Raised on a family farm near Roosevelt in southwestern Oklahoma, Jim Horne has spent his lifetime in agriculture as a rancher and as an advisor to other farmers around the nation.  Today he serves as CEO and president of the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, a non-profit educational foundation near Poteau.  But there’s much more to his story ….

Under Dr. Horne’s leadership since 1985, the Kerr Center has become a national leader in finding creative solutions to agricultural, environmental and social challenges.  He has become known for championing the ordinary, hard-working farmer, who is too often forgotten.

He also has developed an impressive international reputation for the keen insights which form the core of his 2001 book, “The Next Generation – Essential Steps to a Healthy Sustainable Agriculture.”  The book is used in sustainable ag education around the world and tops New Farm magazine’s list of important books about the subject.  One reviewer said his book should be on the reading list of every County Extension Agent and Farm Advisor in the country.

A graduate of OSU in agriculture education and economics, Horne completed his PhD in biology in Russia.  His entire professional career has been spent with the Kerr Foundation.  In the mid-80s, a time when many had never even heard the word “sustainable,” he refocused the foundation’s work to an emphasis on sustainable agriculture.

What James Horne has never forgotten was the perseverance and hard work it took to succeed in farming in southwestern Oklahoma.  He still brings those qualities to his extraordinary passion in transforming conventional agriculture with daring innovation, creativity and rock-solid research.  He does this as a distinguished author, a member of several national agricultural committees, and as an often-requested keynote speaker for worldwide organizations.

"The first farmer was the first man. All historic nobility rests on the possession and use of land." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ladies and gentlemen, our 2009 recipient of the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. James E. Horne!

Tt is our very special honor to recognize an incomparable “above and beyond” effort with our newly-minted President’s Philanthropy Award.  Tonight we recognize the Houston-based Apache Foundation, an organization whose impact has been appreciated all across the state of Oklahoma.

With a mission to enhance communities through environmental stewardship, the foundation’s three-year-old Tree Grant program already has delivered and helped communities in 14 states plant more than one million seedlings and young trees.  More than 30 parks, schools and other public lands are among the recipients of 70-thousand-plus trees in the Sooner state.

Presenting the inaugural President’s Philanthropy Award to this giant in the environmental stewardship movement, the Apache Foundation, is Keep Oklahoma Beautiful board president, Jan Kunze.  Congratulations and thank you, Apache Foundation!

Accepting is Ron Johnston - Apache Foundation

When Joe Cox, the president of H.I.S. Paint Manufacturing in Oklahoma City, approached Keep Oklahoma Beautiful several years ago with a desire to involve his company in some useful way, nobody knew it was going to lead to what has grown into one of the most popular programs in KOB’s “community toolbox.”

In just five years, Fresh Paint Days in Oklahoma has resulted not only in new appearances, but also sparked new life and energy in dozens of transformed towns and their volunteers.  Along the way, Joe Cox and his paint company have donated some 25-hundred gallons of latex exterior paint – worth more than 50-thousand dollars -- to make a difference in Oklahoma communities.

H.I.S. not only donates the paint for Fresh Paint Days, it provides free expert advice to the participants and helps KOB organize the paint deliveries.

Joe Cox’s corporate partner in the project is Public Service Company of Oklahoma, represented by Bud Ground, PSO’s manager of environmental affairs and a longtime KOB board member.  “Joe has impressed me from the outset,” Bud says, “because he clearly leads with his heart and loves giving back.”

For transforming Oklahoma communities one gallon of paint at a time with amazing generosity, our 2009 Towering Spirit Award winner is a true brush with greatness …. Joe Cox and his H.I.S. Paint Manufacturing Company!

Thanks to the generous help and participation of several different entities, schoolchildren and other Internet users around the world now can observe in real time, life in the nest of a bald eagle.  The nest is located on OG&E property at Sooner Lake, north of Stillwater.  OG&E teamed up with the Sutton Avian Research Center in Bartlesville to erect an artificial tower which the eagles have adopted successfully.

The next step was to set up a broadcasting camera, and that’s where Owasso’s Atlas Computers and One Net, the state educational Internet service, stepped in.  The software developed, the technical challenges solved, and the servers provided resulted in nearly four million hits this past season.

Along with offering an amazing educational opportunity, the bald eagle nest camera also provides researchers with a unique opportunity to better understand our national symbol.  For soaring high to create and sustain this special look into nature, our 2009 Team Builders Award goes to OG&E , Sutton Avian Research Center, Atlas Computers and OneNet.

