Can You Take The Heat?

The New Year--it's about a week young and already you're thinking "same old, same old', eh?

Well, you can take it from us, that's not going to happen. We won't let it. It's going to get better. We'll do our part, if you do yours.

And so here is where we start: Urban Tulsa Weekly's Annual Hot 100 isn't one of the most anticipated issues of the year for nothin'. Who made the list? Who didn't? Who's Hot? Who's Not? You can wonder why. The main purpose of this fun little tradition is to predict, based on recent activities, who will make a difference in Tulsa in the coming year.

And so for all of you major UTW junkies, here is a fun exercise . . . pull out your copy of last year's list (you know where it is) and compare it to this year's. First, you can see who we got right. If so and so made last year's list and this year's list, we're major talent scouts--love 'em or hate 'em these guys are influential, so take them seriously.

If they made last year's list but didn't make this year's list, either they've been retired to our holy of holies hall of fame or they squandered their 7-day-year-of-fame.

So, out with the old in with the new and here's to the surviving incumbents: may their works be pro-Tulsa! We'll give you 365 to show us something and hope to see you next year.

Oh yes, and a little note for all of you keeping score over the years: the walrus is Paul and if you think we've been ranking 1 to 100 in some sort of order, we haven't. They're all Hot in their own ways Equality! Liberty! Unity!

Mayor Dewey Bartlett

1. Dewey Bartlett Jr., Mayor of Tulsa.

Not too bad for the first year. A little crazy and hectic and maybe 2011 will go a little smoother, but running a city can't be easy. So keep plugging away. Your ways are not our ways, but you have a lot more information to deal with--and we don't want the responsibility.

2. Theron Warlick, Tulsa City Planner.

City planner may not be an appropriate title. It's an understatement of sorts. Perhaps master chief planning guru is more fitting for the man helping to pave the way for PLANiTULSA and other city betterment projects. Before long, Tulsa's planning problems will be a bad memory and Mr. Warlick will be largely to thank.

Blake Ewing

3. Blake Ewing, downtown business owner/entrepreneur.

He just keeps dreaming dreams, building them and Tulsa just keeps getting better. Owner of the Max Retropub, Joe Momma's Pizza and Boomtown Tee's, what could possibly be up his sleeve next? Maybe a little BBQ and Blues.

Tom Dittus

4. Tom Dittus, Swamphouse Partners LLC.

The founder and major domo of the long beloved Blue Rose Café. We've missed this place and are excited to see it back, smack on riverfront property and opening its doors again, bigger and better than ever. This first commercial development on the river could be the start of something big.

5. Fran Ringold.

Great literature can be overlooked in our high-tech society but we salute your constant efforts to improve Tulsa's current and future best-selling (and not so) authors. The art of language is an admirable one and we're glad you're carrying the torch.

6. ONEOK Field.

What a great addition to the city! The new home of the Drillers had a banner year and it can only get better from here. Welcome and thanks for a great year, ONEOK. Go gas!

7. Brady Arts District.

It just keeps getting better. Brady is bringing in both local and nationally recognized talent and Tulsa is reaping the benefits. We're looking forward to what the future holds and all the new plans in the works, including the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture and the Cain's Ballroom Museum.

8. Jamie Jamieson, partner with The Village Builders.

A native or England who has adopted Tulsa as his home, Jamieson has a talent for parlaying his visions into reality, as evidenced by the success of the Village at Central Park and the renaissance going on in the Pearl District. At the same time, he plays an integral role in some of Tulsa's finest organizations, including the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, where he sits on the board of directors.

9. Ryan Dunlap, film director.

Helping legitimize Tulsa's nascent film scene, Dunlap has some

exciting prospects on the horizon, while his Greyscale is complete and already a great success. We're on the edge of our seats waiting to see what comes next.

10. Robert Meachem, New Orleans Saints wide receiver.

At just 26 years old, this Tulsa native helped the formerly woeful Saints win their first Super Bowl last season. He's not doing too badly this season, either, as New Orleans zeroes in on a repeat. We're proud to call you him of our own. Keep right on catching the ball, Robert.

