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Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas Initiative officials announced yesterday they will present a $12,500 scholarship to a University of Oklahoma student today. Speaker Lance Cargill and University of Oklahoma President David Boren will present the winner of the program’s essay contest with her scholarship award in a check presentation ceremony at 4:30 p.m. in OU’s Alma Wilson Room today.

Chosen from 130 contest entries, OU student Maggie Cochrane will receive the scholarship for her essay, “Greener Schools, Greater Schools, Grander State.” In addition, Cochrane’s idea on how to improve the state will be published in the 100 Ideas Initiative book along with her profile.

Cochrane’s idea suggests the state combine the challenges of financing public education with those of preserving the environment. Through money-saving green projects and decreased energy usage, schools can redirect financing to educational programs and teachers’ salaries while students simultaneously learn about biology and conservation.

“By positioning itself at the forefront of the environmental awareness and the public education initiatives,” her essay reads, “Oklahoma will become a model for other states in terms of its unmatched commitment to the nation’s children and the nation’s future.”

More than 3,400 citizens from across Oklahoma submitted their ideas for state transformation since the initiative launched this past January. The result will be a book of 100 of the best ideas. The book will be unveiled to the public on Jan. 29.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is based in part on the highly-successful "100 Ideas" project in Florida.

Cargill helped form the initiative in Oklahoma to seek the input of those whose energy and drive will move Oklahoma forward as the state’s centennial passes and a new chapter in its history begins. The grassroots initiative is a commitment to listen to the state's citizens, to be guided by their ideas and to create a state government that boosts opportunity for Oklahoma’s families.

For more information, visit the organization’s Web site at www.100ideasOK.org.

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100 Ideas Scholarship Winner Maggie Cochrane had this to say about winning the contest:

"Thank you so much. I am tremendously excited to accept this award and am so proud that my idea for greener schools and a grander state was chosen. I am also proud of Oklahoma for taking such an enormous step – for embracing the energy and enthusiasm of the citizens of Oklahoma to make improvements. And I am proud of Oklahoma for showing the rest of the country what a wonderful and forward-thinking place Oklahoma truly is.

Thank you, Speaker Cargill, President Boren, and the 100Ideas Advisory Board, for launching the 100 Ideas Initiative, and for being open to new ideas.

I also wish to thank you individually, President Boren, because without your efforts to raise the standards of OU and to make the school attractive to scholars throughout the country, I wouldn’t be here today. And collectively I wish to thank the faculty and staff and friends who have made me feel so welcome and so special – they are the people who are always there for me. All I knew about Oklahoma when I came here three years ago as a National Merit Scholar from Massachusetts was that “the wind came sweeping down the plain” (from the musical Oklahoma!). Well, I have since learned that Oklahoma is indeed windy and it is flat, but it is also a beautiful and friendly place full of people who are warm, open, hardworking, smart, and caring.
After I attended the IdeaRaiser with Dr. Chris Howard’s Honors Colloquium class in the fall, I suddenly had an idea of a way to combine the education and environment issues.
I look forward to seeing how my idea and the other grand ideas will be implemented to launch Oklahoma’s second century and to achieve the greatness I know is possible.
Thank you so much."

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While the deadline for the 100 Ideas book has passed, the year of ideas continues! Your ideas might still end up becoming law and changing Oklahoma for the better! So please visit our website at the link below and submit your idea today!

Please forward this email to your friends, and go to our site: www.100ideasok.org.

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With more than 3,000 ideas logged onto the 100 Ideas Web site, the initiative is gearing up for the final days of accepting ideas, according to the non-profit organization’s executive director, Thad Balkman. The last day ideas will be accepted and considered for inclusion in the 100 Ideas Initiative book is November 16 – Oklahoma’s Centennial.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. Launched in January by Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill, the 100 Ideas Initiative seeks citizen input to create a stronger grassroots approach to governing while also soliciting the excellence of Oklahoma’s citizenry.

“This initiative has brought together a bipartisan group, from teachers, lawyers and farmers to businessmen and citizens from every walk of life throughout this great state,” said Balkman. “Ideas have come from more than 100 cities and communities, which demonstrates that Oklahomans are creative and interested in improving our state as we move into its second century.”

The co-chairs of the program are University of Oklahoma President David Boren and former Governors George Nigh and Frank Keating.

Since February, Cargill and others have traveled across the state promoting a series of listening forums called IdeaRaisers. IdeaRaisers were held in 31 communities and were hosted by Republican and Democrat lawmakers alike, Balkman said.

Balkman said the most intense work is yet to be done. The 100 Ideas Initiative has begun to increase its activity with the goal to write a book outlining a vision for the Second Century of Oklahoma. All 3,000 plus ideas will be reviewed by the group’s advisory committee who will then make their recommendations to be included in the 100 Ideas book.

Balkman said the book is expected to be finished by the beginning of the year. “We plan to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed by the beginning of the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is funded entirely by private contributions. Balkman said additional contributions raised since the previous report released in June include the following: Corrections Corporation of America, $5,000; T-Mobile, $5,000; OG&E, $5,000; Hillcrest HealthCare/Ardent Health Services, $5,000; Wal-Mart, $4,000; and Oklahomans for Safe Roads and Bridges, $2,354.28.

Other previously announced corporate and community sponsors include AT&T, Chesapeake Energy, Chickasaw Enterprises, Cox Communications, Lamar Outdoor, The Tulsa World and Thomson West.

On the expenditure side, Balkman said the organization has spent approximately $300,000 for paid advertising, public relations and advertising services, administrative and staff services, and Web site and video production services. In addition, there have been in-kind advertising contributions.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is based in part on the highly-successful "100 Ideas" project in Florida. It’s a commitment to listen to the state's citizens, to be guided by their ideas and to work to create a state government that boosts opportunity for Oklahoma’s families.

For more information or to submit an idea online, visit www.100IdeasOK.org .

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Officials announced today the deadline has been extended to Oct. 31 for the 100 Ideas Initiative essay contest. The college scholarship will be awarded Nov. 8 to an Oklahoma high school or college student who submits a bold, innovative idea to reform Oklahoma.

The winner of the essay contest will receive a $12,500 college scholarship, plus the student’s idea will be published in the 100 Ideas Initiative book along with a profile on the student. The scholarship money is available through the generous contribution of an anonymous donor.