Accepting the Team Builders Award (L to R): Milos Milenkovic (Atlas Computers),
Dr. Steve Sherrod (Sutton Avian Research Center), Danny Harris (OGE Energy Corp.)
& Kurt Snodgrass (OneNet)

From its national headquarters in Oklahoma City, Guaranteed Watt Savers has been at the forefront of the green movement for almost a quarter-century.  Its staff offers specialized building science services for both new and existing residential and commercial construction.

Its comprehensive training program for builders, architects and contractors, demonstrates the benefits of green building and being energy-responsible.  GWS not only is a national leader in Energy Star certifications, the company actually helped the EPA develop the program. 

Accepting for GWS are Kelly Parker - President and Dana Parker - Vice-President

Ray Ackerman	Frm. OKC Mayor Ron Norick

Compare a snapshot of downtown Oklahoma City in the late ‘80s with one today.  Not only are the changes plentiful and stunning, they represent a whole new economic engine powering the city.  Much of this is the result of the vision and tireless leadership of advertising executive Ray Ackerman and 11-year mayor, Ron Norick.

The inspiring transition from an oil bust town to a major league city in all senses of the word would have been almost impossible without the contributions of these two men - guiding and plowing the way.

Ron Norick became the Mayor of Oklahoma City in 1987.  After just a few years, he successfully led a temporary one-cent sales tax proposal that would alter the face of Oklahoma City forever. The Metropolitan Area Projects (much better known as MAPS) is considered the first program of its kind and the most aggressive and successful public and private partnership ever undertaken in the U.S.

The perfect complement to Mayor Norick, was the then Chairman-elect of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, Ray Ackerman.  Ray championed the idea of connecting the North Canadian River to Bricktown by developing a series of dams and a canal. Today, that canal has become the centerpiece for a revitalized downtown area.  

In December of 1993, the visions of both men became a reality when Oklahoma City voters passed MAPS.   From Mayor Norick’s solid foundation, the MAPS franchise has continued to grow, just as the legacies of Oklahoma City’s “Old Man River,” Ray Ackerman, also have transformed the look, the vitality and the very economy of the state’s capitol city.

It would be impossible even to try to list the many accomplishments of these two individuals who have inspired civic leaders around the nation to follow in their footsteps.  But we are pleased and honored to introduce you to two men who are the very definition of visionary leadership in Oklahoma …. former Mayor Ron Norick and Ray Ackerman!

Master Sergeant John Edwards of Pryor for 15 tireless years of work as Commander of Cadets at Thunderbird Youth Academy, a program for at-risk youth.  Known as a powerful communicator, Master Sergeant Edwards has enriched the lives of almost 25-hundred young cadets by involving them in promoting, improving and preserving Oklahoma’s environment.  During just this past year, he has overseen almost 12-thousand community service hours performed by his cadets.

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Kyle Schmidt for leading a group of grade-school students known as the Tree Huggerz in developing their own household recycling collection program in Ardmore, complete with contracts and a recycling manual with helpful guidelines.  11-year-old Kyle is using the proceeds from aluminum sales to help save a sea lion.  Kyle and his fellow Tree Huggerz define the word commitment.

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Tulsa Drillers Downtown Cleanup for a true team effort in a day-long clean-up of several areas of downtown Tulsa, preparing for the baseball team’s move to the new OneOK Field next spring.  The Tulsa Drillers had just stepped off the bus from a long road trip, but the energy they lent to picking up litter and cleaning up graffiti galvanized concerned citizen volunteers, the Metropolitan Environmental Trust and city workers.

Accepting on behalf of the Tulsa Drillers is Michael Patton - Executive Director of The M.e.t.

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Pride in McAlester for generating more than 68-hundred volunteers for this spring’s clean-up activities and accomplishing some equally astonishing results after just one year of operations.  The nearly half-million pounds of materials collected included e-waste, tires, books, furniture and the more traditional recyclables.  About two dozen special events kept the people of McAlester involved despite periodic thunderstorms.

Accepting for Pride In McAlester (L to R): Mark Wilkett, J.T. Collier & Gwen Titsworth

Alva Beautification Committee for its success in bringing together citizens, the City of Alva and the Alva Public School system in a month-long series of clean-up and beautification activities in April.  Among the popular activities was a free dumping in Public Works dumpsters and a free curbside appliance pick-up.