11. Chris Girouard, owner of Girouard Vines.

Tulsa's rich art deco history has inspired a lot of artists over the decades, but Girouard's East Village boutique winery has put a new twist on that history by immortalizing it on the labels of its award-winning wines. We at UTW love our wine, but we love it a little more when it comes with a hometown touch.

12. Marion Jones, Tulsa Shock guard.

T-town is a great place to start over, and we're glad Jones -- a one-time track superstar who forfeited her numerous Olympic medals after admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs -- chose to rebuild her athletic career here as a member of Tulsa's WNBA team. Here's to all the winning seasons to come.

13. Nolan Richardson, Tulsa Shock head coach and general manager.

We always knew you'd be back one day. Thanks for returning and putting as much heart into Tulsa in 2010 as you did so long ago.

14. Damen Banks, Swahill Studios.

The music reaches the masses because of men like this. Driving the sound of local hip-hop and R&B, Banks produces and provides recording space for local and regional artists.

15. Admiral Twin Drive-In.

Remember the old adage of not knowing what you have until it's gone? The Twin was always appreciated, but now that Tulsa's legendary backdrop and summer lovin' place to have fun is actually gone, having fallen victim to a fire last summer, the true spirit of the place is more obvious than ever. Still missing you, Twin. Come back soon.

16. Terry Simonson, Mayor Dewey Bartlett's Chief of Staff.

As the policy architect for a mayor who inherited one of the worst financial crises in the city's history, Simonson had his work cut out for him in 2010, particularly after he found himself targeted by a City Council investigation for allegedly lying about a federal grant. But Simonson weathered the storm and now seems poised to help lead Tulsa out of the Great Recession and into the next era of its development.

17. Broken Arrow development

It seems like you can't take a drive east on the Broken Arrow Expressway these days without seeing a shiny new development going up in Tulsa's most dynamic bedroom community, be it a subdivision, a retail center or a restaurant. With a burgeoning population rapidly approaching 100,000 people, it seems this once-sleepy suburb can expect more developments along the line of its sprawling Bass Pro Shops project.

18. Michael Bates, blogger.

A city geek if there ever was one. You've got to wonder if the guy ever sleeps, what with a wife and three kids and software writing gig that he keeps to support his habit. He is Tulsa's city hall, planning, and zoning junkie. And that's not all. If you need an opinion, he's got one. He's always right, even when he's wrong.

19. Jeremy Charles, photographer.

Giving Tulsa a view of music and life that is unique and artistic a whole new way. His latest exhibit "Wall of Sound" perfectly captured some of the city's best musicians.

20. G.T. Bynum, District 9 City Councilor.

Named the mayor's water boy by at least one city councilor, Bynum, nonetheless, appears to have Tulsa's interests at heart. We see him as a major interlocutor between Bartlett and the rest of the several dwarfs on the council. We have great expectations of him.

21. Snyder Family, Brickhugger LLC.

We've all been waiting for someone to come along and take on the old City Hall. Finally, that crumbling eyesore was targeted for redevelopment this year by the Snyders and their Brickhugger LLC firm, meaning that someone with the wherewithal and know-how to get things done will oversee its renovation into an Aloft Hotel. If you doubt their ability to pull it off, you need look no further than the smashing success they made of the recently reopened Mayo Hotel and Luxury Apartments.

22. Shop Tulsa.

It's about time someone told residents how important it is to buy local. This new city government initiative came just in time. The economy is trying to rebound but can't seem to get a leg up, so Shop Tulsa might just provide enough leverage for a good climb next year.

23. Earl Clark, in memoriam.

Not only a great force in the world of jazz, but a much appreciated hometown hero who poured his wealth of knowledge into younger generations as a performer, teacher and mentor. You will be missed Earl and we'll all do our best to pass on your legacy.

24. Leon Russell.

Russell has been impacting Tulsa since long before some of us were born, but the legendary rocker's influence has been rekindled this year. Not only has he recorded and performed on a well-received world tour with Elton John, Russell even got a Tulsa street named after him this year. He helped put Tulsa on the map in the 1970's with his Shelter Records and Church Studio, but he continues to show he's still got a few tricks up his sleeve.

