The Workforce & Education Summit held at Pioneer Technology Center yesterday was a hit.  Keynote speaker Mark Perna opened the day with a dynamic presentation on Focus, Plan and Action when addressing workforce and education alignment and current workforce gaps.  Perna gave a "call to action" for the employers, educators and support organizations in the room.  This lead into a panel discussion of local employers (picture above) talking about pressure points.  Moderator for the panel was Adam Leaming, Ponca City Public School Superintendent; (standing) and from left to right seated:  Mark Perna; Chris Mendoza, Integris Hospital; Robbie Powell, Cookshack; Erik Peitz, CME and Jeff Williams, Centerline.   Topics on the panel included what types of programs each of the businesses had to recruit and keep employees, training and future plans to fill their employee pipelines. 

Next up was an interactive lunchtime with table discussions followed by Joe Cox and John Woods presenting information on registered apprenticeships.  This included how to get started, the funding that is available (yes, there is money for your company's apprenticeship program) and how their office will sit down with your company to fill out the paperwork.  

Then Gen Z took the stage.  Laurence Beliel, PCDA was the moderator for these twenty somethings who are living and/or working in our community.  They had a lot to say about being in the workforce, what motivates them to work and why they do what they do.  From left to right below:  Dylan Magic, CPM Bliss; Jenna Wells, WTA Architects; Maddie Newcomb, Marland's Place and Josh Brown K&C Manufacturing.  These Z'ers gave the room some lighthearted moments, from calling the 40 hour work week "A scam" to emphasizing that there has to be life/work balance for employees.  Not just Gen Z, but everyone.  

Whether you were a participant, a panelist or a partner, PCDA, Pioneer Technology Center, NOC and The Ponca City Chamber thank you for being part of this conversation.  Because this is just the start.  Fill out those surveys and get ready for more conversations on the future of workforce and education in Ponca City.   If you have questions or would like access to the information shared during the Summit, please contact Liz Leaming at lleaming@goponca or call the office at 580.765.7070. 

Gamemasters Guild, a 2019 PCDA Business Plan Pitch-off participant, had an idea for a mobile gaming unit. Because they like to share their passion for tabletop and board games, this homegrown small business wanted to take their business on the road to smaller communities lacking a hobby store. Enter The Backing Small Businesses Grant. 

This grant will enable GMG to take our business on the road and engage more gamers, board and electronic, young and old alike.  "Look for us at your next community event!" stated Matt Prater, one of the owners of Gamemasters Guild.  "Though we are excited to receive this national grant, our local economic development office, PCDA, has always been a small business cheerleader," continued Prater.  "Without the Business Plan Pitch-off Competition, and the City of Ponca City Grant in 2022,  our hobby business would not have survived one year, let alone COVID."  

Gamemaster's Guild received a $10,000 Backing Small Businesses Grant presented by American Express, in partnership with Main Street America.  They were one of only 500 recipients of this program.  The program's 2024 grant recipients represent U.S. small businesses across all 50 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico.  Later this year, grantees will have the opportunity to apply for an additional $30,000 enhancement grant that will be awarded to 25 small businesses. 

Since launching in 2021, Backing Small Businesses has provided over $9 million in grants to 1,180 small business owners nationwide.  American Express and Main Street America initially created the grant program to help economically vulnerable small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses. 

This program is part of American Express’ “Backing Small” initiative to provide financial support and resources to small business owners experiencing economic hardships. Other Backing Small grant programs include Backing Historic Small Restaurants and Backing International Small Restaurants. Backing Small is an extension of American Express’ longstanding commitment to support small independent businesses globally, including through its Shop Small movement and Small Business Saturday campaign, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Meet the most recent Backing Small Businesses

​Enhancement Grant Recipients: https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/500-small-business-owners-receive-10-000-grants-through-backing-small-businesses-program

To learn more about the Backing Small Businesses grant program and learn about the grantees, click here.

​PCDA is committed to combat the housing crisis limiting rural communities' growth.   Recent data from a comprehensive housing study conducted this spring revealed startling statistics: only 121 houses have been constructed in Ponca City over the past decade, underscoring a critical shortage of affordable housing options in the area. 

"For years, Ponca City has faced the challenges posed by a limited housing supply," remarked Lori Henderson, Executive Director of PCDA. "The demand for affordable, quality housing has consistently outpaced supply, stalling our community's growth potential and impacting our ability to attract and retain a diverse workforce." PCDA is pleased to announce the allocation of one million dollars towards housing initiatives over the next three years to assist with Ponca City's housing needs. 

Since November 2023, a dedicated committee composed of PCDA trustees, community members, city commissioners, and PCDA staff has convened monthly to devise strategies to address the housing shortage. After extensive deliberations and collaboration, the amendments of Housing and Retail have been added to the PCDA trust indenture.  "In April of this year, following votes by both the PCDA board of trustees and the city commission, we finalized amendments to the trust indenture to include incentives aimed at stimulating housing development," Henderson explained. "These incentives are designed to complement the City of Ponca City's existing Housing Incentive Program (HIP), ensuring that developers receive additional support to undertake crucial housing projects." 

The decision to align with the City's HIP program reflects PCDA's commitment to leveraging resources effectively to foster housing development. Henderson expressed optimism about the partnership's potential impact on the local housing market. 

Chris Henderson, from the City Development Services Department, has played a pivotal role in facilitating these initiatives, ensuring that projects are streamlined and supported from inception to completion. 

This one million dollar investment towards housing initiatives over the next three years, demonstrates  a substantial financial commitment to addressing Ponca City's housing needs.  "We are excited about the prospects ahead and remain dedicated to advancing solutions that will enhance housing accessibility in Ponca City," concluded Henderson.   Find out more about the Ponca City HIP 2.0 program and the complete Ponca City Housing Study here.