Accepting for the Alva Beautification Committee (L to R): Mayor Arden Chaffee, Yvonne Thilsted & Steven Brown

The Oklahoman/NewsOK-dot-com for its Going Green series of stories in 2008 that spread into most major sections of the newspaper and continues with ongoing coverage online with videos, podcasts and a blog at NewsOK-dot-com.  The stories were praised by our judges for helping Oklahomans learn to become more eco-friendly by saving energy.

Accepting for The Oklahoman / NewsOK.com is Alan Harzberger

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Collinsville Downtown, Inc. for taking this 62-year old building in a high traffic area and turning it from deteriorated to delightful.  As the only eyesore remaining in an area that had been improved with new streets, curbs and landscaping, the work has increased retail business while preserving Collinsville’s history.

Accepting for Collinsville Downtown, Inc (L to R): Preston Harley & Brad Francis

Mercy Health Center in Oklahoma City for establishing an exhaustive program of green initiatives that have demonstrated sustainability really pays in more ways than one.  The 3-thousand employees of Mercy walked the environmental talk by diverting 345 cubic yards of waste from landfills in just six months, and saving astounding amounts of water, electricity, oil and trees.  Our judges said the variety and depth of the actions taken by Mercy show outstanding environmental commitment.

Accepting for Mercy Health Center (L to R):
Dr. John Harkess, Paul Moreillon & Scott Conolly

Marilyn Ihloff Salon & Spa in Tulsa for its innovative Refresh Tulsa event benefitting three local green organizations.  Refresh Tulsa featured a silent auction, a hair and fashion show, local restaurants and artists, biodegradable tableware, and the opportunity to learn about 20 local green concerns.  It has been hailed as an important step forward in calling attention to sustainable living and helping to establish Tulsa as a greener, more sustainable city.

Accepting for Marilyn Ihloff Salon & Spa (L to R): April Marrs & Mary Beth Lord

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Blue Thumb Water Pollution Education hit a major milestone early this summer, reaching 100 actively monitored stream sites that its volunteers were monitoring for signs of pollution.  It also reached about 100 new volunteers through its two-day training sessions dealing with water pollution education.  Special exhibits, workshops and a well-attended volunteer conference are among the many tools used by Blue Thumb to make an impact in Oklahoma.

Accepting for Blue Thumb Water Pollution Education (L to R):
Bill DeShazo, Kim Shaw, Cheryl Cheadle & Jean Lemmon

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]]>http://www.keepoklahomabeautiful.com/2009---government-programs---statetribal---blue-thumb-water-pollution-education---tulsahttp://www.keepoklahomabeautiful.com/2009---government-programs---local---city-of-normanFri, 11 Dec 2009 20:18:55 GMTSonny WilkinsonSonny Wilkinson

As the first city in Oklahoma to sign the national Mayor’s Climate Agreement, the City of Norman adopted 12 ambitious goals in February to reduce its carbon footprint.  Already underway is a new bike parking ordinance, new bus routes, a proposal for a LEED-certified fire station, the use of bio-diesel in the city fleet and many other impressive initiatives.

Accepting for the City of Norman is Norman Mayor Cindy Rosenthal

Pride in McAlester got a lot out of its huge corps of 68-hundred volunteers, collecting 211 tons of trash.  Everything from household and car batteries to TV sets, computers, furniture and appliances were gathered up in several special events.  Household hazardous wastes were dropped off and a special awards program was conducted.

Accepting for Pride In McAlester (L to R): J.T. Collier, Mark Wilkett and Gwen Titsworth

Pride in McAlester for carrying out its mission of leading and encouraging the businesses and residents of McAlester to beautify their city.  In its first year, the group organized an amazing 68-hundred volunteers who collected 211 tons of trash.  Other special projects included a collection of hazardous household wastes and recyclables, repainting of curbs, removal of non-compliant signage, and the planting of 210 trees and 13-hundred bulbs.

In this past year, the Alva 4-H Club began the first stage of planting a variety of trees at the Woods County Courthouse.  They used the planting of an autumn blaze oak tree as the basis for a film on the care and correct trimming of trees, called “Beauty and the Brains.”  Discs of the short film were produced for the local school district, the City of Alva, the local Tree Board, and the Alva Beautification Committee.

Through its active participation at various committee and council meetings, Arbor Day activities, and help with Trash-Off among other educational efforts, it’s clear that Alva grows not only beautiful trees, but also beautiful leaders of tomorrow.

OSU’s Real Pokes Pass It On for minimizing the waste stream created by Oklahoma State students and faculty who move out after the spring semester.  Discarded furniture, clothing and other items were collected, kept over the summer, and then sold at low prices to incoming fall semester students.  The leftover items and the 18-hundred dollars raised benefitted Stillwater Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Goodwill and the March of Dimes.