25. PLANiTULSA.

It was written, it was discussed, it was passed around more times than necessary, but folks, it has finally been approved. This multi-faceted guide for Tulsa planning and land use is bound to catapult the city into an exciting development stage. Time to get rolling.

26. Street construction.

Anybody sick of those orange cones yet? The Fix Our Streets program approved by voters in 2008 finally has kicked into high gear last summer, meaning it's virtually impossible to drive anywhere in Tulsa these days without encountering a street repair project. The delays are inconvenient, sure, but think of the advantages once the work is done.

Elliot Nelson

27. Elliot Nelson, entrepreneur.

Not only does this businessman keep playing a vital role in reviving downtown Tulsa through his burgeoning restaurant and entertainment empire, he steps into roles he doesn't have to when no one else will, like his sponsorship of Tulsa's Holiday Parade of Lights. What would Tulsa do without you, Elliot? Not much.

28. Robin Flint Ballenger, Flintco chairwoman.

As the leader of one of the top construction companies in the nation, Ballenger has blazed a new path for women, especially American Indian women. She's also one of Tulsa's most generous philanthropists, donating to a variety of worthy causes.

Mary Fallin

29. Mary Fallin, Governor of Oklahoma.

As the state's first female chief executive, Fallin will have her hands full when she takes office soon. Nevertheless, we here at UTW would like to say good luck and full steam ahead. We're very interested in what change and improvements you're going to bring to Oklahoma in the coming years.

30. Seneca Scott, State House District 72 representative.

This young Democratic who serves much of north Tulsa at the Capitol has a challenging task in representing one of Oklahoma's most diverse districts. Now in his second term, Scott has made a name for himself as a politician who can work with those on both sides of the aisle by identifying and working on issues that affect not just those in his district, but people across the state, including eliminating so-called "food deserts."

31. Todd Graham, TU football coach.

The future for Golden Hurricane football has rarely looked brighter, as Graham coached this year's squad to a 10-3 mark and a victory in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. With an explosive offense and a much-improved defense, Graham oversaw the Hurricane's transformation from Conference USA also-ran to a Top 25-caliber team.

32. G.J. Kinne, TU quarterback.

Hometown hero on the field, Kinne might have been the best thing for TU football since, well since Todd Graham. Headlining the 2010 All-Conference USA team, we're looking forward to bigger and better things next year.

33. Elizabeth Frame Ellison, Owner and manager of Hi, Cupcake

Not only are we very thankful to Ellison satisfying our sweet tooth, we hope that Tulsans soak up some of the spirit and drive behind her entrepreneurial adventures. A dream of becoming a public defender rerouted into cupcake making earned this fine lady a semi-finalist slot in the SpiritBank/Tulsa Community College Entrepreneurial Award. With the storefront opening this month, we are excited to see what 2011 holds in the world of cupcakes.

34. Laura Scott, owner of Rope on Cherry St.

It's about time someone got a new vision of what fashion can be in Tulsa. Young and ambitious, Scott leads the way by offering local designer clothes and jewelry in a simplistic way. This makeover was long-coming.

35. Marcia and Angelo Amabile, owner of Piatto Cucina Italiana.

The only thing missing from this little Italy is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Authenticity envelopes everything from the Gnocchi alla Sarda to the extensive Italian wine list. Taking a trip to Italy has never been so easy and we love to travel.

36. Kerry Vincent, chef and TV personality.

In case you weren't aware, given the Australian accent and cake genius, Kerry calls Tulsa home. A cake-baking, sugar-sculpting, fear-striking Food Network judge is just what this city needs. Not to mention her being a great special guest for UTW's annual "Urban Indulgence" benefit. Glad to have ya.

37. George Romero, Tulsa Youth Services arts and activities coordinator. You can't help but be awesome if you're a woman named George. When it comes to art and theater and helping kids, she's top drawer.

38. Tami Foust, owner of Cigar Box.

Fighting for the freedom to inhale (and exhale) where appropriate, Foust is speaking out against making all businesses tobacco free. Cigar Box's three locations have been great additions for Tulsa's cigar loving residents. This humidor even made an appearance on UTW's Absolute Best list.

