Weekly Update Friday, March 26, 2021

THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG…if you hear that old saw and think “That’s about economic development!” well join the crowd. If there was only the chicken, what would that mean for a community’s future? And since just focusing on the egg means that the chickens suffer, well that won’t work either. In a community, most “eggs” (jobs and economic growth) come from existing chickens…but not all chickens lay eggs. Existing businesses often worry that a new business will steal their workforce or their customers. History, however, has also proven that assuming that a chicken will live forever is not a winning strategy. So it goes.

The job of economic development is to introduce new businesses and opportunities to Ponca City. This is done in a variety of ways, although the best way is to get the business here to look around. These “site visits” happen far more than you know and they are usually on the industrial side. What all businesses ask for is workforce. Some only look at an algorithm to see if we have the workforce (and we thank you for participating in the 2020 Census). Others look for clues in town such as the existing company base, trendy retail, schools, health care, broadband, recreation, arts and culture, etc. The bottom line is that for a community to grow, and for existing businesses to grow with it, an influx of people and new money is always necessary.

Chick-fil-A had a warm Ponca City welcome last Friday at Central Fare. Those who couldn't brave the rather long line, opted for a Jim's Jumbo burger instead. Thanks to everyone who came out and enjoyed the glorious weather and a little Chick-fil-A. Stay tuned for the next chick drop by.

City Central is excited to host EPIC testing in April. This is just a heads up for our coffee shops and lunch rooms downtown. You may get a little busier; at least we hope so. EPIC students will be doing their year-end testing throughout the month of April, so cheers to the teachers, the students and all the administrators putting this together.

Yesterday there was a drive thru job fair held at Garaga Mid America, for the approximately 25 positions they have to fill. The newly renovated Garaga Mid-America Facility new employee spaces, higher wages, and a team atmosphere. Many shifts available, starting at $11.50/hr with raises for attendance immediately. You can still apply here: https://www.goponca.com/ponca-works/for-employees/

Ponca Works is hosting a job fair at the University Center

on April 26th, 12-4 pm

job Seekers show up during those times.

Employers sign up here:

Local businesses and manufacturers interested in working with Department of Defense need to make time for this free cyber security program in April. Hosted at City Central by PCDA and Pioneer Technology Center, get signed up here for the April 14th program. Lunch is included. See flyer below for presentation information.

Feb & March // Save those Receipts // Ponca City Chamber Office

Save your Ponca City receipts and take them to the Chamber office at the corner of Fifth and Grand the entire month of February and March.

Winners will be announced in April .



Wed April 14 // Cybersecurity Training // City Central 9 to 4 pm

Sign-up with these links: April 14: Register Here

SEE FLYER ABOVE

Thursday, April 1 // Small Business Help Desk // City Central Link

8:00 to 11:00 am Ben Evans from Pioneer Tech Business Services and Oklahoma Small Business Development Center will be at the PTech Desk in The LInk, First Floor.

Ben is a great resource for all things small business

Wed, March 31 // Prepare to meet your Gov't Customer // City Central

Government contracting program. Getting your business pitch together and your information sheet finalized. #JustAskDawn 580-718-4261

NEW DATES:

Friday, June 11 // Business Plan Pitch Off // City Central 9:00 am

Must have business plan submitted by 8:00 am on Tuesday, June 1

See information sheet below.

More Information