NEWS
Bowie Industrial Development Foundation still creating jobs 64 years later
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsnonline.com
Sixty-four years ago a large group of Bowie business and community leaders came together with their wits and money to develop a plan to create jobs in Bowie.
Out of that effort came the Bowie Industrial Development Foundation and in 2025 its members are continuing to support those efforts expanding the manufacturing facility for American Hat as it grows to more than 100 employees in its 21st year operating in Bowie creating an $11.3 million annual economic impact.
On July 8 the foundation board and Bowie Economic Development Corporation hosted lunch for American Hat employees inside the new raw materials storage building recently completed at the property located north of Bowie on U.S. 81 North.
Randy West, secretary-treasurer of the foundation, shared the history of the BIDF from its records as its celebrated the opening of the new building and additional improvements completed in the last few years allowing the company to expand its operations and staff.
The foundation was created on Feb. 14, 1961 by 250 businesses, individuals and service clubs who wanted to make a plan to create jobs.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
Top photo – This new 8,000 sq. ft building is the newest addition to the American Hat factor property owned by the Bowie Industrial Development Foundation. (Photo by Barbara Green)
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WS 193
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
9:05 PM CDT FRI MAY 8, 2026
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 193 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2:00 AM CDT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
TEXAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
COLLIN
COOKE
DELTA
DENTON
FANNIN
GRAYSON
HOPKINS
HUNT
JACK
LAMAR
MONTAGUE
WISE
YOUNG
The Bowie City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on May 12 in the council chambers.
The agenda opens with a proclamation for Emergency Medical Services Week.
In the city manager’s report, Bert Cunningham will discuss the Rock and Pillar Street project and the Texas Water Development Board grant application.
In new business, Brittany Barnes will be considered as an appointment to the Bowie Community Development Board.
A resolution requesting financial assistance from the TWDB authorizing the filing of an application for assistance will be reviewed.
The master parks plan also will be presented by staff from Public Management.
The consent agenda and public comments round out the meeting.
Members of the Montague County Commissioner’s Court will meet at 9 a.m. on May 11.
After the consent agenda and public comments, the court will discuss an interlocal agreement between precinct two and the Bowie Sports Association for the baseball complex.
Precinct three will ask for a line-time budget adjustment of $15,000 from operating expenses to part-time.
The court will open and consider accepting sealed bids for emulsified asphalt and prime oil, all on a 90-day contract.
The consent agenda of minutes, bills and reports also is slated.
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