Pioneer Technology Center’s (PTC) Partner for Progress Award this year went to Head Country Bar-B-Q. Donovan Fred “Uncle Bud” Head began cooking his sauce in 1945 on a Navy ship where he served. After the war, he began sharing the sauce with friends and family who would make the trek to his ranch with empty Mason jars to fill. It wasn’t long before Head moved out of his home kitchen and set up shop in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to keep up with the demand.
Although ownership has changed over the years as well as the addition of more products, Head Country Bar-B-Q is still crafted in Ponca City. Its popularity and legend have grown as the company believes that they are not just about making a great sauce, they are bringing people together.
A partnership for several years Pioneer Technology Center and Head Country have collaborated and connected in many areas and it’s not just because one is across the street from the other. Routinely PTC Business and Industry Services (BIS) coordinators visit with Head Country employees about programs and services they have available for training. Pioneer Tech also makes Head Country aware of local and state services that are available to assist the company. Through this awareness Head Country can then match up a service or training need with PTC personnel.
Training for the business over the years has included LEAN Manufacturing training, lifting, hearing evaluation, forklift training and other programs that the tech center has available.
In addition Pioneer Tech hosts a monthly Friday morning breakfast for industry in the area. This meeting allows business employees the opportunity to interact with each other and stay in touch with what each company is doing. One business is selected to highlight their activity. This is a great opportunity for area industry to celebrate their successes as well as offer supporting advice if necessary.
Mike Boon, Pioneer Tech Executive Director of Business and Industry Services, said, and “Head Country is a great neighbor to us and a great partner; we are thrilled to present them with this award.”
Paul Schatte, Vice President of Head Country Bar-B-Q, was presented the Partner for Progress award in February during a ceremony at the Oklahoma History Center. For more information about Pioneer Technology Center’s Business and Industry division, call 580-718-4222 or visit their websitewww.pioneertech.edu.
