September 10, 2021

9/10/2021

THIS WEEK..... at the September PCDA Board meeting there was talk of August contacts and meetings with new industry, 44; existing industry, 86; government, 18 and small business, 12. August was slow with leads, but PCDA continues to work seven projects with companies still kicking tires and asking questions about living and working in Ponca City. Another topic was finding and keeping employees. You many have noticed retail and restaurants starting to limit service hours and, in some cases, the days they are open. (Don't blame Starbucks, they have the same COVID/workforce problems as everyone else). Other COVID related impacts included supply chains (or lack thereof) and appropriate and affordable housing.

One plus for Ponca City is we are connected: both in partnerships and our actual broadband connectivity. Broadband availability for small communities is a huge issue. Happily, PCDA will discuss how important and beneficial the City's decision to build out the WiFi access has been for existing and new families as well as businesses in our wonderful community. As COVID continues, and more challenges arise, be kind to each other and let's try to have some patience with retailers, service providers, educators and each other. Our world has been reset and most people are doing the best they (and we) can in the situation given. So now, let's share some good news as we head into the weekend.

THE SPLASH CO SURVIVAL SWIM.....is having their official ribbon cutting today, Friday September 10th, 10:00 am at the RecPlex. The Splash Co is the Summer 2021 Ponca CIty Business Plan Pitch-Off winner and are signing up students (children ages six months to six years) for their next session of survival swim classes starting in October. If you want to know more,check out their website or this informational video or follow them on Facebook. Brittney Rector is everywhere teaching kids and promoting water safety. See you at the RecPlex. Today. At 10 am.

CONGRATULATIONS

PCDA is run by a board of directors who are appointed by our City Commissioners. These board members are fiscally responsible, and create procedures and policies for doing what PCDA does best - growing the economy! Last week, not one but two of our excellent board members were recognized as top Five under 40 by the Ponca City Main Street. While we already knew that they were the top, it's nice to make it public. Congrats to Erica Fetters and Garrett Bowers who make this community a better place.

WORKFORCE

Do you ever have trouble putting together a skills list for new hires? Job descriptions for your long term term employees and what they do day to day? Or perhaps organizing a job description for the collection of jobs that are falling through the cracks from everyone else which actually needs to be a new position! We understand. It’s a tough spot to be in, and the easiest answer is a quick internet search or a generically named, and even more generically put together, job description. A quick edit for use and hope it brings you the right person. We beseech you, in the name of all things good, to STOP doing this! It does a disservice to your company and to your new hire. The expectations are long lost in translation; your company voice is not consistent and your interviewees will be under prepared and even more confused after the interview than when they walked in the door.

In addition, you’re not even sure if the right candidate is in the room with you, because you may not have attracted the correct applicants. We can feel your jaw clenching, because there is nothing more vexing then thinking of writing a cohesive and useful job description on a Friday afternoon, especially during Cherokee Strip Weekend. Take a deep breath, in through the nose, out through the mouth. There. Now open your eyes and know there is hope at the end of this dark tunnel. Writing job descriptions, hiring for your company, how to hire from within and creating a better company culture are all things Ponca Works has researched and is ready to share examples of best practices. We’d be happy to discuss your needs and help come up with something that can make your job descriptions easier. Give Ponca Works a call today (580.765.7070) or send an email to Liz . Assistance is just one call/email away.

Business Owners Can Get Their Share of 500 Billion

Pioneer Tech is hosting a free workshop that will help businesses gain a better understanding of how to sell to government agencies. The lunch and learn, Get Your Share of Over $500 Billion, will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Wednesday, September 15th here at City Central in Room 3C. To register for this event or for more information about the Bid Assistance Program at Pioneer Tech, contact Dawn Brakey by phone or email dawnb@pioneertech.edu.

With over 300 offices, PTAC’s form a nationwide network of more than 600 dedicated professionals who work to help local businesses successfully sell their products and services to government agencies. Dawn Brakey, local PTAC counselor, has served over 300 clients in 2020 and helped them win an estimated 73 million in government contracts and subcontracts. “My goal is to help companies find new opportunities and grow their business,” says Dawn Brakey. “By helping businesses, Pioneer Tech can stimulate the creation of new jobs and economic growth in our communities.”

Get signed up now by calling 580.718.4312 or email dawnb@pioneertech.edu.