Ponca City is know for the companies we keep. Over the years, industries and businesses have started, grown and thrived right here. One of those industries is food and agriculture. Think Lopez Dorada Foods, Log10, Cookshack, CPM Bliss and of course, Century Products. All of these companies reflect the Ponca City success story: start small and grow, grow, grow.

Sometimes. that growth is reflected in jobs; sometimes, in production.  For example, when Dorada Foods opened in the old Tyson building in 2011, their job counts were projected to grow from 200 to 400 employees.  Today, Lopez Dorada has over 800 employees and could handle a few more hires if there was available workforce. 

More recently, Century Products relocated from a smaller community.  Century needed a larger building and more land.  FIrst, the D&M building was purchased giving the company some breathing space.  But soon, Century's five employees had doubled and the 70,000+ square foot building wasn't too big; it wasn't big enough.  Century acquired the old Smith Building last year and are now over 30 employees and continue to grow to fit their capacity.  The Century Products new building is over 200,000 square feet.  That is alot of growing room. 

Read more about Century Products Colorful Colaboration here. 

No matter the growth trajectory, Ponca City has a little something for every business.  Just take a tour through the Duke building in the Airport Industrial Park.  Laurence is ready.  Just give the office a call at 580.765.7070 for more information about growing your business in Ponca City. 

​Aan exciting wave of change is sweeping through the local workforce landscape, and it’s all thanks to the Wildcat Internship Program. This collaborative effort between the Ponca City Development Authority (PCDA) and Ponca City Public Schools (PCPS) is redefining how students prepare for their futures, while simultaneously giving businesses an opportunity to cultivate their future employees.

The Wildcat Internship Program has become an essential tool in workforce development, and its impact is nothing short of extraordinary. Over the past 18 months, the program has seen a staggering growth of over 200%, a testament to its success and the interest from both students and local businesses. As of now, 98 students have signed up, with new participants joining each day. This surge in involvement highlights a community eager to invest in its young talent and prepare them for the workforce.

So, what makes the Wildcat Internship Program such a game-changer? At its core, the program is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. By placing students in actual workplace environments, it provides them with invaluable hands-on experience that goes beyond textbook knowledge. This practical exposure helps students understand the nuances of various professions, making them more informed and prepared for their future careers.

But the benefits don’t stop at the students. For local businesses, the program offers a unique opportunity to engage with potential future employees. By participating, businesses can showcase their operations, mentor young talent, and potentially identify the next generation of skilled workers. This early engagement not only helps in nurturing future talent but also strengthens the local economy by ensuring a well-prepared workforce.

The growth of the Wildcat Internship Program reflects a community-wide commitment to development and opportunity. Businesses that have participated in the past have seen firsthand how the program can positively impact their operations and the broader community. And with the current level of enthusiasm, there’s no doubt that this momentum will continue to build.

If your business is looking to get involved and make a difference, there’s no better time than now. To add your company to the list of those offering internships, simply reach out to Jordan Gross at [email protected]. By doing so, you’ll be joining a network of forward-thinking organizations that are dedicated to fostering the next generation of professionals.

The Journal Record reported this week that OKC is listed in the top 10 among large U.S. cities with the fastest growing housing market. Coincidentally, OKC's population has increased 15% over the last 10 years. New housing brings people to the community. And employers do love new workforce who buy houses in the area.  And why is that?  Stability.  Economic vitality. And generational wealth. (read the Journal Record Article here) 

Buying a house used to be the American dream.  It went along with 2.5 children, the dog and the stay at home mom.  But things change and they stay the same.  Buying a house is still some people's dream;  Most still want the dog, but maybe not the children.  The recent housing study sponsored by PCDA, shows that for the Ponca City population to grow, new houses in the $150,000 to $225,000 range must be built and be available for purchase but Ponca City residents; not investors.  The housing cost is based on an average household income of $50,000.  

That's a lot of mathing.  For households making more than $50,000/yr, a good average for housing costs is 30% of your income, including utilities, maintenance and all the fun things that come with home ownership.  If you want to check out the housing study, go to goponca.com and scroll down.  If you want to wait for the cliff notes, read the next August PCDA Economic Update.