Ponca City is celebrating a major quality-of-life milestone with the reopening of its movie theater after a four-year gap. Icon Cinemas has completed a full renovation of the Prospect Avenue location and is unveiling a modern, fully updated four-plex theater which is the result of a strategic partnership with the Ponca City Development Authority (PCDA).

The Icon Cinemas Ponca City theater now features luxury recliners, upgraded digital projection and enhanced sound, and refreshed concession offerings, with beer and wine coming soon. Moviegoers can reserve their seats online at IconCinemas.com.

Icon Cinemas operates locations across the region including Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and two additional theaters in Oklahoma and brings a proven track record of community-centered service and modern theater experiences.
This project reflects PCDA’s broader efforts to strengthen Ponca City’s workforce ecosystem by supporting amenities that help attract and retain talent.

 “This is a workforce development project at its core,” said Liz Leaming, Director of Retail and Workforce Development at PCDA. “People want to live and stay in communities with great places to shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment. The reopening of this theater brings those community ties back to Ponca City, and the extra tax base doesn't hurt either.”
Over the past several years, PCDA has prioritized projects that enhance community vibrancy, create activity hubs, and reinforce Ponca City as a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. The theater reopening aligns with the same outcomes delivered through other PCDA initiatives, from industry expansions to retail recruitment, childcare support and placemaking projects at City Central and throughout the community.

“PCDA is happy to bring this project to life, and we are so proud to support Ponca City in this way,” said Lori Henderson, Executive Director of PCDA. “This project reflects the kind of partnership that continues to move our community forward.”
Icon Cinemas owner and operator Stetson Snell expressed enthusiasm for Ponca City’s momentum and community support.

 “Ponca City is a great community, and Icon Cinemas is excited to serve all of you for years to come,” Snell said.
The remodeling effort relied heavily on the work of local contractors, whose craftsmanship helped ensure a high-quality and timely transformation. PCDA and Icon Cinemas extend special thanks to Waldorf Heat and Air, Stolhand-Wells Group, American Roofing, McDonald Electric, Spiva Painting, Adams Plumbing, and Mike Snow Construction.

Icon Cinemas also expresses gratitude to the Ponca City community for the strong interest in employment. The new team is already demonstrating the high-quality service Ponca City is known for.

With expanded amenities, local investment, and a renewed sense of community excitement, the reopening of Icon Cinemas represents more than the return of movies it is a meaningful step in Ponca City’s continued growth and economic vibrancy.
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The theater will open its doors to the public beginning 12/4/25 with showtimes and ticketing available at IconCinemas.com.

Ponca City Development Authority Invests in Childcare Capacity

                The Ponca City Development Authority (PCDA) has committed funding toward infrastructure updates at the former Washington Pre-K Center, paving the way for the Child Development Center (CDC) to expand childcare services in Ponca City. The facility, leased by the CDC from Ponca City Public Schools (PCPS), will soon offer dozens of new childcare spots, addressing one of the community’s most pressing workforce challenges.

PCDA has been actively working on solutions to fill the gap in quality childcare in Ponca City, an issue that directly impacts the ability of local parents to participate in the workforce. “If your kids aren’t safe and cared for, you cannot concentrate at work,” said PCDA Executive Director Lori Henderson. “This project is about strengthening families, employers, and the community as a whole.”

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the problem nationally, with many women leaving the workforce to care for children due to limited childcare availability and heightened concerns around safety and illness. Even as the economy rebounded, childcare shortages have continued to keep families, especially mothers, from rejoining the workforce.

While this has been a long-standing issue in Ponca City, discussed at various levels for nearly 18 years, recent momentum has produced results. In 2024, Under My Wing Academy created more than 40 new childcare spots after winning PCDA’s Pitch Off business plan competition. Earlier this year, PCDA launched a Childcare Certification Assistance Program to help centers with licensing and certification costs, approving its first two incentives this summer.

Now, with infrastructure support at Washington Pre-K, PCDA is helping the CDC increase childcare availability through this joint venture with PCPS.  Kat Long, PCDA Small Business Coordinator, who has championed childcare discussions in the community for nearly two decades stated, “Families need these services, and our local employers need a workforce that does not have to choose between caring for their children and holding down a job.”

