CHICKASHA – Jim Cowan, Chickasha native and former owner of Oklahoma City’s Bricktown Brewery, has been named executive director of Chickasha’s Economic Development Council.
In his new role, Cowan will develop and lead the city’s strategies to attract new businesses, encourage expansion and retention of existing businesses and help to promote a diversified local economy. “What excites me most, so far, is the commitment from people here locally, said Cowan. “When you have a community that believes in itself and everyone is willing to work together, amazing things can happen.”
Cowan graduated from Chickasha High School and attended USAO before earning a degree at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford. He worked at Steak & Ale and as a manager at the Waterford Hotel in Oklahoma City before being transferred to hotels in South Carolina. and California. In 1992, he moved back to Oklahoma to open the Bricktown Brewery as the general manager. He eventually bought the company.
“When you talk about economic development, I got a chance to live it firsthand, opening, running and owning a business,” Cowan said. “During my 17 years at the Bricktown Brewery, I voluntarily served as President of the Bricktown Association three times. I tried to keep the merchants actively involved and stressed the importance of working together to grow the district.”
After selling the Bricktown Brewery in 2007, Cowan served as director of the Bricktown Association for three years. During this time, the New Orleans Hornets temporarily relocated to Oklahoma City then the Oklahoma City Thunder moved to town. “The neatest thing about Bricktown was watching it blossom right before your eyes,” Cowan said. “There were so many people who said ‘that’ll never happen, that’s not possible’ – even me. I never dreamed [OKC] would have an NBA team.”
In his youth, Cowan’s first job was at the Dixie, an iconic local department store, when he was 14 years old. Atage16, he was one of the first two employees at Jake’s Rib, a barbeque restaurant in Chickasha. “We are very excited to add Jim Cowan to our team,” said John Noblitt, Chickasha City Manager. “As a Chickasha native, Jim understands some of the challenges Chickasha has had. He will be a great asset in helping increase the quality of life for Chickasha citizens.”