Chamber Chat by Rich Cantillon
Week of November 28, 2011  

·       From David Myers , Ponca City Development Authority – When Governor Fallin ran for office, job creation and economic development were cornerstones of her campaign. Rather than simply assume that she and her cabinet knew what business needed, yesterday she took the unprecedented step of releasing a statewide, on line survey for businesses to tell her what it is they need. The kickoff to the survey included a few companies that had taken the survey to make sure it asked the right questions, that it was something they could complete in 15 to 20 minutes and that the technology worked. It did, they reported, so many months after the survey was planned, it is now ready to be taken. In her remarks, Governor Fallin made a very strong plea to Oklahoma ’s over 100,000 businesses to take the survey to allow her to make Oklahoma the most business friendly state. No one knows the needs of business better than business. PCDA and the Chamber of Commerce, therefore, support the Governor’s request and we’ll go farther and make it a plea.  Pleeeaaasssse take the survey and let the state know what you think. It’s the only way for the Governor and the Legislature to really take care of the things you need managed. To take the survey and for more information, please visit www.FallinForBusiness.com.  PCDA has set up a link on our website, (goponca.com) and we have handy cards with QR codes too if you want to drop in that way.  

·       Crystal Bickford Tourism, Coordinator updated the City Commission on the work of the Tourism Bureau for the past 5 months Monday night at the City Commission Meeting.  Crystal is doing an outstanding job for our Tourism Program!  

·       Check out the Business Tip Sheet in the December Chamber Newsletter!  It is full of valuable information.  This Business Tip Sheet is put together each month by Laura Corff with the Chamber’s Ponca City Business Council.  The December Newsletter went out Wednesday.  Please take the time to read this newsletter and PLEASE share with co-workers!  

·       If you are having a HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE and would like me to mention it please email me the details and I will help promote your HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE.  

·       The Chamber Board of Directors held their annual Board Retreat on Thursday.  It was a great turnout and very productive.  

·       Remember to “Shop Ponca First” and ask for your CWHG tickets!  

·       Please don’t forget to give Chamber Bucks and PLEASE shop with Chamber Members!  Let’s all be CHAMBER LOYAL……use those member to member discount cards!

Ponca City Chamber Meetings and Events this next Week:

Tuesday, December 6 – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the American Red Cross at 2 p.m. located at 205 West Hartford Suite 110.  Please join us and check out their new offices.  Wendy Stobbe is the Director  

Saturday, December 10 – WBBZ Santa House will be in the Chamber Parking Lot from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.  

With all the incredible events taking place this month PLEASE go to www.poncacitytourism.com for a complete list.  

Other Announcements:

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE & NATIVE AMERICAN ART SHOW Saturday December 10 from  10 AM – 5 PM  Littlecrow Trading Post. 214 S. 4^th , Ponca City , OK 74601 phone 580-749-5337.  The show will the art of …  Sid Armstrong - David Kaskaske, Burgess Roye  - Joe Cheshwalla, Tamara FawFaw – Michael Byrd. Register for door prize!

Eastman National Bank Open House will be Friday, December 16, from 10m-1pm at both Ponca branches.

For all the fun events taking place in Ponca City go to www.poncacitytourism.com

For information on any of these meetings or events please contact Rich Cantillon by email at rich@poncacitychamber.com or phone 580-765-4400.  Our address is Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce 420 East Grand Avenue Ponca City , Oklahoma 74601