The contest is open to all Oklahoma high school and college students. Applicants must submit a one page essay to accompany their idea, as well as a brief outline about the idea. Applications should be mailed to 100 Ideas Initiative, P.O. Box 57641, Oklahoma City, OK 73157.

The top submission will be chosen by 100 Ideas Co-Chairs and former Oklahoma governors David Boren, George Nigh, Frank Keating, and Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill. The scholarship can be used for tuition at any college or university.

Since the 100 Ideas initiative was launched in January, there have been more than 3,000 ideas submitted from citizens throughout the state.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is based in part on the highly-successful "100 Ideas" project in Florida. It’s a commitment to listen to the state's citizens, to be guided by their ideas and to work to create a state government that boosts opportunity for Oklahoma’s families.

“We have already received many innovative ideas from the young people in our state and are excited to be able to reward our future generation of leaders with this significant scholarship,” said Cargill. “By extending the deadline, we look forward to continuing to receive these original ideas from some of Oklahoma’s brightest students.”

For complete details on the essay contest and the scholarship award, visit the organization’s Web site at www.100ideasOK.org.

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The 100 Ideas for Oklahoma Initiative is offering a college scholarship to an Oklahoma high school or college student who submits a bold, innovative idea to reform Oklahoma.

The winner of the essay contest will receive a $12,500 college scholarship, plus the student’s idea will be published in the 100 Ideas Initiative book along with a profile on the student. The scholarship money is available through the generous contribution of an anonymous donor.

The contest is open to all Oklahoma high school and college students. Applicants must submit a one page essay to accompany their idea, as well as a brief outline about the idea. Applications should be mailed to 100 Ideas Initiative, P.O. Box 57641, Oklahoma City, OK 73157.

The top submission will be chosen by 100 Ideas Co-Chairs and former Oklahoma governors David Boren, George Nigh, Frank Keating, and Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill. The scholarship can be used for tuition at any college or university. Deadline for entries is Oct. 22, 2007. Winners will be announced Nov. 2.

Since the 100 Ideas initiative was launched in January, there have been more than 3,000 ideas submitted from citizens throughout the state.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is based in part on the highly-successful "100 Ideas" project in Florida. It’s a commitment to listen to the state's citizens, to be guided by their ideas and to work to create a state government that boosts opportunity for Oklahoma’s families.

“The young people of Oklahoma are one of our greatest assets,” said Cargill. “We expect some outstanding ideas from our future generation of leaders and are pleased that the winner will receive a significant scholarship.”

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100 Ideas: Innovation for Oklahoma’s Second Century announced it received its 2007th entry earlier this week, according to 100 Ideas Initiative Executive Director Thad Balkman.

Idea 2007 was submitted by Bobby Cleveland from Slaughterville, Okla. Cleveland’s idea involved the development of “green” golf courses.

“The fact that we have garnered 2007 ideas is not only symbolic of this year, but also of the passion Oklahomans have for improving this state,” said Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill. “We are very pleased with the response we’ve received from citizens throughout the state.”

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. Launched in January by Cargill, the 100 Ideas Initiative seeks citizen input to create a stronger grassroots approach to governing while also soliciting the excellence of Oklahoma’s citizenry.

“Golf courses can provide critical elements of habitat for amphibians, fish, mammals, birds and insects,” Cleveland’s idea states. “The use of better management practices, including buffer strips, natural growth and wetlands on golf courses, helps protect wildlife for future generations. Oklahoma should encourage the development of greener golf courses to improve our environment and protect wildlife.”

More ideas continue to be submitted to the 100 Ideas Web site, showing there are many more ideas to still be raised. Citizens may submit and view ideas via the Initiative’s Web site – www.100ideasOK.org.

Since February, Cargill has been traveling across the state to change Oklahoma’s mindset to look ahead to the long-term future of our state, through a series of town hall meetings called IdeaRaisers. To date, 36 IdeaRaisers have been held, and more are planned in the coming months.

In addition to numerous IdeaRaisers held in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, others have been in communities throughout the state, including Ada, Altus, Ardmore, Beaver, Broken Arrow, Cherokee, Chickasha, Choctaw, Durant, Edmond, Enid, Grove, Guthrie, Guymon, Idabel, Laverne, Lawton, Norman, Purcell, Stillwater, Tahlequah, Weatherford and Woodward.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is based in part on the highly-successful "100 Ideas" project in Florida. It’s a commitment to listen to the state's citizens, to be guided by their ideas and to work to create a state government that boosts opportunity for Oklahoma’s families.

At the end of the year, the 100 Ideas Initiative will publish a book filled with the best 100 ideas. “We plan to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed by the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said.

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Oklahomans with ideas about the state’s future now have another method of submitting ideas to the 100 Ideas Initiative. Beginning today, cell phone users can text message their ideas to “100ideas” at 72648.

All texted ideas will be posted on the web site with other ideas that are submitted directly to the 100 Ideas web site and ideas that have been generated from community “IdeaRaisers.”

“We are trying to solicit as many ideas as possible from people across the state,” said 100 Ideas Executive Director Thad Balkman. “We believe many people will take advantage of this simple way of submitting an idea.”

Balkman said to date they have received nearly 2,000 ideas from citizens throughout the state. “Over the next two months we want to double that number,” said Balkman.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about those ideas and suggestions. The program was launched in January by Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill.

Balkman said the group plans hold more IdeaRaisers in coming months and accept ideas through October. After that, the group’s advisory board members will meet and begin sifting through the ideas to determine the top 100 that will be published in a book.

“We plan to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed before the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said

For more information, to submit an idea or view ideas already submitted, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org, or text 100ideas at 72648.

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The Laverne Chamber of Commerce held an IdeaRaiser on July 18 that was attended by area business leaders as well as Speaker Pro-Tem Gus Blackwell.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about those ideas and suggestions. The program was launched in January by Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill.

The group discussed many topics but focused mainly on the creation of comprehensive tort reform and the adjustment of ad valorem tax revenues so it is more equitable for rural areas.

Thad Balkman, executive director of Oklahoma’s 100 Idea Initiative, said the group plans to have a total of more than 50 IdeaRaisers over next three months and accept ideas through October. After that, the group’s advisory board members will meet and begin sifting through the ideas to determine the top 100 that will be published in a book.

“We plan to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed before the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said.