39. Danny Finnerty, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Director of Entertainment

Nice lineup Danny. Doobie Brothers, Michael Bolton, Hall & Oates and of course, Tulsa's Rocky Horror Picture Show. What could possibly be up your sleeve next? Keep bringin' 'em in and we'll keep the house packed.

40. Howard Barnett, OSU-Tulsa President.

Having just completed his first full year heading the local campus, Barnett -- a veteran of the administration of Gov. Frank Keating in the 1990s -- is committed to the idea of providing Tulsans with easy access to a major, four-year public university.

41. Todd Cunningham, Garage Media.

This is one we told you to watch last year and he didn't disappoint. Not only did he land the first local gig at the Hard Rock, he produced Rocky Horror like we've never seen it before. Expect to see big things from him in the coming months and don't be surprised when he is on next year's list.

42. Matt Moffett, Tulsa Girls Art School.

So much talent rests in Tulsa schools and rarely does someone come along that is willing to cultivate it with no gain for oneself. Thanks for taking on the future generations.

Scott Smith

43. Scott Smith, owner of Blue Jackalope.

Crosbie Heights has been waiting on this man to come along and help with the revival. Opening the Jackalope allows folks in the area a convenient place to shop with a hint of culture and a lot of past. And we love grandma and grandpa!

44. Chad Oliverson, Dr. Frank N. Furter from The Rocky Horror Show.

A little strange? Probably. Extremely talented? Definitely. Glad to call you one of our own Chad. We claim no little performance ability here at UTW, so we know of which we speak--pulling off the perfect Frank N. Furter is a task not all can accomplish. Hoping to see you in fishnets and lipstick come 2011.

45. Shelby Navarro, One Architecture.

Not only is he the principal of his own architecture firm, he is teaching Tulsans about the possibilities of green living. Not by way of books or classes but he, along with wife Rachel, built their own person green space. Soak up the knowledge Tulsa.

46. Gary Shaffer, Tulsa City-County Library CEO

A former ad man turned librarian, Shaffer was hired to take over the city-county library operation late in 2010 and will provide the organization with a jolt of enthusiasm and new ideas. He'll inherit a library system that already ranks as one of the nation's best, but he plans on improving its job search resources and increasing its partnerships with local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

47. Doug Dodd, lawyer.

A veteran of local politics and an expert in media law, Dodd is consistently named one of the best in the nation in his field of expertise. He is one of Tulsa's best and brightest and has been for decades. If he could only speak his own mind the world would be a better place.

48. Doug Bauer, associate of Bauer & Associates Realtors.

Local actor and real estate broker extraordinaire, Bauer has played Jesus, had some success in Hollywood, and can always be found dabbling in some form of creative endeavor.

49. Olivia Duhon.

Her voice is mesmerizing. Maybe you haven't heard her but she made this list, which means she's worth hearing. Inducted in the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, this rising star has a set of pipes that would make Billie Holiday proud.

50. Fiawna Forte.

This fresh face of musical genius just keeps stunning Tulsa (and the rest of the music world) with her contagious mix of gentle punk rock-indiefied tunes. That being said, it's hard to pinpoint a genre that this singer/songwriter fits into. We're big fans of those who can successfully push boundaries, barefoot and all.

51. Hanson.

Who would have thought that the "MMMBop" bandits would return to the top of the music scene in 2010? These brothers spent their year leading the masses through Brookside for One Day Without Shoes, releasing a new album, and charming fans worldwide. The Shout It Out album is a fantastic mix of bluesy pop and we'll take it as a nice tribute to your hometown. Just keep making music, marketing and looking good while you do it, you've got our vote.

Eric Marshall

52. Eric Marshall, Marshall Brewing Company.

As the founder of Tulsa's first local production brewery, Marshall has taken a onetime hobby and turned it into a civic endeavor. Tulsans have responded by adopting his fantastic beers as their own, making Marshall Brewing Company an overnight sensation. So it's only natural to feel a sense of local pride as you quaff a Sundown Wheat or an Atlas IPA.

