PCDA WEEKLY UPDATE
This Week
THIS WEEK .... while most of the world was on spring break, PCDA staff were answering phones, finding information and facilitating job shadows at four local businesses with interested PoHi students.  You, dear reader, will be happy to know Ponca CIty is being closely examined by new retail/food entities (nope, we can't say more than that) and questions are being asked about traffic flows, underserved parts of Ponca and grocery stores.   In the industry area, staff continue to assist local companies to retain employees and grow their companies right here in PC of OK in the U.S.  For more acronyms, upcoming business programs and more pictures, just keep reading.  And a Happy St. Pat's Day to you all!
For Ponca City Companies.....
UNIVERSITY CENTER IS HOSTING … the Spears School of Business program this spring! Mark your calendars for April 5th, May 24th and June 21st.  The first program on April 5th will feature Matt Bowler (who you might remember from Manufacturing Day at the Hanger) presenting a program about "Changing Roles:  Understanding Power and Leadership." Class size is limited so check out the flyer attached below or click on this picture and call or fax in your registration(s).  For more information on all these programs, click the flyer.  Special thanks to the University Center partnership with OSU Spears School of Business and Dorada Foods to bring quality management programs like this to Ponca City.  See you at the UC!
 

with Liz Pershing
JOB SHADOWING....Boots hit the ground this week at PoncaWorks as four lucky high school seniors stepped into the world of the working.  It will be six short weeks before these seniors transition from “student” to “workforce” and are unaware of what will make them successful in the workplace.  This may just be me venting, but does the younger generation seem…young?  They also seem to keep getting younger the older I get, Correlation?  Maybe, moving on.  Bower’s Trucking, Sooner Construction, Anderson Salon and Spa, and Eastman National Bank helped to give the students a feel of what employers are looking for, what a day in the life of many different jobs look like, and what responsibilities will soon be on these soon-to-be-workforce shoulders.  PoncaWorks got to shadow the shadow (creepy?) at Eastman where the HR department wanted to ensure the confidentiality of their customers (shocking!) so they got creative with their tour.  Each office we visited explained her/his role at the bank, and how that role plays into the greater part of what the bank provides to a community.   It was inspiring to this staffer to hear each employee speak about how they love their job and their community, as well as the story of how they got to where they are today.  Our local employers are the best! This experienced based learning can only grow from here. Cheers (with green beer) to a stronger and better prepared workforce in the future!
FAST, EASY, CHEAP ...... marketing tips and tricks will be the subject on March 30th, when Matt Maennche from Skynet Solutions presents his "Marketing Your Business" information for a Chamber Lunch & Learn.  This program is from 11:30 to 1:00 pm and will including information on optimizing your website, easy marketing solutions, using Facebook effectively and maximizing your marketing budget.  Sponsored by Skynet Solutions, Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, PIoneer Technology, Tulsa Score and Constant Contact, this program is a must for any small business operating on a fixed marketing budget. To register, Call Diane at 580-718-4222 or email Diane at Pioneer Technology
Best Pitch words in a red and black ink grunge style stamp to illustrate the top, most convincing and persuasive presentation or proposal
BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION &.....Pitch-off. Interested in participating?  Make sure you get the criteria and incentive information listed on the GoPonca.com website.  Start to gather the information for your business plan:  what is your product or service?  Can you describe your business in 30 seconds or less?  Having difficulties articulating parts of the your business plan?  Make sure you sign up for the upcoming April 4th (that's 4x4) "How to write a Business Plan" at Pioneer Technology Center in the Business Services meeting room.  Make sure to bring your laptop, IPad or smart phone to be able to use the SBA.gov website which will be the basis for this program.  Bring your business information as well: financials, plans, marketing, investors, etc...  Sign up by calling Diane at 580-718-4222 or scroll down to see the flyer. 
Upcoming Events
Thursday, March 30:  "Marketing Your Business"
Lunch & Learn with Matt Maneche at Pioneer Technology

Tuesday, April 4:  Prepare Your Business Plan
Pioneer Tech, BIS Bldg D101 (see flyer below)

Wednesday, April 5th:  "Changing Roles"
Spears School of Business Program at the University Center


April 7-8, 2017  Bison Bison Film Festival

Tuesday, April 25: Small Business Competition "Pitch Off"
 
City Central Building is now leasing.  Call Lori Henderson at 580-765-7070.
Eastman Building has two floors of customizable space. 
Call Eastin Properties  580-761-5610