For more information, to submit an idea or view ideas already submitted, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org

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More than 50 business and community leaders from the Oklahoma panhandle area attended an IdeaRaiser held July 18 by the Panhandle Lion’s Club at Maria’s Restaurant in Guymon.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about those ideas and suggestions. The program was launched in January by Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill.

Among the ideas put forth by the group were creating a workforce development enforcement team to impose workforce laws, improving highway infrastructure in the panhandle, and providing incentives to fund irrigation research at state colleges and universities.

Thad Balkman, executive director of Oklahoma’s 100 Idea Initiative, said the group plans to hold more than 50 IdeaRaisers over next three months and accept ideas through October. After that, the group’s advisory board members will meet and begin sifting through the ideas to determine the top 100 that will be published in a book.

“We plan to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed before the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said.

For more information, to submit an idea or view ideas already submitted, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org

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The United Way of Central Oklahoma held a 100 Ideas Initiative IdeaRaiser on July 17. The event was held at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Oklahoma City.

In addition to United Way representatives, other attendees included representatives from the Salvation Army, YMCA, Mental Health Association of Central Oklahoma, Area wide Aging Agency, Camp Fire USA, and Smart Start of Central Okalahoma.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about those ideas and suggestions. The program was launched in January by Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill.

Ideas discussed during the IdeaRaiser included the following:

• Establishing a research and treatment facility for psychiatric and mental health and creating the national model for providing a holistic approach to addressing mental health issues.
• Developing a family outreach program for children and families of incarcerated individuals.
• Continuation of the 100 Ideas Initiative in future years.
• Provide incentives to community centers who promote healthy lifestyles.
• Promote senior friendly communities with better street signage, improved crosswalks, well lit streets and affordable housing.


Thad Balkman, executive director of Oklahoma’s 100 Idea Initiative, said the group plans to hold more than 50 IdeaRaisers over next three months and accept ideas through October. After that, the group’s advisory board members will meet and begin sifting through the ideas to determine the top 100 that will be published in a book.

“We plan to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed before the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said.

For more information, to submit an idea or view ideas already submitted, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org

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The Beaver County Farm Bureau held a 100 Ideas Initiative IdeaRaiser on July 17 in Beaver, Oklahoma.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about those ideas and suggestions. The program was launched in January by Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill.

The group discussed a wide range of ideas including the creation of a pipeline from eastern Oklahoma to the panhandle to recycle excess water and mandating only one education superintendent per county.

Thad Balkman, executive director of Oklahoma’s 100 Idea Initiative, said the group plans to hold more than 50 IdeaRaisers over next three months and accept ideas through October. After that, the group’s advisory board members will meet and begin sifting through the ideas to determine the top 100 that will be published in a book.

“We plan to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed before the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said.

For more information, to submit an idea or view ideas already submitted, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org

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The Oklahoma Municipal League hosted a 100 Ideas Initiative on June 23 at the Southern Plains Range Research Station in Woodward to discuss “Quality of Life in Oklahoma’s Cities and Towns.”

Attendees included more than a dozen mayors from around the state and many of other city and municipal leaders.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about those ideas and suggestions.

Ideas discussed during the IdeaRaiser included the following:

• Enable communities more flexibility to fund local city services.
• Provide tax credits or incentives to housing developers.


Thad Balkman, executive director of Oklahoma’s 100 Idea Initiative, said the group plans to hold more than 50 IdeaRaisers over next four months and accept ideas through October. After that, the group’s advisory board members will meet and begin sifting through the ideas to determine the top 100 that will be published in a book.

“We plan to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed before the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said.

For more information, to submit an idea or view ideas already submitted, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org

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The Edmond Chamber of Commerce held a 100 Ideas Initiative IdeaRaiser on June 19 that generated a variety of innovative and interesting ideas.

The diverse group of attendees included representatives from more than 60 different Oklahoma businesses and organizations. There was no specific topic for the IdeaRaiser so the ideas covered a broad spectrum.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about those ideas and suggestions.

Ideas discussed during the IdeaRaiser included the following:

• Consolidating Oklahoma school districts for greater efficiency.
• Free in-state tuition for students who stay in state after graduation.
• Create an Oklahoma School for the Arts, similar to the Oklahoma School of Math and Science.
• Create transportation improvement districts.
• Creation of a statewide public school foundation.


Thad Balkman, executive director of Oklahoma’s 100 Idea Initiative, said the group plans to hold more than 50 IdeaRaisers over next four months and accept ideas through October. After that, the group’s advisory board members will meet and begin sifting through the ideas to determine the top 100 that will be published in a book.

“We plan to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed before the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said.

For more information, to submit an idea or view ideas already submitted, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org

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The Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP) hosted a 100 Ideas Initiative IdeaRaiser on June 16 at the First Baptist Church in Cherokee, Oklahoma.

Attendees included about 15 members of the OAOP as well as representatives from the Homestead Retirement Community in Alva, and Northeastern State University College of Optometry.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about those ideas and suggestions.

Ideas discussed during the IdeaRaiser included the following:

• Establish a state iris code system to provide increased security and prevent identification fraud.
• Require those 65 and older to take a visual acuity assessment for license renewal.
• Encourage the increase of recycling and the use of natural resources such as solar and wind power.
• Provide incentives for physicians to provide community health education.
• Provide loan forgiveness to healthcare practitioners who serve in rural communities.


Thad Balkman, executive director of Oklahoma’s 100 Idea Initiative, said the group plans to hold more than 50 IdeaRaisers over next four months and accept ideas through October. After that, the group’s advisory board members will meet and begin sifting through the ideas to determine the top 100 that will be published in a book.

“We plan to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed before the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said.

For more information, to submit an idea or view ideas already submitted, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org

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More than 60 attendees participated in a 100 Ideas Initiative IdeaRaiser held June 12 at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Enid.

Attendees included Sen. Patrick Anderson (R-Enid), Rep. Mike Jackson (R-Enid), and Rep. John Enns (R-Enid) and a large, diverse group of representatives from throughout Enid.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about those ideas and suggestions.

Ideas discussed during the IdeaRaiser included the following:

• Develop proactive recruiting assistance for employers.
• Overhaul unemployment benefits and provide relocation assistance.
• Provide incentives to keep young workers in Oklahoma.
• Manufacture an Oklahoma bio fuel vehicle.
• Provide state grants for start-up companies.