53. Michael Jones and Neil Mavis, Tulsa Olympic Committee.

No one could ever accuse these two of not dreaming big. Their idea of bringing the Summer Olympic Games to Tulsa in 2020 was laughed at by many, but not by the UTW staff, which recognizes that you've got to aim high to accomplish great things.

54. George Kaiser, The Kaiser Family Foundation.

No one really knows what all Kaiser has his hand in, but we can assure you, he and is people have a plan. Several of Tulsa's non-profits and much of the current development rests with his well-funded decisions. We hope the best interests of Tulsa are foremost in the corporate giving, decision-making process.

55. BOK Center/SMG Management.

Year one and two were more than anyone expected. Now, voted No. 5 in the country by Pollstar Magazine, Tulsa's very own go-to event venue had a rock-star lineup in 2010 and 2011 is looking even better. Elton John, Leon Russell and Carrie Underwood just skim the surface of this year's BOK entertainment. After Lady Gaga, Ozzy and Cirque Du Soleil arrive, Tulsa just might give Madison Square Garden a run for its' money. And thanks to Ok City for getting the Thunder and freeing up many several touring nights that may have landed at the Ford Center.

56. Tony Henry and Greg Hughes, restaurateurs.

When Tulsa decides where it's going to eat lunch or dinner, Henry and Hughes probably don't come to mind, but maybe they should. If Full Moon, In the Raw or Wolfgang Puck have crossed your lips recently, you have these men to thank. Now, in 2010, you also have them to thank for The Ivey on Peoria, Tulsa's first rooftop bar and lounge. Great food, drink and a view.

57. Dr. Bob Blackburn, Oklahoma Historical Society executive director.

Serving as the guardian of Oklahoma's past is a big job. But Blackburn is charged with being a visionary, as well, and his dream of opening a new museum that highlights the state's contributions to popular culture in the Brady Arts District is one of the more exciting ideas to come up the turnpike in a long time.

58. Kathy Taylor, former mayor.

When you have a Wikipedia bio, you're obviously one of the hottest people in Tulsa. After serving as mayor, Taylor spent the next year working on education for the governor and is now doing some legal stuff. She'll probably always be on our list but it's not because of the things you read about in the paper or on-line encyclopedias. It's because of all the incredible things she does to help Tulsa that you never hear about. Genuine.

59. Tom and Angie Green, owners of the IDL Complex.

As if the Crystal Masquerade New Year's Eve Ball at the IDL Ballroom wasn't enough to put these two on the list, the sheer magnitude of Tulsa events that the Greens have a hand in each year is phenomenal. While we did miss Dfest this year, we're hoping it comes back in full force. Of course, Electric Circus and Enso deserve a little mention too.

60. The Rodgers Family, owners of Cain's Ballroom and Ida Red.

All lovers of western swing, this family is reigniting the fire that once stirred great performances in Cain's decades ago. Always a piece of Tulsa history, Cain's and Ida Red are now living legends and are as much as part of Tulsa's growth as they are its past.

61. Libby Auld, owner of Eloté Café & Catering.

Puffy tacos. Thank you for these. Really, that's not all Elote has to offer but it can be hard to look past them. We also have a soft spot for La Corredora Luchadora, Margarita the Meter Maid and all their wrestling buddies who provide downtown with a different flare of entertainment every other week.

62. Donnie Gendron, bar and club owner.

We love to bar hop and we know them all. Clubs come and go and most of the owners shy away from attention. Gendron is one of the few, slowly building his family of clubs and providing most of Tulsa's favorite places to party. Amongst them: Fishbonz (South Tulsa and Owasso), Rooster's Cocktails, CJ Moloney's, The Market Pub and The Buckaneer Bar. What's his secret? Deliver exactly what his clients want: a fun, comfortable and safe atmosphere, good music and great drink prices. Not only that, he's known for taking good care of his employees and running some of the most community-oriented clubs in town.

