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Made in Decatur

Hat company to relocate manufacturing arm to Wise

Kristen Tribe

Biggar Hat Store is moving its straw hat production to Decatur with the help of the Economic Development Corp.

Founded in 2013 by Jeff Biggars, its storefront and site for felt hat production is on the Decatur Square, but straw hat production is in another city.

“The majority of their product and the biggest growth area of their company is not located in Decatur,” EDC Director Kevin Holzbog said. “This project is to relocate that portion of their business, bringing it all under one roof.”

The new manufacturing facility will be at 103 U.S. 81/287, the former Safelite Auto, which is currently vacant. Biggars plans to operate his downtown storefront for the forseeable future.

Holzbog said the project is part of the EDC’s business retention and expansion program working with local companies.

Under the performance agreement, Biggar committed to a minimum investment of $550,000 in real and personal property by April 30, 2022, and will have their certificate of occupancy by the same date. They also agreed to creating a minimum of 10 additional full-time jobs over five years.

Holzbog said in exchange the EDC is offering up to $125,000 in reimbursement for qualifying expenses.

“They’ve already begun moving on this project, so we have $30,000 of the $125,000 set aside to be committed to the company within 30 days of this agreement,” he said.

Holzbog noted the incentives are tied to clawbacks if Biggar doesn’t meet the terms of the agreement within the set time frame. The EDC board approved the performance agreement two weeks ago, and the city council approved it Monday night.

“(Biggar) is experiencing rapid growth in their wholesale business,” Holzbog said. “It would not surprise me if during the term of this agreement, we’re looking at another project with them.”

Holzbog said all Biggar products will now be stamped with “Made in Decatur, Texas.”

“Their products are shipped all over the country … so Decatur, Texas, will be getting lots of marketing value out of this agreement, as well,” Holzbog said.

WIN BIG PRIZES

The 30th Annual Decatur Chamber of Commerce Auction is Oct. 16 at the Decatur Conference Center, and they’re giving away a couple of big prizes this year – an ATV provided by Freedom Powersports and a zero-turn mower provided by Wise Honda Outdoor Power.

Although the event is sold out, there are still raffle tickets available for purchase, and you don’t have to be present to win. For a shot at either of these grand prizes, buy tickets online at decaturtx.com or drop by the Chamber office at 106 S. Trinity St. Cost is $20 per ticket or six for $100.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Skinny’s Repair Shop in Decatur is celebrating its sixth anniversary! Shout-out to these guys for being the heroes we need.

MAKE A WISH

Some people have cake and ice cream on their birthday; I have chicken. But only Chick-fil-A, of course, thanks to my newsroom friends.

Last week they showered me with chicken biscuits and nuggets on my big day. Who needs a Chick-fil-A in Decatur when you have good friends?

Days without Chick-fil-A in Wise County: 249.

Kristen Tribe is publisher of the Wise County Messenger. Send business news tips to her at ktribe@wcmessenger.com or call 940-627-5987.

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