Thad Balkman, executive director of Oklahoma’s 100 Idea Initiative, said the group plans to hold more than 50 IdeaRaisers over next four months and accept ideas through October. After that, the group’s advisory board members will meet and begin sifting through the ideas to determine the top 100 that will be published in a book.

“We plan to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed before the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said.

For more information, to submit an idea or view ideas already submitted, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org

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More than 40 attendees participated in a 100 Ideas Initiative IdeaRaiser held Tuesday at the Ardmore Convention Center. The event was organized by the Ardmore Young Professionals organization and the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce.

Attendees included State Rep. and Majority Floor Leader Greg Piatt and Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill. The IdeaRaiser was the 18th held since the project’s launch in January by Cargill.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about those ideas and suggestions.

Ideas discussed during Tuesday’s IdeaRaiser included the following:

• Consolidation of higher education – Oklahoma should have two flagship universities and all other state colleges and universities should be satellites of the two flagship institutions.
• Provide tax incentives for landowners to eradicate red cedar, which also conserves water.
• Economic consolidation of counties.
• Establish a consumer advocacy group available 24 hours a day to address natural gas leaks and related issues faced by consumers.
• Establish a one cent sales tax on gas to be directed toward development of alternative fuels.
• Create a career ladder for welfare recipients allowing them to get benefits for up to a year after they reach a higher employment status.
• Create a cabinet level position for aging and senior issues.
• Mandate wellness and physical education classes for students in grades K through 12.
• Create a cabinet level position to oversee a unified state plan and position for WATER.


Thad Balkman, executive director of Oklahoma’s 100 Idea Initiative, said the group plans to hold more than 50 IdeaRaisers over next four months and accept ideas through October. After that, the group’s advisory board members will meet and begin sifting through the ideas to determine the top 100 that will be published in a book.

“We plan to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed before the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said.

For more information, to submit an idea or view ideas already submitted, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org

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With more than 1,000 ideas logged onto the 100 Ideas Web site, the project is gaining momentum as it heads toward the state’s centennial birthday, according to the non-profit organization’s executive director, Thad Balkman.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. Launched in January by Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill, the 100 Ideas Initiative seeks citizen input to create a stronger grassroots approach to governing while also soliciting the excellence of Oklahoma’s citizenry.

“This project has brought together a bi-partisan group, from teachers, lawyers and farmers to businessmen and the bio-technology brain trusts at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation,” said Balkman.

The co-chairs of the program are University of Oklahoma President David Boren and former Governors George Nigh and Frank Keating.

Since February, Cargill has traveled across the state promoting a series of listening forums called IdeaRaisers. His hope is to change Oklahoma citizens’ mindset to look ahead to the long-term future of our state. To date, 16 IdeaRaisers have been held and were hosted by Republican and Democrat lawmakers alike, Balkman said. Governor Brad Henry has agreed to participate in an IdeaRaiser as well.

Balkman said the bi-partisan involvement from Oklahomans is sparking great ideas and tremendous energy. “Oklahomans are truly stepping up as pioneers for the next century, and they’re offering fabulous and innovative ideas,” he said.

Balkman, however, said the most intense work is yet to be done. The 100 Ideas Initiative has begun to increase its activity with the goal to write a book outlining a vision for the Second Century of Oklahoma.

The book, which is expected to be finished by the end of the year, will be filled with the best 100 ideas. “We plan to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed by the beginning of the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is funded entirely by private contributions. “We are very pleased by the support we’ve received for this historic initiative,” said Balkman. The total amount raised to date is more than $485,000, which includes in-kind contributions.

Corporate and community sponsors include AT&T, Chesapeake Energy, Chickasaw Enterprises, Cox Communications, Lamar Outdoor, The Tulsa World, Thomson West and Wal-Mart.

On the expenditure side, Balkman said the organization has spent approximately $198,000, which includes paid and in-kind advertising, public relations and advertising services, administrative and staff services, and Web site and video production services.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is based in part on the highly-successful "100 Ideas" project in Florida. It’s a commitment to listen to the state's citizens, to be guided by their ideas and to work to create a state government that boosts opportunity for Oklahoma’s families.

For more information about hosting an Idearaiser or to submit an idea online, visit www.100IdeasOK.org.

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More than 40 attendees participated in a youth and government IdeaRaiser held Saturday at the Earlywine YMCA in Oklahoma City.

Attendees included students who are participants in the YMCA’s Youth and Government program. Among the high schools represented from the region were Charles Page High School, Moore High School, Westmoore High School, Weatherford High School, Northeast High School and Guthrie High School.

The IdeaRaiser was the 16th held since the project’s launch in January by Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill. He was impressed by the ideas discussed during Saturday’s event.

“These young people represent the future of Oklahoma,” said Cargill. “It’s encouraging to see that they have a passion for our State and are actively participating in shaping the next century.”

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about those ideas and suggestions.

Ideas discussed during Saturday’s IdeaRaiser included the following:

• Use State owned property for private investment in recreation and tourism facilities.
• Wave tuition for 11th and 12th grade students that are taking college courses at public institutions.
• Increase education standards at all levels, particularly in math and science.
• Add an exclamation point to Oklahoma! so it will be referred to with passion.
• Provide tax incentives to those educated in Oklahoma who stay and work in state for at least five years.
• Offer more classes in foreign languages that today’s students need to compete in a global economy, such as Spanish, Chinese and Arabic.


Thad Balkman, executive director of Oklahoma’s 100 Idea Initiative, said the group plans to hold more IdeaRaisers and accept ideas through October. After that, the group’s advisory board members will meet and begin sifting through the ideas to determine the top 100 that will be published in a book.

“We plan to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed by the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said.

For more information, to submit an idea or view ideas already submitted, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org

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More than 40 attendees participated in an IdeaRaiser at the new ARINC Aircraft Maintenance Center Tuesday as part of the 100 Ideas Initiative. Representatives from Tinker Air Force Base, the Federal Aviation Administration and the state’s leading aerospace companies participated in the event.

The IdeaRaiser was the 15th held since the project’s launch in January by Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill. Cargill attended Tuesday’s event and was impressed by the innovative ideas that were discussed. Since launching the program, Speaker Cargill has encouraged groups and citizens to find creative and bold ideas to improve the great State of Oklahoma. “The ideas that resulted from this event clearly meet those criteria,” said Cargill.