This initiative reflects a national reality that childcare shortages have become a critical economic development issue. Across the United States, businesses are experiencing record challenges in hiring and retaining employees, with the lack of affordable and accessible childcare often shared as a top barrier.

By investing locally, PCDA continues to support Ponca City employers and employees while giving children safe, high quality learning environments. “Expanding childcare is workforce development,” Henderson said. “When parents can focus at work, businesses succeed, and the community grows stronger.”
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For more information about PCDA’s childcare initiatives, call 580-765-7070 or fill out the application by visiting https://www.goponca.com/small-business-assistance.html.

From Ponca City Mayor Wagner's Facebook Page - July 2, 2025

Yesterday, I hosted Heather Turner, Deputy CEO at the OK Department of Commerce and Executive Director of the CORE Division (Community Outreach and Revitalization Enterprise) in Ponca City.

We met in City Hall with City Manager Craig Stephenson, Deputy City Manager Don Bohon, and Development Services Director Chris Henderson. We discussed the wonderful things happening in our city, as well as what the future of Ponca City might look like. From our plans to invest in infrastructure, growing our retail and manufacturing sectors, to expanding access to housing at all levels, developing more city amenities for citizens, and harnessing the amazing potential for tourism development, Heather had great ideas and inspiration for our city.

After our meeting, we took Heather on a tour of Ponca City. Heather was so impressed by what we already have to offer here in Ponca City! From our $24 million RecPlex to our beautiful Lake Ponca recreation area and Wentz Camp and Pool, as well as our vibrant downtown, Heather was impressed and enthusiastic about what we have to offer.

After our tour, we met for lunch with our local Main Street staff, Maci Heppel and Emily Helling, as well as PCDA CEO Lori Henderson, for more brainstorming. We discussed the critical parts all these organizations play in the growth of our city, and what Heather was MOST impressed with was how well everyone in our city works together. Even if we don't always agree, we work together, support each other, and strive towards our common goals. Heather said it's rare to find that in cities today.

We capped off our day with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce to celebrate our new downtown Streetscape. It was a great day showing off our wonderful city! I would like to thank Heather Turner again for taking the time to visit, and I look forward to our continued partnership in growing Ponca City!

This past weekend, Ponca City Development Authority (PCDA) joined city leadership and community partners in a joyful celebration of Marshallese Constitution Day, also known as Jemenei Day, hosted by the local Marshallese community. 
Observed nationally in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on May 1st, Constitution Day commemorates the independence and founding of the Marshallese government. Among Marshallese communities across the United States, including right here in Ponca City, the holiday is traditionally celebrated over Memorial Day weekend, allowing families and friends to come together in celebration of their heritage, values, and vibrant culture. 
This year’s event was especially meaningful, marking not only the celebration of independence but also the inauguration of new officers for the Ponca City Marshallese community. The program offered a beautiful opportunity to experience Marshallese language, music, and community priorities firsthand—a moving reminder of the rich cultural contributions of the Marshallese in Ponca City. The new officers for this year include Tarson Alfred as President, Taklur Bollong as Vice President, Alynn Isaiah as Secretary, with Ketty Wase and Ketina Bollong as Treasurer.  There are also four heads of sports Richard Robert, Melody Robert, Kapono Hong, and Mona Hong.  
Ponca City leadership and community partners were honored to be part of the ceremony, including Mayor Kelsey Wagner; City Manager Craig Stephenson; Jennifer Dye and Barbara Cusick from Ponca City Public Schools; Shelley Arrott and Zach Trantham with the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce; and Lori Henderson and Liz Leaming from Ponca City Development Authority. 
Following the formal ceremony, the weekend festivities continue in true Marshallese fashion: with food, fellowship, and fast-paced softball games. 
“Ponca City is incredibly fortunate to include Marshallese families as an important part of our workforce, our schools, and our cultural fabric,” said Liz Leaming, Ponca Works Director at PCDA. “Events like Constitution Day give us a chance to honor that connection and build stronger relationships.” 
As part of its ongoing outreach, PCDA has been working to provide additional tools and resources to help Marshallese residents feel more connected to services and opportunities in Ponca City—including the implementation of a translation phone line to improve communication and access. 
To learn more about PCDA’s work with the Marshallese community or how to get involved, please contact PCDA at 580-765-7070. ​

Approved Ponca City projects for the Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program (OIEP) were announced earlier this month. Four companies were accepted into the program for employee tax funding projects for new equipment and construction in the amount of $380,365.00 One of the applicants was bumped up to a bigger program and received $200,000 for their project. The total funding of $580,365.00 will result in an economic impact of $1.9 million for Ponca City. This program is open to Oklahoma companies with a payroll of at least $625,000 per year, for-profit and ready to invest a minimum of $50,000 in their facility every April.  Read more about the program and see the complete list of projects for the state at  https://www.okcommerce.gov/oiep/.

