Broken Arrow Chamber names Rep. Kevin McDugle Elected Official of the Year

The Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce named Oklahoma State Rep. Kevin McDugle the Chamber’s Elected Official of the Year.

McDugle was named the award recipient at the Broken Arrow Chamber’s annual BA Day at the Capitol event. In remarks at the event, Chamber Chair Michael Gordon pointed to McDugle’s sponsorship of a custom-order manufacturing bill that passed the House last session.

“Rep. McDugle has proven time and again to be an ally of Broken Arrow and the local business community. His willingness to listen to our concerns is appreciated,” Gordon said. “His pro-business and pro-Broken Arrow record makes him a fitting and deserving recipient of the Elected Official of the Year award.”

Gordon also added that, based on feedback from the business community, McDugle opposed a state-level data privacy bill that would have placed undue burden and costs on local businesses.

McDugle was also co-author of legislation that provided veterans a full tax exemption on retirement benefits effective Jan. 1 of this year. That legislation came at the request of the aerospace industry during an interim study to address keeping veterans in Oklahoma.

McDugle, a native Oklahoman, has served in the state’s House of Representatives since 2016. He previously served in the Marine Corps during the first Gulf War, in Bosnia and Somalia combat zones, and as a drill instructor.

McDugle currently serves as chair of the House’s Business and Commerce Committee, as well as serving on the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Controlled Substances, Appropriations and Budget Finance, and Rules Committees. He is also a life member of the Marine Corps League, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the National Rifle Association.

The BA Day at the Capitol event included more than 90 Chamber members hearing from state officials and included meetings at the State Capitol to discuss issues facing the business community.

Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Jennifer Conway said the day-long event provided local businesses the opportunity to connect directly with Oklahoma officials.

“This program allows our business community to hear directly from our officials and to share their concerns and priorities with legislators,” Conway said. “We believe it is vital to connect our elected officials with our business members to ensure a strong pro-business voice at the capitol.”