Others in attendance included Vic Bird, executive director of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, Rep. Mike Jackson, Chair of the House Aerospace and Technology Committee, and Rep. Sky McNiel, Assistant Majority Whip and member of the House Aerospace and Technology Committee.

Additional participants included representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Career Tech, General Dynamics, Oklahoma State University, OCAST, Southwest Research Institute, Comanche Technology Solutions, Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Vector Air.

In addition to ARINC, other sponsors of the IdeaRaiser included Acorn Growth Companies, American Airlines, Boeing, Logistics Specialties, Inc., Nordam, Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, Oklahoma Aerospace Alliance, Spirit Aerosystems, TBIP and Veracity Technology Solutions.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about those ideas and suggestions.

Ideas discussed during Tuesday’s IdeaRaiser included the following:

• Establishing Oklahoma as the world’s primary source of aerospace and logistics education, including a Center of Excellence for air, space, design and research.
• Providing state funding to facilitate mentoring of the aerospace workforce.
• Tuition reimbursement for technical degrees.
• Increasing state resources to enable Tinker to work on commercial aircraft.


Thad Balkman, executive director of Oklahoma’s 100 Idea Initiative, said the group plans to hold more IdeaRaisers and accept ideas through October. After that, the group’s advisory board members will meet and begin sifting through the ideas to determine the top 100 that will be published in the book.

“We plan to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed by the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said.

For more information, to submit an idea or view ideas already submitted, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org

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The next IdeaRaiser for Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas Initiative will be hosted by the Lawton/Ft. Sill Chamber of Commerce and the Great Plains Career Tech Center in Lawton at 3 p.m., April 5 at the Great Plains Tech Center, Building 700, 4500 S.W. Lee Blvd. Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill will be on hand to welcome participants.

Cargill, who started the 100 Ideas Initiative, said the project is a way for Oklahomans to come together as citizens of the state-not just politicians but business leaders, pastors and teachers. “We’re not interested in Republican ideas or Democratic ideas. We’re interested in good ideas,” he said.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about those ideas and suggestions. To date, eight IdeaRaisers have been held at locations throughout the state, and more are scheduled in the coming months.

The public is invited to attend Thursday’s IdeaRaiser. Reservations can be made via e-mail to [email protected] or by calling 1-888-465-2007.

100 Ideas Executive Director Thad Balkman said Thursday’s event in Lawton has great potential for some fantastic ideas.

“One of the great things about this program is getting ideas from citizens from throughout the state,” said Balkman. “We look forward to hosting this event in Lawton and other communities around the state in the coming months.”

For more information, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org.

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The next IdeaRaiser for Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas Initiative will be hosted by the City of Chickasha on Friday, April 6 at Noon at the Canadian Valley Technology Center, 1401 W. Michigan Avenue. Other hosts include State Senator Ron Justice and State Representatives Susan Winchester, Joe Dorman and Phil Richardson. Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill will be on hand to welcome participants.

Cargill, who started the 100 Ideas Initiative, said the project is a way for Oklahomans to come together as citizens of the state-not just politicians but business leaders, pastors and teachers. “We’re not interested in Republican ideas or Democratic ideas. We’re interested in good ideas,” he said.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about those ideas and suggestions. To date, nine IdeaRaisers have been held at locations throughout the state, and more are scheduled in the coming months.

The public is invited to attend Friday’s IdeaRaiser. Reservations can be made via e-mail to [email protected] or by calling 1-888-465-2007.

100 Ideas Executive Director Thad Balkman said Friday’s event in Chickasha has great potential for some fantastic ideas.

“One of the great things about this program is getting ideas from citizens from throughout the state,” said Balkman. “We look forward to hosting this event in Chickasha.”

For more information, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org.

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Restructuring the school day to allow time for tutoring, mentoring and collaborating with students was one of a dozen ideas proposed at the IdeaRaiser held in Edmond Thursday night.

The IdeaRaiser, part of the 100 Ideas Initiative, was sponsored by the Oklahoma Education Association and was attended by more than 20 educators and OEA officials. Teachers from Edmond, Midwest City, Mustang and the Mid-Del school districts also attended the event.

Roy Bishop, President of the OEA said he has received nothing but positive feedback from the event. “I like the concept of 100 Ideas,” said Bishop. “It is an interesting way to get people involved.”

Other ideas included introducing year-round school to include immediate remediation and to allow students to “get ahead” with their curriculum, creating a self-regulating body for teachers similar to other professional licensing organizations, and allowing more flexibility of the teaching schedule and instruction at schools to meet the needs of diverse learners.

The IdeaRaiser was the eighth event since the project’s launch in January by Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill. Speaker Cargill addressed the educators at the beginning of the meeting and encouraged them to “find creative and bold ideas to improve Oklahoma’s education system.”

Thad Balkman, executive director of Oklahoma’s 100 Idea Initiative, said the group plans to hold more IdeaRaisers and accept ideas through October. After that, the group’s advisory board members will meet and begin sifting through the ideas to determine the top 100 that will be published in the book.

“We hope to have the Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas book completed by the next legislative session to serve as a blue print for the legislature and Oklahoma’s future,” Balkman said.

To date, more than 400 ideas have been submitted at the organization’s website (www.100ideasok.org), via mail and e-mail. “We are thrilled at the response we’ve received this early in the process,” said Cargill.

IdeaRaisers are scheduled next week in Lawton (April 5) and Chickasha (April 6). Reservations can be sent to [email protected] or by calling 1-888-465-2007. Organizers encourage those interested to indicate which event they would like to attend.

IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about ideas and suggestions on how the state’s next 100 years can be improved.

For more information on the program or to submit an idea visit the 100 Ideas website at www.100ideasok.org.

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The next IdeaRaiser for Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas Initiative will be hosted by the Oklahoma Education Association on Thursday, March 29 at 6 p.m. at Westfield Elementary School, 17601 N. Pennsylvania in Edmond.

The 100 Ideas Initiative is a non-partisan project designed to solicit the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century. IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about those ideas and suggestions. To date, six IdeaRaisers have been held at locations throughout the state, and more are scheduled in the coming months.

100 Ideas Executive Director Thad Balkman said Thursday’s event has great potential for some fantastic ideas related to education and its importance.

“I think this IdeaRaiser, much like our higher education event earlier this year, can bring some great minds together to come up with some groundbreaking solutions in addressing education related issues and improving our overall education system,” said Balkman. “The OEA has been very helpful in organizing this event and we are looking forward to a productive evening.”