The selected Ponca City companies must spend at least 10% of the project budget by September 30th, 2025 whether on equipment or expansions to create new capabilities, revenues or new jobs.  

The four companies with qualifying OIEP projects are:

CPM Acquisition Corp (CPM/Bliss)     $150,000
Greenwood Group, Inc    $ 74,865
K&C Manufacturing Inc   $ 35,500
Stolhand Wells Group     $120,000
    
Larger project approval went to Century Products for $200,000. 

This is a great Oklahoma Department of Commerce Program designed to assist small business grow, diversify and add jobs in Oklahoma communities.  If your Ponca City company has questions or would like more information on these types of incentive programs, please do not hesitate to contact Laurence Beliel at 580.765.7070. 

​Why Downtowns Matter
by Lori Henderson, PCDA Executive Director
 
When I think back about the memories I have about places I have lived, I rarely think about a vast empty parking lot on the busiest retail corridor in town.  Now, granted, I come from a small town and parking lots were a temporary respite while we were cruising (yes, I’m that old).  But the cops would always run us off no matter what we were doing, so the stay in that parking lot was brief and we moved on to another spot until they found us again.  Most of my memories of the places I have been involve the house where I lived, the school I attended and then the downtown district.

From parades when I was little, either marching in them when I twirled baton those two years on the late 80s, riding in them for homecoming , watching the band and the classic cars go by or covering my ears when the firetrucks drove past, sirens wailing.  And then taking my kids to those parades and covering their ears, too, and making sure they didn’t get run over going after that stray sucker on the street.

Coming from a small town, there were festivals downtown that offered baked goods, antiques, games and prizes and all manner of wares that our moms sold like Avon and Tupperware.   Cakewalks, people.  I was always game for a cakewalk. 
Downtown was where I walked after middle school to find my mom at the bank where she worked.  She would give me a buck or two and I would walk down to the drug store for a pop or whatever little thing I could afford with my $2.  Downtown is where I saw my first movie with a boy (that did not go well) and where I worked at the grocery store when I was in high school.  Downtown is simply where things happen.  Things that mold you into the person you are today.  Things that make lifelong memories and where you want more memories to be made.  A connection.

Economically speaking, a vibrant downtown makes for a vibrant city but also serves as a hub for commerce.  We pay our bills downtown.  Grandparents mail packages to their grandchildren downtown.  My husband is gonna buy me that ring I really want in the jewelry store downtown, I just know it.

As I got older, I started to notice more detail about the downtowns I enjoyed.  The architecture and the dates at the tops of the buildings, giving you a little glimpse of history and possibly sparking a google search about what once was.  The deterioration of a building well over 100 years old, and the immediate longing to be able to stabilize it for future generations.  In Ponca City, it’s the brick streets, the Poncan Theatre, our beautiful City Hall or our library that happens to be packed with amazing art and, yes, books, too.  Honestly, too many details to mention.  Do you know how many brothels we used to have way back when?  Answer – more than you realize!

And we still have fun things to do downtown like Main Street Ladies Night, Ice on the Plaza and Crazy Days.  We still have parades for the rodeo, Veterans Day and Christmas, and my kiddos still love going to them even though they are getting older.  Hundreds of people work downtown, we shop downtown, we eat downtown.  I make it a point to take my family downtown.  Because I want them to have those same fond memories I had growing up, even though they are growing up in quite a different age than I did way back when.  And if we’re smart about, and we take care of the downtown we know and love, we will have it for generations to come.  Our downtown really does serve as the heart of the community and downtown Ponca City definitely has a special place in my heart.