63. David Fitzgerald, DCF Concerts

When it comes to bringing great shows to Tulsa, DCF Concerts is one of the best. No matter what the size: from clubs to Cain's Ballroom to The Brady Theater, DCF and its leader, David Fitzgerald have their finger on the pulse of Tulsa's music lovers. Fitzgerald doesn't just bring the hottest tours to town, however -- he's also a huge supporter of local music giving many Tulsa and Oklahoma City bands a huge opportunity to open those shows and find a new audience. The sky's the limit for Fitzgerald and DCF.

64. Blake Smith, Select Cinemas co-owner.

It's OK. We're all rooting for you still. Admiral Twin was a great place for summer fun and, for the time being, is greatly missed but Tulsa believes in you and itself. Keep plugging away and the Twin will rise again, we just know it.

65. Larry Mocha

Paving the way for small business owners across the state, Mocha's drive and philanthropy is contagious as he spearheads efforts to organize and spread the word on The Governor's Conference on Small Business 2011. With some good support (Jerry Holder, Liz Hunt and countless others), Mocha is influencing the way government responds to small businesses and hoping to impact Oklahoma's educational system; providing both jobs and qualified graduates to fill them. We salute you. Keep up the good work.

66. 2010 Earthquake

Though it was 2009 that was actually a record year for earthquake activity in Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma Geological Survey, it wasn't until Oct. 13, 2010, when a magnitude 4.3 earthquake took place just five miles east-southeast of Norman, that most Oklahomans became aware of the fact that seismic activity is no stranger to the Sooner state. The quake was one of the strongest in the state's recorded history and was felt by tens of thousands of people. Even so, it didn't come close to the magnitude 5.5 earthquake recorded on April 9, 1952, that was felt from El Reno and Oklahoma City to Ponca City.

67. Pearl District

If the residents of every neighborhood in Tulsa were as engaged in making their area a better place to live as the people of the Pearl District are, Tulsa would probably be known as the greatest city in the America. This once-declining district just east of downtown has been undergoing a renaissance for the past several years, beginning with a handful of new developments and the creation of Centennial Park, now regarded as one of the most beautiful spots in the city. But the best is yet to come -- the district soon will be home to the city's first form-based codes plan, meaning revolutionary, multi-use development will become the norm there.

68. Biker Fox

This quirky, spandex-clad Tulsa figure is well known to just

about any motorist who has made his or her way down south Memorial Drive, where Biker Fox can be found pedaling in and out of traffic on his bicycle and getting arrested by local police. In 2010, his story went to the big screen, as filmmaker Jeremy Lambertson produced a documentary on Biker Fox that debuted at the Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

69. James Bengfort

There are many faces to UTW, but the most familiar is Bengfort's, recently promoted to Associate Publisher. As we celebrate our 20th year, his dedication to our mission and commitment to our continued growth will help lead us through the coming decade. Congratulations, James, and thank you for all you do for the community, our readers, advertisers, and staff.

70. Chuck Foxen

Few people are able to catch and hold onto those stunning moments in life that are worth living over and over. Foxen not only knows his way behind a lens but he has proven it on a national platform, appearing in the Sundance Film Festival catalog of 2010. He also helps bring such stunning films as Howl and Leaves of Grass to the big screen as the General Manager of Circle Cinema, Tulsa's only non-profit and independent movie theatre.

71. Ken Greenwood

Most people are happy to make their mark in just one field in their lifetime. Ken Greenwood has established himself as a legend in three areas. As a longtime Tulsa radio executive, he helped create the famed Great Raft Race in the 1970s, then went on to shape the University of Tulsa's Communications Department into a one-time juggernaut in the late '70s. After returning to the broadcast media field as a radio consultant in the 1980s, Greenwood then made an indelible mark on the conservation field, going to work for the Nature Conservancy and helping raise the $15 million it took to buy the property in Osage County that would come to be known as the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. And he's still going strong, writing books about ecology that have shaped the national debate on that issue.

72. Bill Bartmann

This Tulsa businessman gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, "finish what you start." Commercial Financial Services, a business built from the ground up by the Bartmanns, suddenly fell apart and fizzled out more than a decade ago. Have no fear, in the midst of this economic crisis, CFS will rise again. CFS II this time around and even in the same location at CityPlex Towers. Despite the years of struggle and public speculation, Bartmann even made it on the Inc. 500 list. Accomplishment in the face of adversity.

