The Ardmore Beautification Council has dubbed one of its board trustees "The Thinker" because not only is James Thompson an astute businessman, a chamber board member and chairman of Ardmore's Trash-Off, he always is searching for creative ways to improve the results.

For the Trash-Off this year, James thought of dividing the city into a grid with about 30 areas that could be cleaned up with a four-person crew and a pick-up truck in one afternoon. He then offered free roll-off boxes for each clean-up section, just as he has done for three years at every litter-free football game at Ardmore High School.

In a myriad of other ways, he demonstrates his commitment to a beautiful and environmentally sound city week in and week out. "We could all only wish to have his brand of enthusiasm and competency on our committees," said our judges. For his generosity, his passion and his problem-solving skills, Ardmore's James Thompson is leading good news for Oklahoma.