May 14, 2023

STORIES OF ADA AREA ENTREPRENEURS & INNOVATORS

Opportunities and Possibilities: The Ada Jobs Foundation at the 2023 Rural Innovation Network Summit

Matt Dunne, Executive Director and Founder of the Center on Rural Innovation explains:

Tech entrepreneurship offers rural communities a unique chance to create good-paying jobs and build wealth locally. The tech economy has been the fastest growing sector of the economy for years, and technology is the factor that gives a company the best chance to scale quickly. Add to this the multiplier effect that comes with tech employment — each tech job generally leads to an additional three to five jobs in a community — and tech startups present a high-value pathway to economic development.

This is why, on May 1st, while the weather was beautiful in Ada, Jim Eldridge, Jake Cantrell, Ashia Todd, and Sunnie Baker traveled straight into a wintry mix that riled up the waves of Lake Michigan, in Traverse City, Michigan, for the 2023 Rural Innovation Network Summit.

KTEN: Ada Jobs Foundation improving city's workforce development

ADA, Okla. (KTEN) -- The Ada Jobs Foundation is improving the city's workforce development. It is one of 12 Oklahoma Centers for Workforce Excellence that help draw industry and jobs to Pontotoc County.

The organization is also working to keep graduates from area colleges and high schools from leaving the county.

"I think that if they're aware of opportunities where they can apply their education to a local job ... if there's a position, apprenticeship or internship," said Ada Jobs Foundation president James Eldridge. "We think that's one of the best ways to make sure that someone can start their career in Ada and hopefully continue their career in Ada."

Eldridge adds availability of a young and experienced workforce is another top priority.

Visit KTEN to watch the interview!

PTC in Journal Record for Lineworker Program

Lineworker Academy to power students to solid careers

By: Journal Record Staff//May 10, 2023

ADA – People interested in making good livings doing maintenance and repair work on power lines may want to look into a Lineworker Academy planned this fall at Pontotoc Technology Center in Ada.

“When district employers expressed a need for skilled employees with high-quality line worker training, it was a natural fit for what we do at PTC,” Center Superintendent Travis Graham said.

Line workers install, repair, remove and maintain electrical lines and keep the power up and running for people across the state. While most people may not think about them until the electricity goes out, there’s no question that they are essential to everyday life.

“We know there’s a big need in our area and across the country for these skills,” program coordinator Jim Lawson said. “So, we’re confident graduates of the program will have every opportunity to enjoy well-paying careers.”

The PTC Lineworker Academy is an adult-only program. Classes will begin in August, but applications are open now. People who are interested can find more details and application instructions at www.PontotocTech.edu.