October 28, 2022

10/28/2022

LOOKING AT NUMBERS......and statistics and databases can sometimes get you called a numbers nerd. However, staff likes to delve into the numbers now and again. For instance, this week the third quarter Cost of Living Index (COLI) numbers were released and Ponca City is looking pretty good. You know why? Because inflation, higher food costs, rising medical and high utilities are everywhere. How Ponca City handles these highs and lows makes the difference. Cost of living numbers are based on six areas: housing, utilities, food, health & beauty, transportation and miscellaneous items like wine. If you want to see the full numbers, check out the Cost of Living calculator on the goponca.com website. You can see all the individual prices as well as compare cost of living in other United States locations. For instance, a doctor's visit here in Ponca City is more than half of a visit in San Francisco. Steak prices are pretty close, but apartment rental is over $3500.00 in dear San Fran as compared with $525 here. Any location in the U.S. that collects COLI info every quarter, is listed on the calculator. The grass is not always greener. Well, the grass may be, but I'll take our steak prices here in Ponca City.

Cost of living is based on a score of 100: Below 100, you are below the national average with pricing in these areas. Above 100: your community, city, or region is above the national cost of living average. Ponca City is sitting at 85.7 after third quarter. For all you data wonks out there, staff promises to keep you updated on how Ponca City pencils out for 2022.

SPEAKING OF NUMBERS…One of our favorite times of year happened last week: Goblins on Grand. And staff doesn't care who you are, having a main street full of over 1000 people including kids, grandkids, cousins and the neighbor next door is a good time.

Throw in some of our favorite manufacturers (thank you Dorada Foods) and some of our other industries (shout out to Bowers Trucking and Logistics) and everyone had an amazing evening. Sorry if you missed it. There is always next year.

YOU STILL HAVE TIME......time to get tickets to the best show in town. The Bill Coleman Roast happening on Thursday, November 3. That is next week people. Yes, October is on it's way out and we are halfway through November! Well, not really, but things are moving pretty fast.

And Pioneer Technology Center is pulling out all the punches with guest roasters Dave May, Sean Anderson and Barry Bickle is Master of Ceremonies. You will not want to miss this Roast!!!

PCDA TRUSTEES.... added a little bling to their standard Board of Trustee picture this month. PCDA Trustees are usually seven strong, but every so often a photo op comes along that just can't wait. Did staff mention three PCDA programs received four awards and two of the marketing videos were honored by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Oh, we did?

These programs and videos would not be in existence without a stamp of approval from the Trustees. Just another proud PCDA moment. Staff thanks all of our Trustees (pictured and not pictured) for their time, direction and leadership.