, poor grammar or spelling errors, very tight or urgent timelines, or requesting purchase of materials that can easily be turned into cash are most likely fraudulent.

If you receive an email that seems to be from a contact you know and feels out of character, be wary of any attachments, links, or requests. Just don't click. Send a new email to that person confirming the first email or call them. Better safe than sorry.

Make sure your organization has solid backup strategies in place for all data, and is following best practice guidelines for firewall use and Antivirus software. Seriously consider implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever possible to prevent unauthorized access in case of a compromised password.

MORE TIPS: Here is a good link from the Federal Trade Commission that gives details and more tips. Be Safe out there. It is pretty scary in cyberville.

COLLABORATION

Robotic welding arms. Carbon fiber 3D printers. Micrometers for measuring the smallest designs. And all the upcoming construction plans and project information in and around Kay County. This is all free information and machinery for your Ponca City business to utilize. Where you ask? The Plan Room at Pioneer Technology Business Services. This equipment and information is available, with a short sign up and tour, for Ponca City companies. This Plan and Equipment Room is a partnership with Pioneer Tech and PCDA.

PCDA Staff were introduced to Flippy the robot a few weeks ago. No, robots are not going to replace all workforce. But with the rate of hire going down, robots are going to have to help out. And they can work steadily. 24/7. These robotic workers need to be paired with human counterparts, so make sure to pay attention you high schoolers. This is not your iPhone or XBox. Need more information? Give Laurence a call at 580.761.7071 to find out all the details about robotics, programs and collaborating with other businesses in Ponca City.