It’s been two years since the remnants of Hurricane Eric slammed through Watonga, Oklahoma leaving behind a path of destruction. The Watonga Cheese Plant established in 1948 was one of those businesses left to pick up the pieces. Unfortunately, for Casey and Brandi Cowan the structural damage was too extensive to remain in operation at their current location. After the months extended into years and attempting to settle with the insurance company the Cowan’s had a decision to make. Their hearts wanted to keep the plant in Watonga, but during the time they were out of production a number of communities wanted to help the Cowan’s place that heritage rich operation in their communities. Perryton was one of those communities that appreciated the nostalgia of the art and science of hand processing cheese. The Perryton Community Development Corporation knew that with its quest for dairies that this was one ancillary business that would be a natural fit. CDC Chairman, Kerry Symons endlessly worked the project. The CDC Board knew through its diverse pursuit to help existing businesses, start-ups and recruitment of new business that this business would grow and flourish in Perryton. The CDC and the Cowan’s began working together to craft the right incentive package that would enable them to establish their business in Perryton. The West Texas A & M Small Business Development Center with the expertise of David Dickerson toiled continuously to make sure the numbers worked for the Cowan’s and made recommendations on the incentive package that would enable them a long, secure home in Perryton. Hardy commented that the CDC is set up to enable businesses to grow and prosper. The CDC is just a piece of the puzzle that supports the growth of existing business, start-ups and recruitment of new industry. The half-cent sales tax for economic development was originally established for rural communities struggling to stay alive by implementing a strong economic development program through the utilization of the sales tax revenues.
The Watonga Cheese Factory’s new home is 2018 S. Main Street right next to the Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce. The main street frontage also gives access to the Central American Energy and Trade Corridor – U. S. Highway 83. The Watonga Cheese Factory is poised in the perfect location for continuation of its rich long history of combining the art and science of hand making cheese. For more information please contact Sheryl Hardy at the Perryton Community Development Corporation. |