OSU's Real Pokes Pass It On

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Keystone Adventure School and Farm in Edmond for their ongoing dedicated efforts to “do the right thing” for the world.  On a regular basis, each of the 60 elementary-aged students cleaned up their campus, collected recyclables, composted manure and lunch wastes, planted and harvested food, and much more.  These students raised 18-hundred dollars for Burmese refugees to rent a plot of land on which to plant vegetables.  For this project, they received, in May, the EPA Region 6 Presidential Youth Award.

Accepting for Keystone Adventure School & Farm
(L to R): Fenton Rood, Shanti Rood & Missey Benear

The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Coalition for recycling more than half the waste generated at the three-day festival in Okemah.  Set up by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and managed by local volunteers, more than 4-thousand pounds of waste was diverted in 2009.  The D.E.Q. is using this great work to demonstrate to other festivals and outdoor events that event recycling is good for everyone because, after all, this land is our land.

Accepting for The Woody Guthrie Folk
Festival Coalition (L to R): Becky Grider and Dana Primm

2009 Finalists

Finalists were honored and award winners announced on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 during the KOB Banquet and Awards Ceremony at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City. 

Board Commendation Award Winners
Lifetime Achievement Dr. James E. Horne - Poteau President's Philanthropy Apache Foundation - Houston Vanguard Guaranteed Watt Savers - Oklahoma City	Champion Volunteer John Kahre - Tulsa Towering Spirit Joe Cox - HIS Paint Mfg. - Oklahoma City Visionary Leadership Ray Ackerman - Oklahoma City Former OKC Mayor Ron Norick
Environmental Excellence Award Finalists
Business - <150 Employees Marilyn Ihloff Salon & Spa - Tulsa Urban Lawn & Landscape - Oklahoma City Business - >150 Employees Mercy Health Center - Oklahoma City Muskogee Community Hospital Community Effort - Population <20k Alva Beautification Committee Buffalo Valley 4-H Keep El Reno Beautiful Community Effort - Population 20-50k Ardmore Beautification Council / Hardy Murphy Coliseum Pride In McAlester Shawnee Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee Community Effort - Population >50k Norman Green Wave Art Project Tulsa Drillers Downtown Cleanup Educational Institution - Elementary or High School Keystone Adventure School - Edmond Washington Early Childhood Center - Alva Educational Institution - College or University CORE - NWOSU (Alva) Student Government Association - OBU (Shawnee) "Real Pokes Pass It On" - OSU (Stillwater)	Government Program - City or County City of Broken Arrow Parks & Recreation City of Norman Government Program - State or Tribal Blue Thumb Water Pollution Education - Tulsa Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Lake Thunderbird State Park Individual Achievement - Adult Deidre Ellis - Broken Arrow Frank Parrino - Oklahoma City Jan Blake - Warr Acres Sgt. John Edwards - Thunderbird Youth Academy - Pryor Individual Achievement - Youth Kyle Schmidt - Ardmore Troy Helms - Grove Nonprofit Orgranization - Budget <100k Shawnee Twin Lakes Association Woody Guthrie Folk Fesitval - Okemah Nonprofit Organization -  Budget >100k Ardmore Beautification Council Arts Council of Oklahoma City Up With Trees - Tulsa Print Media The Oklahoma Gazette The Oklahoman Youth Group - <13 yrs) Alva 4-H Group Team Builders Award Winner OGE Energy Corp   ONENet Sutton Avian Research Center Atlas Computer

To learn more about the Award Categories, click hereTo learn more about the Banquet, click here

A wetter-than-usual spring and summer in 2007 made it difficult to keep up with mowing and maintenance in Tulsa. Just weeks before the city was to be put in an international spotlight with the PGA Championships, Mayor Kathy Taylor called on Tulsans to give the city a “60-Minute Makeover.” All across Tulsa, the response was phenomenal. Volunteers representing more than 80 local groups mobilized at six locations and then spread out to get to work. The one-day result was a sparkling and proud city that already was looking forward to its next “60-Minute Makeover” two months later. Our judges called it “snappy,” “creative,” “fresh,” “clever” and “genius for its simplicity.” Congratulations to Mayor Kathy Taylor and the City of Tulsa for clocking in to earn our Local Government Programs Environmental Excellence Award!

Accepting the award presented by Steve Thompson - DEQ Executive Director is Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor

Accepting for Bergey Windpower: Mike Bergey - President and CEO