October 7, 2022

10/7/2022

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.....was happening all over Ponca City this week. From 1 Million Cups to a new roof on an expansion project to finding out how many building projects submitted permits at the CIty in September. PCDA staff worked on articles, white papers, graphics and got our notes in order for a couple of interviews happening next week. There were meetings to finish up, business plans to tweak for the Pitch-off coming up in November as well as the usual phone calls about demographics (you wouldn't believe the money spent on pets in Ponca City), land, buildings, city broadband questions and meeting room bookings for out of town visitors. Staff saw announcements for upcoming retail and service business openings, to which we say Congratulations!

In all this economic churn, the fun that is October is upon us, so get ready for Halloween Happenings all over town. Shop local, spend local and invite your friends and family to visit during this very busy holiday season.

ROI.....RETURN ON INVESTMENT is a key factor in any project or program. PCDA enjoys being strategic with facts and reporting. Instead of a lot of words, check out the graphic below which gives you, the Ponca City partners and investors, an overview of the last fives years work here at PCDA, by the numbers. Staff has more facts to share, but this will serve as a start.

RAISING THE ROOF...... at the Cookshack expansion this week. This glorious fall weather is aiding builders in their efforts to complete this existing company expansion. Sticks in the air and roof going on. The Duke Spec Building is up next for the pad rebar and concrete pour. Don't worry: Staff will share pictures as soon as we have them.

You still have time to get that business plan together and pitch your fledgling or new startup business to local judges for a chance at $5000 in incentives for your business growth. Past Pitch-off competitors include Aesthetic State of Mind, Survival Swim Co and Vortex Alley Brewing. Click here for all the information on participating in the PItch, how to get started on your business plan and phone numbers for those who can assist with questions.

The Pitch-off is for Ponca City start-ups and microbusinesses ready to grow with a business plan and pitch to local judges for incentives. Hear from past participants and incentive recipients by watching this video. Next Pitch-off date is November 14th.

Aesthetic State of Mind owners Shannon Somers and Sam Lionelli accepting their incentives check from David Myers, PCDA Executive Director. Aesthetic State of Mind received high score at the 2020 PItch-off competition.

Dr. Margaret Bowman, owner of the Pioneer Vet Clinic was the business featured this week at One Millions Cups. Her and her husband Brian Lebeda took advantage of COVID to revamp an aging clinic, build new kennels and doggie daycare areas as well as update clinic equipment and services.

See Dr. Bowman's full presentation here and make plans to attend 1MC next month on Wednesday, November 2nd, 8:30 am at Pioneer Technology Center in the Serminar Room. Bring business cards for networking and come early to chat with 30 or so of your favorite business people.