The public is invited to attend Thursday’s IdeaRaiser. Reservations can be made via e-mail to [email protected] or by calling 1-888-465-2007.

Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill, who started the 100 Ideas Initiative, said the project is a way for Oklahomans to come together as citizens of the state-not just politicians but business leaders, pastors and teachers.

“We’re not interested in Republican ideas or Democratic ideas. We’re interested in good ideas,” he said.

For more information, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org.

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Over 50 mental health consumers, treatment providers and advocates met Thursday afternoon to share ideas relating to improving mental health services in Oklahoma. The event was the fifth IdeaRaiser and was organized by NAMI Oklahoma.

Ideas submitted at the IdeaRaiser include: training school staff and healthcare workers in suicide prevention, funding dental care for mental health consumers via a voucher system, introducing tele-medicine in rural areas, health centers and jails and creating a telethon to raise funds for mental illness.

"I thought the event Thursday really raised the collaborative effort of consumers and providers (of mental health services) to a new level and provides a clear mechanism for accessing policy makers and legislators," said Robert Lee, Executive Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers of Southern Oklahoma. "100 Ideas is a great effort and a means to transcend partisanship and focus on the many opportunities for creative problem solving that will benefit the citizens of the State of Oklahoma."

Thursday's event was held at the state capitol in conjunction with "Mental Health Day." Participants included representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abus, Youth Services of Tulsa, National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Mental Health Association of Central Oklahoma.

Also in attendance were Rep. Doug Cox, M.D., R-Grove, Chair of the Public Health Committee, Rep. Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, Chair of the Health Committee and Speaker lance Cargill R-Harrah.

Speaker Lance Cargill launched Oklahoma¹s 100 Ideas Initiative Jan.10. To date, more than 300 ideas have been submitted at the organization¹s website, 100ideasok.org, via mail and e-mail.

Another IdeaRaiser will be held Friday in McAlester. Details can be found at the 100 Ideas website, www.100ideasok.org.

IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about ideas and suggestions on how the state¹s next 100 years can be improved.

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More than 30 law enforcement officials met in Oklahoma City today to share their ideas to make Oklahoma’s second century safer and more secure.

Attendees at the IdeaRaiser, held at the Fraternal Order of Police Headquarters in Oklahoma City, included employees of the Department of Corrections, the Department of Public Safety, and the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn, R-Norman, Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel, D-Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater, D-Oklahoma City , Pottawatomie County District Attorney Richard L. Smothermon, D- Shawnee, Robert L. Hudson, Payne County District Attorney, R-Guthrie, Oklahoma City Chief of Police Bill Citty and officers from the Oklahoma City Police Department.

“I think (Speaker Lance Cargill has) got a great thing going (with the 100 Ideas Initiative),” said Prater.

Whetsel echoed Prater’s sentiments, saying, “It’s neat that law enforcement has the opportunity to give its perspective about the safety of our citizens.”

Ideas put forward at the event included creating a BRAC-like, or Base Realignment and Closure, committee to examine state prisons to determine whether obsolete prisons should close or have their focus changed. Other ideas included revamping sex offender laws, creating a “family justice” court to address all judicial issues related to a family, including domestic violence and custody, prioritizing public safety so that excess rainy day funds be spent on public safety and a recommendation that the legislature meet every two years, rather than every year.

Cargill, R-Harrah, expressed his joy in hearing from the law enforcement community. “In seeking out new ideas for our state’s next century, we cannot afford to overlook our government’s duty to provide safety and protection to its citizens.” Cargill said.

The ideas will be gathered and, toward the end of the year, an advisory board will sort through them and recommend the best ideas to be included in the 100 Ideas Oklahoma book.

The book will be presented to the legislature next session to act as a legislative blueprint. It will also be available to the general public.

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Rural Oklahoma will be the focus of an IdeaRaiser in Southeastern Oklahoma next week.

The event, slated to be held at the Eastern Oklahoma State College campus in McAlester on Friday, March 16 will focus on issues facing rural Oklahoma and what ideas to improve those areas. It will be held in the Wanda Bass Auditorium on the EOSC campus, beginning at noon.

“We are excited to welcome Speaker Cargill and the 100 Ideas initiative,” said Steve Smith, Dean of the McAlester campus. “We hope to have students, educators, small business owners and other interested citizens come and share their ideas to help chart the course of rural Oklahoma’s future.”

Pittsburg County legislators, Senator Richard Lerblance, and Representatives Terry Harrison and Brian Renegar have been invited to participate.

RSVPs for the IdeaRaisers can be sent to [email protected] or by calling 1-888-465-2007. Organizers encourage those interested in attending to RSVP.

IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about ideas and suggestions on how the state’s next 100 years can be improved.

Cargill launched Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas Initiative Jan. 10. To date, more than 300 ideas have been submitted at the organization’s website, 100ideasok.org, via mail and e-mail.

The ideas will be gathered and, toward the end of the year, an advisory board will sort through them and recommend the best ideas to be included in the 100 Ideas Oklahoma book.

The book will be presented to the legislature next session to act as a legislative blueprint. It will also be available to the general public.

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100 Ideas Initiative Executive Director Thad Balkman announced today that two IdeaRaisers are slated for this week.

The first event will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Fraternal Order of Police Headquarters in Oklahoma City and will focus on public safety. The second IdeaRaiser, scheduled for Thursday at 2 p.m. at the State Capitol, will be held in conjunction with Mental Health Day and is slated for 2 p.m.

“These events give us an opportunity to discuss two very important issues to Oklahomans--public safety and mental health,” said Balkman. “I look forward to some productive discussions and ideas these individuals are sure to have.”

Hosts for the FOP event include the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association, Oklahoma Firefighters Association, the Oklahoma Chiefs of Police, Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs, chairman of the Judiciary & Public Safety Committee, Rep. Sue Tibbs, R-Tulsa, chair of the Criminal Justice & Corrections Committee, Rep. Mark McCullough, R-Sapulpa, vice-chair of Criminal Justice & Corrections and Rep. Lucky Lamons, D-Tulsa, a former Tulsa Police Officer.

Hosts of the Thursday IdeaRaiser include Rep. Doug Cox, M.D., R-Grove, chair of the Public Health Committee, Rep. Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, chair of the Health Committee and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Oklahoma.

RSVPs for the IdeaRaisers can be sent to [email protected] or by calling 1-888-465-2007. Organizers encourage those interested to indicate which event they would like to attend.

IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about ideas and suggestions on how the state’s next 100 years can be improved.

For more information, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 19, 2007) - Oklahoma Speaker of the House Lance Cargill and Florida Speaker Marco Rubio engaged a crowd of over 40 people Friday at the third IdeaRaiser for the 100 Ideas Initiative.

Rubio, who initiated Florida’s 100 Ideas program in 2005, encouraged Oklahomans to get involved in the project.

“We’re hoping you’ll come up with ideas the political process hasn’t picked up on,” Rubio said.

Rubio also said that the Florida initiative found “that people felt what the government was dealing with was not what people were dealing with in their daily lives.”

“As you engage people at every level, I think you’ll find that there are ideas that no one is talking about or writing about, but are still important,” he added.

The topic of discussion Friday was rural healthcare in Oklahoma.

Ideas presented at the event included creating a system to provide travel to patients living in rural areas who do not otherwise have a method of getting to doctor appointments, creating a statewide electronic medical database and providing more information in elementary schools about preventative health care.

Those in attendance at the University Center at Northeastern State University included representatives from the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry and the Cherokee Health Science Center.

NSU President Larry Williams, his wife, Pamela, and State Rep. Mike Brown, D-Tahlequah, were also in attendance.

Cargill launched Oklahoma’s 100 Ideas Initiative Jan. 10. To date, more than 250 ideas have been submitted at the organization’s website, 100ideasok.org, via mail and e-mail.

The ideas will be gathered and, toward the end of the year, an advisory board will sort through them and recommend the best ideas to be included in the 100 Ideas Oklahoma book.

The book will be presented to the legislature next session to act as a legislative blueprint. It will also be available to the general public.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 14, 2007) - Creating an education czar to oversee and coordinate education from the pre-kindergarten to post-graduate-level work highlighted the second IdeaRaiser, held last night in Tulsa at the Greenwood Cultural Center.

“We’ve only held the first two IdeaRaisers and I’m encouraged by the innovative and forward-thinking ideas that are being shared at these events,” said 100 Ideas Executive Director Thad Balkman. “The idea of an education czar for Oklahoma is one that has already gained traction around the country with Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates lending his support to the concept.”

The event was the second IdeaRaiser for the 100 Ideas Initiative, a non-partisan project launched this year to gather the best ideas from Oklahoma’s citizens for the state’s second century.

Hosts of the event included OSU-Tulsa President Gary Trennepohl, Rep. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa, Education Committee chairman Rep. Tad Jones, R-Claremore, and Higher Education and Career Tech chairman Terry Ingmire, R-Tulsa.

Other ideas included mandating year-round school, providing incentives to alleviate student loans and provide tax credits to keep graduates in Oklahoma and allowing community colleges to offer alternative teacher certification in critical areas.

Participants in the IdeaRaiser included representatives from OSU-Tulsa, Tulsa Community College and the University of Tulsa.

Balkman said the third IdeaRaiser will be held in Tahlequah on Friday focusing on healthcare.

Hosts for the event include Florida Speaker of the House Marco Rubio, who initiated Florida’s successful 100 Ideas program. Northeastern State University President Larry Williams, NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry and the Cherokee Health Science Center will also be hosting the event.

Balkman said the IdeaRaiser will be held in the Cedar Room of NSU’s University Center and registration begins at 4 pm.

RSVPs for the IdeaRaiser can be sent to [email protected] or by calling 1-888-465-2007.

IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about ideas and suggestions on how the state’s next 100 years can be improved.

For more information, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 9, 2007) - Florida Speaker of the House Marco Rubio will be co-hosting an IdeaRaiser Friday, Feb. 16 in Tahlequah.

The IdeaRaiser, focusing on rural health, will feature the Florida speaker, who initiated Florida’s successful 100 Ideas program in 2005.

100 Ideas Oklahoma Executive Director Thad Balkman said organizers and participants were looking forward to hearing from Rubio.

“We are all looking forward to the opportunity to hear from Speaker Rubio, particularly about Florida’s initiatives and success stories in healthcare.,” said Balkman.

The rural healthcare IdeaRaiser will be held at Northeastern State University in the Ceder Room of the University Center. Registration will begin at 4 p.m.

In addition to Rubio, co-hosts include NSU President Larry Williams and his wife, Pamela, Oklahoma Speaker of the House Lance Cargill, the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry and the Cherokee Health Science Center.

Local legislators State Sen. Jim Wilson and State Reps. John Auffett and Mike Brown have been invited to the event. This event is open to the public. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP to [email protected] as space is limited.

Rubio started the Florida 100 Ideas program in September 2005.

By the end of January, the Florida House had passed nine of the 100 ideas chosen by Florida’s 100 Ideas board. Ideas passed include adopting a uniform statewide building code and ensuring that insurance companies expedite payments for damages and consider expanding the short-term, no-interest bridge loan program.

Rubio, elected to the Florida State House in 2000, is serving as currently serving as Speaker of the House. He received his degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from the University of Miami.

Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill launched the 100 Ideas Initiative in Oklahoma on Jan. 10. One week later, the initial 100 ideas had been logged on the website and via mail.

For more information about 100 Ideas, visit the 100 Ideas web site online at www.100ideasok.org

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OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb 8, 2007) - The 100 Ideas Initiative, a statewide project launched a month ago to seek the best ideas for Oklahoma second century, today announced members of the project’s advisory board.

“Our advisory board members represent the best and brightest of Oklahoma’s various professions and backgrounds,” said Thad Balkman, Executive Director of 100 Ideas. “But one thing they all share in common is a thirst to bring innovation and new ideas forward for Oklahoma’s second century. I look forward to their participation in the idea gathering and selection process over the course of this year.”