Taking place from May 12–16, the week recognizes and honors the dedicated work of economic developers and their contributions to communities around the world. Ponca City Development Authority is proud to be part of this great international organziation and participate in the 2025 Economic Development Week, a global initiative led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This year we celebrate our partners The City of Ponca City, PIoneer Technology Center, Ponca City Main Street and The Ponca City Chamber just to name a few. 
"The future of economic development is centered around collaboration and partnerships," said IEDC president and CEO Nathan Ohle. "Economic Development Week is an opportunity to celebrate and lift up the stories of economic development happening throughout the world. At the heart of this year’s Economic Development Week are stories of collaboration and partnership, and how the field of economic development works together to support, cultivate, and drive economic prosperity for place of all sizes, in every region in the world.”
The IEDC created Economic Development Week in 2016 to recognize the work that EDOs and professionals do in their communities. IEDC celebrates Economic Development Week every year, highlighting the programs, best practices, and exceptional individuals that positively impact life in their communities. In just a few years the event has become one of the most widely recognized awareness weeks of its kind validating the—often unheralded—work of the economic development profession.
“Economic Development Week is a crucial time to reflect on our collective achievements and to plan for a future of inclusive and sustainable growth,” said [Name of the Spokesperson], [Title of the Spokesperson] at [Organization Name].“Through [Event/Initiative Name/Etc.], we are inviting businesses, community leaders, and the public to join us in celebrating our progress and to engage in meaningful discussions about the economic future of our community.”

Make sure to check in next week at Business on the Balcony in the PCDA office at City Central.  City Central is a long term economic development project.  If you don't know the story, ask staff.  We will answer all your questions.  
                       Business on the Balcony     Tuesday, May 13     7 to 9 am 

Later in the month, Mayor Wagner will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Downtown Revitalization.  Make sure to attend. 
                       Downtown Revitalization     Thursday, May 29    6 to 8 pm     City Hall
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One of PCDA's favorite months is May! Small business is the backbone of most economies; Especially in Ponca City. Only two companies exist locally that fall outside the small business definition. We love both of them, but May is to celebrate the other 95% of industry, retail and service small businesses. If you are a small business or an entrepreneur ready to take that next step, check out the flyers below for dates and times. What are you waiting for? Let's get going and start celebrating your next small business. National Small Business Month is a time to recognize the hard work, courage, and community efforts of small businesses. 

This month-long celebration highlights the importance of small businesses to the economy and local communities.   Especially to small communities in a rural setting.  It's a time to acknowledge the challenges and successes of small business owners, while also celebrating their role in driving innovation and job creation. 

Small Business Month includes seminars, networking opportunities, and events.   Ponca City Main Street will partner with PCDA to host Tools for your Business in The Summit @City Central on Tuesday, May 6th from 5 to 7 pm.  Pioneer Technology Business and Industry is hosting Lunch & Learn Workshops on May 13th and May 21st.  See flyers below for more information and registration path.   

Small businesses are a vital part of the American economy, accounting for the vast majority of businesses and employing a significant portion of the workforce.   The month-long celebration encourages consumers to shop local, support community businesses, and recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs.  
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Past Business Plan Pitch-off Small Businesses still in the Ponca City Community include:
Vortex Alley Brewing           2017 Pitch-off Participant
Aesthetic State of Mind      2020 Pitch-off Champion
Splash Co. Inc                        2021 Pitch-off Spring Champion
Nena Tacos                             2021 Pitch-off Fall Champion
The Alley                                 2022 Pitch-off Participant
Paws on the Pavement        2023 Pitch-off Champion
Under My Wing Academy   2024 Pitch-off Champion
Sunny Creek Trading Post    2024 Pitch Off Participant
 

Staff has hosted well attended focus sessions with partners, local leaders and the Ponca City Leadership Alumni over the past few months. And they have been great! The consensus from all the groups was Ponca City needs to keep moving forward; and all the great events, programs, recreation available here in Ponca City need a more effective platform. Everyone receives information differently: paper, media, reading, listening, word of mouth, etc...
How does Ponca City let Ponca Citians know about their community? It starts with community, and we are not talking the community watch page! A good starting place if you want to get involved is happening in May.  Mayor Wagner and Ponca City Commissioners are hosting two upcoming Town Halls about revitalization: Ponca City and Downtown Ponca City.  This is a great way to get in on the ground floor of new Ponca City Projects and create a more cohesive community. 

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If you want to become more involved, this will be the place. See below for more information. See you there!