October 6, 2023

10/6/2023

Friday | October 6, 2023

Congratulations to PCDA

Not to brag, but we will: Your Ponca City economic development office is free to brag about the six awards PCDA and our community took home last month at the Annual International Economic Development Council Conference held in Dallas, Texas. The infographic below tells the story (four golds and two silvers are Ponca City's) and staff has other pictures if you would like to see the slideshow. Programs winning gold awards were the Business Retention & Expansion program The Shared Equipment Program which is designed to assist local manufacturing and industry with large scale equipment which can be shared by many companies. The Shared Equipment Program won two awards: Business Retention & Expansion and Innovative Programs & Initiatives. The Wildcat Internship Program won gold awards in Talent Development and Retention & Partnerships in Education.

All of these awards have a partnership component: Wildcat Internships with Ponca City Public Schools and The Shared Equipment Program with Pioneer Technology Center, but these last of our six awards are definitely partnership based: The Hispanic Heritage Festival won silver for Economic Equity & Inclusion as did The Ice on the Plaza for Neighborhood Development. Hats off to the Hispanic Oklahoma Latino Association (HOLA) for all their work on the Festival and a standing ovation to Ponca City Main Street and their Board for Ice on the Plaza. Teamwork makes the Dream work.

Incidentally, Ponca City was the only community winning six awards in total. We know that 'cause we counted. That is out of 580 entry nominations. PCDA Staff thanks all our partners, stakeholders and the Ponca City community for their unwavering support.

Collaboration & Co-work

Maybe you have heard of The Link @City Central? The Link is a co-work space with affordable offices, desks and a monthly membership to City Central to meet clients, set up a remote work office or operate your small business. Since the pandemic is officially over, networking opportunities are once again in full swing. PCDA invites you to a series of First Friday co-work events starting today in The Link with Coffee & Conversing. Coffee, tea and maybe some nibbles will be available in The Link until 11 am for those looking to solve a problem, get information or just take a tour of all the co-work amenities happening at City Central.

Can't make this first, First Friday? Never fear, more are scheduled and the schedule is listed right here. Canva in November and Donuts & Dilemmas in December. You don't want to miss the free co-working day on Friday, January 5th.

Finding Your Next, Best Customer

Is your business looking for new customers? Have you ever thought about getting certified to contract with the local, state, federal or tribal governments? And before you ask why, keep in mind that government entities buy all kinds and types of products and services.

National APEX Day is next Thursday, October 11th at PTC Business & Industry Services Building, This event is from 1 to 3 pm and gives you, oh business owner, an opportunity to ask all of your government contracting questions and talk to current government contracting companies. Dawn Brakey, our very own APEX Professional will be on hand to chat about capabilities statements, pitches and the upcoming ICBS Show in OKC on October 23-25. Make plans to attend and chat more about finding your next, best customer.

Tell Your Business Story at 1 Million Cups

Troy Ormonde founder of Trailer Butler Portable Trailer Dolly, shared information about the electric trailer dollies his family designs and manufactures here in Ponca City. Joined by his wife, Angie in this venture, Trailer Butler is a transplant manufacturing company from Las Vegas.

Troy told the story of how his business started during the pandemic and how his family decided to move everything to Ponca City. He had some really nice things to say about how welcoming and helpful the community has been to his family and his business. Click here to see his complete presentation.