Members of the board include:
Carlos Bermudez, Newalla resident and owner of Sonshine Services
Kirk Humphreys, former Oklahoma City mayor and real estate developer
Jonathan Small, resident of Edmond and a CPA
Daniel W. Pullin, Associate Vice President and Executive Director for the University of Oklahoma’s Center of Economic Wealth
Xavier Neira, Vice President Special Projects, Rooney Holdings, Inc.
Christopher B. Howard, Associate Vice President of the University of Oklahoma’s Honors College; veteran of the War on Terror; Rhodes Scholar and founder of the Impact Young Lives Foundation
Stuart Ericson, resident of Muskogee and a former lawmaker, now an attorney
Jason Ramsey, Policy Analyst OSU/A&M Board of Regents.
Melissa McLawhorn-Houston, resident of Norman and a licensed attorney and Chief of Staff for the Office of Homeland Security
Tom Langdon, Edmond resident and vice president of Stephens Inc., an investment banking firm
Devon Shannon, Lawton resident, stay-at-home mother and wife of State Rep. TW Shannon
Tom Cooper, Tulsa resident and chairman and chief executive of the Warren Professional Building Corporation

Along with House Speaker Lance Cargill, former Oklahoma governors George Nigh, David Boren and Frank Keating are serving as co-chairs of the 100 Ideas Initiative.

“I am honored to have these outstanding Oklahomans helping us find the best ideas from the best minds in Oklahoma as we seek citizen input from across the state,” said Cargill.

Executive Director Balkman said that 100 Ideas has partnered with the Oklahoma Community Institute, an organization focused on improving community planning and leadership and that 100 Ideas will share information about the project’s partners on a quarterly basis, beginning in the spring.

Later this year, the advisory board will help review the ideas to select the best 100, to be published in a book.

IdeaRaisers are planned for February 13 in Tulsa at the Greenwood Cultural Center and February 16 in Tahlequah. In addition, future IdeaRaisers will address aviation, classroom education, public safety and transportation.

The first IdeaRaiser, held January 30 in Oklahoma City, attracted over 100 participants offering ideas on improving bioscience research and technology in Oklahoma.

For more information about 100 Ideas, visit the 100 Ideas web site online at www.100ideasok.org

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OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 30, 2007) - Organizers and participants of the first IdeaRaiser, part of Speaker Lance Cargill’s 100 Ideas Initiative, are calling the event a success.

“This was a great initial event,” said Cargill. “I look forward to meeting with and listening to more Oklahomans in the coming months.”

The IdeaRaiser, held Tuesday night at the Presbyterian Health Foundation, had more than 100 participants and included discussion on how to foster the biotech industry, medical researchers, local entrepreneurs and other health professionals in Oklahoma and making life better for Oklahomans. Participants from the biotech industry and other backgrounds attended the event and produced many creative ideas.

"I am very proud to have been a part of the first IdeaRaiser. Speaker Cargill is taking a bold step toward making Oklahoma's next century a great one. Hopefully these IdeaRaisers will produce the kinds of innovative ideas that will make Oklahoma a leader in the biotech fields and many others,“ said Hershel Lamirand, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Health Center Foundation.

Others had similar praise for the event, including Dr. David Parke II, president and CEO of the Dean McGee Eye Institute, who said, “I think Speaker Cargill is doing precisely what this state needs: a focus on its future and engaging its entire populace in the process.”

Parke added that if only one percent of the population were to engage in the process, “We would wind up with many more than 100 great ideas.”

Dr. Robert Mannel, director of the University of Oklahoma’s Cancer Institute, said the IdeaRaiser gave an opportunity for Oklahomans to “build the Oklahoma of the future and not rely on what we’ve done in the past.”

One group’s ideas were bundled into a collection they called the “Tear Down That Wall Initiatives.” The group’s first idea would “put Oklahoma on the map with the most student instructional days in the nation and pay for this by streamlining administrative functions. Second, the state should promote legislation to allow Tulsa and Oklahoma City to explore consolidation of services, specifically transport and mass transit. The group’s third recommendation was for the state to begin “breaking down ‘silos’ in healthcare.” They suggested connecting medicine to data by creating individualized medicine while still protecting privacy.

Other suggestions included attracting a federal research laboratory to Oklahoma through a major unified state effort, focusing oil and gas revenue on alternative energy research and increasing the retention of college graduates through loan forgiveness and tax credits.

Organizers said they were looking forward to hosting upcoming events.

“Today’s IdeaRaiser is only the beginning of what we hope will be dozens of discussions around the state. As we seek new ideas directly from the people, we hope that all Oklahomans will participate in this process. Our next IdeaRaiser will be in Tulsa next month and we are asking folks to come and share their ideas about innovation in education,” said Thad Balkman, Executive Director of 100 Ideas.

IdeaRaisers are public meetings designed to encourage input and discussion about ideas and suggestions on how the state’s next 100 years can be improved.

For more information, visit the 100 Ideas’ website at www.100ideasok.org.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 10, 2007) – Oklahoma Speaker Lance Cargill officially launched a statewide 100 Ideas Initiative on Wednesday to find the best ideas for Oklahoma’s second century.

“As we embark on Oklahoma’s centennial year, our pioneer spirit is alive and well,” said Cargill (R-Harrah), who will serve as chairman of the initiative. “It’s time to harness that spirit to create a vision for our second century. The 100 Ideas Initiative will seek the most innovative and forward-thinking proposals for our future. Let’s work together to make the next chapter of our state’s history even better than the first.”

At a press conference Wednesday, Cargill unveiled the interactive 100ideasok.org website that will allow citizens across the state to submit, track and discuss ideas -- as well as find out the latest news and calendar updates about the project.

And Cargill announced that former State Rep. Thad Balkman would serve as executive director overseeing the organizational details of the initiative.

“I’m excited to be part of this historic endeavor,” said Balkman, an attorney and a Norman resident. “The 100 Ideas Initiative comes at the perfect time as we celebrate our state’s centennial and prepare for our next 100 years. I hope every Oklahoman will participate and offer their best ideas.”

Balkman introduced members of the advisory board who will assist the initiative in its work throughout the year, as well as the development of a published book at the end of the year. Serving as honorary vice chairs will be former governors David Boren, Frank Keating and George Nigh.

At the press conference, Oklahoma Historical Society executive director Bob Blackburn also announced that materials from the 100 Ideas Initiative would be archived for the benefit of future generations.

Cargill first previewed the 100 Ideas Initiative last week in his acceptance speech on Jan. 2., when he distributed blank 100 Ideas notebooks to the 101 members of the House, Oklahoma’s 48 state Senators, the governor, lieutenant governor and other statewide office holders.

Cargill and Balkman said the first IdeaRaiser will be held on Jan. 30 in Oklahoma City. Balkman said that more IdeaRaisers would be held across the state over the next year. At the end of the year, the 100 Ideas advisory board will help to assemble a book that will be published and disseminated to state leaders before the start of the next legislative session.

Thad Balkman
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