Rotary Club of Broken Arrow

𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

This week, the Rotary Club of Broken Arrow welcomed DeWayne Rury of Bama Companies for an engaging look at the history and impact of one of the region’s most iconic businesses.

Founded in Texas in 1927 and relocating its headquarters to Tulsa in 1937, Bama is now preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027. The company’s name comes from its founder, Grandma Alabama, whose recipes and entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for what would become a global food manufacturing leader.

Members learned about Bama’s partnerships with some of the world’s most recognizable brands. The company manufactures hand-held pies for McDonald’s, developed pizza dough for Pizza Hut, and in 2017 introduced a state-of-the-art pancake production line for McDonald’s that uses advanced robotics and automation to streamline manufacturing.

Today, Bama employs approximately 1,500 people worldwide, with 850 of those jobs located right here in our community, making it a major contributor to the local economy. McDonald’s remains Bama’s largest customer, accounting for roughly 60% of company revenue, followed by Pizza Hut and Walmart.

Just as impressive as its business success is Bama’s commitment to giving back. Through the Bama Foundation, the company provides financial assistance to employees facing hardships and contributes more than $1 million annually to the Ronald McDonald House.

Thank you to DeWayne Rury for sharing the incredible story of Bama Companies and demonstrating how innovation, community investment, and strong values can create a lasting legacy.

A very personal conversation with Cory Nickerson, a Polio Survivor, spoke about surviving polio as well as an update on current numbers with 7 reported new cases this year in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Every new case matters because we live in a global world and we are only one airplane ride away from being exposed.

If you would want to help end Polio, here is the link…https://www.endpolio.org/home

Loved hearing from Shannon Walsh and a few of the fabulous Stars, Noah and Cooper, of the inclusive theatre program Stars on Stage that is led by our phenomenal BAPS Performing Arts staff!

🇺🇸 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 🇺🇸

Today, the Rotary Club of Broken Arrow honors and remembers the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Their courage and selflessness will never be forgotten. As we gather with family and friends today, we also pause to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of those who gave everything for our country.

We remember. We honor. We are grateful. ❤️💙

Great having Tulsa DA Steve Kunzweiler stop by as a guest visitor at this week’s Rotary Club of Broken Arrow meeting.

One of the best parts of Rotary is the opportunity to connect with leaders from across our community, hear different perspectives, and continue building relationships that make Broken Arrow and the Tulsa area stronger.

The Rotary Club of Broken Arrow is always happy to welcome visitors who want to join us, network, and learn more about what is happening right here in our community. We’d love to have you come check us out!

🔎 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻: 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗹

City Councilor David Pickel and his family became rooted in the Broken Arrow community more than 20 years ago. Pickel is a graduate of Northeastern State University, where he earned both a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in business.

Pickel has been an insurance industry professional and small business owner while dedicating himself to serving the community in various capacities.

In addition to being a Broken Arrow City Councilor for Ward 3, Pickel serves on the board of the Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation. He is also the President of the Rotary Club of Broken Arrow and a former Legacy Christian Academy board member. Pickel also serves as a Broken Arrow Chamber Ambassador, and member of the Board for the Broken Arrow Community Playhouse.

Pickel's proudest professional accolades also include:

2020 Volunteer of the Year,
2022 Community Advocate of the Year by the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce,
2023 Leadership Broken Arrow Participant,
2024 Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year,
2024 Broken Arrow City Councilor, Ward 3
2025 Broken Arrow City Councilor, Ward 3 (unopposed),
2025 President’s Award for the Pride of Broken Arrow,
2025 Community Advocate of the Year for a second time, and
2025-2026 Rotary Club of Broken Arrow President.

Originally from Poteau, Oklahoma, Pickel says that community service is a family tradition handed down to him by his parents. His father was a coal miner and a federal mine inspector who also led the Boy Scouts and volunteered for many roles within the church they attended. His mother was a seamstress who volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the local election board for over 40 years.

"I share this to help you understand the sense of community we were raised with in our family," Pickel said.

As a resident of Broken Arrow, Pickel has observed numerous changes in the city through its economic development, growth, education, public safety, infrastructure revitalization, sustainability, economics, and environment.

Serving on the City Council is an opportunity to influence local policy decisions, and Pickel aims to continue the legacy of public service for future generations.

Councilor/President Pickel and his wife JoAnn have been married for 32 years and have two children. JoAnn Pickel is the Vice President of Operations for Signature Adjusting Group. Their oldest is a University of Arkansas graduate who teaches fifth grade Mathematics in STEM at Founder’s Classical Academy in Bentonville, Arkansas. Their youngest attends the University of Oklahoma pursuing a degree in Forensic Accounting.

Yesterday’s Rotary Club of Broken Arrow meeting gave us a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of America’s most recognizable brands. Thank you to Marty Kilgore, General Manager of the Blue Bell Ice Cream Broken Arrow distribution plant, for joining us and sharing insight into the incredible operation right here in our community. 🍦

Many people know Blue Bell for the ice cream, but today’s presentation highlighted the massive logistics and distribution network that helps keep the brand moving nationwide. The Broken Arrow distribution plant is one of only three Blue Bell distribution facilities in the country and services several states while accounting for approximately 33% of all Blue Bell sales.

Rotarians also learned about the recently completed expansion at the facility. The new storage and distribution building more than doubled storage capacity at the Broken Arrow location and incorporates advanced automation, robotics-driven logistics systems, and state-of-the-art distribution technology designed to improve efficiency and support continued growth.

Thank you again to Marty for taking the time to speak with our club and give us a closer look at an industry leader operating right here in Broken Arrow!

What is Rotary?

Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to create positive, lasting change in communities around the world. From supporting education and clean water initiatives to strengthening local communities and promoting peace, Rotary members are united by a shared commitment to service above self.

The Rotary Club of Broken Arrow is proud to be part of that mission right here in our community.

If you are looking to connect with local leaders, build friendships, and make a meaningful impact in Broken Arrow, we invite you to come visit us.

📍 First Methodist Church
112 E College Street
Broken Arrow, OK

🕛 Every Monday at 12:00 PM

We’d love to meet you and share what Rotary is all about.

The Rotary Club of Broken Arrow is excited that Rooster Days is almost here! 🎡🐓

In just 2 days, one of Broken Arrow’s longest-standing traditions kicks off with carnival rides, entertainment, local vendors, family activities, and so much more. Events like this are a great reminder of what makes our community so special.

We can’t wait to see everyone out enjoying the festivities May 14–17!

🎡🐓 Only 4 days until Rooster Days here!

Mark your calendars for May 14-17, 2026 and get ready for four days of family fun, carnival rides, entertainment, kid activities, and over 100 booths to explore!

Who’s ready for Rooster Days?! 🎉