73. Gerald Harris, MMA fighter

Most youth don't look at their high school teachers as hometown heroes and certainly not as hard-hitting future MMA fighters. That is just what Harris is. With a 17-3-0 MMA record, this former East Central High School teacher is making some major waves in the ring. Hit 'em hard, Hurricane.

74. Tracy Letts, playwright, actor.

The Pulitzer-Prize winning author doesn't really live here any longer but he's from here and he came back home, so to speak, last year by bringing his August: Osage County to Tulsa's Performing Arts Center. If you've seen the play, you'd agree Letts should be a permanent member of this list. If you haven't, trust us, he's one of the city's and state's favorite sons. His mom is super awesome too.

75. Larry Fox

As chairman of the annual Holiday Parade of Lights, Fox found himself on the firing line in certain quarters over the decision to remove the word Christmas from the event name. Fox defended that decision not only in the local media, but to Fox News pundit Gretchen Carlson, whose memorable tirade against the name later earned her a scornful segment on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show." Ultimately, the parade went off without a hitch, and Fox moved out of the spotlight and onto planning next year's Christmas-time parade.

76. Justin and Lauren Orcutt

The Orcutts launched a successful personal delivery service, You Buy We Fly, earlier this year, recognizing that there was a substantial local market for people who would pay to have their meals, gifts, documents, dry cleaning and other items picked up and delivered to them for the sake of convenience. But the Orcutts didn't stop there. They piggybacked a new service, You Need We Feed, on top of You Buy We Fly, and now the company's drivers will pick up extra, unwanted or donated food from local restaurants, businesses or homes and deliver it for free to a local agency that helps feed disadvantaged Tulsans.

77. Paula Marshall

She may not have started the grand tradition of Bama Pie, but she built it into an international concern. As CEO of a company quickly growing worldwide, Marshall impacts Tulsa's livelihood everyday producing jobs. We have sweet satisfaction knowing that Marshall is holding the reigns to one of Tulsa's greatest assets.

78. Brett Fidler

Named by Mayor Dewey Bartlett Jr. to direct the city's new Office of Sustainability in March, Fidler has had a busy first year in his new post. His most recent efforts have been directed at finding and hiring a firm to initiate the city's first sustainability plan, a project aimed at helping city government reduce its energy consumption by 25 percent within the next two years, as well as dramatically increasing its use of renewable fuels.

79. Steve Overfield, Illustrator

Trust us, it's hard to find great artists with such a passion for Tulsa. For reference, consider if local political wonk, Michael Bates could draw. And what's better, Overfield isn't a lockstep Republican conservative! He was the hand behind such recent, memorable covers as UTW's 2010 "Annual Manual", among others. Who else could construct such an artistically accurate and intriguing rendering of what the whole city's coming to? Hard thing to do and Steve amazed us all.

80. Antonio Perez

Already the owner of a string of highly successful Latino supermarkets in Tulsa called Las Americas, Perez responded last year when city leaders put out the call for a local entrepreneur to come forward and open a grocery store at the old Albertsons location at Peoria Avenue and Pine Street, giving north Tulsa its first supermarket since 2007. Perez's Gateway Market is in its first anniversary and continuing to serve an area of Tulsa that desperately needs access to the kind of products the store offers.

81. Green Movement

Slowly but surely, Tulsa is awakening to the fact that adopting "green" practices isn't just a feel-good thing, but smart from a financial perspective, as well. City government is doing its part with the creation of an Office of Sustainability aimed at reducing energy use, but there are many people in the private sector who have been leading the way for several years by promoting green building techniques, renewable energy sources and walkable communities that don't require residents to get behind the wheel every time they need to buy a dozen eggs or go out for a meal.

82. Oklahoma Horror Film Festival

There were rampaging zombies, swing-for-the-fences ax murderers and bloodthirsty, deep-sea creatures for all at the inaugural Oklahoma Horror Film Festival at the Spiritbank Event Center over Labor Day weekend, when fans of this often-disrespected genre were treated to 60 spine-tingling films over three days. Organizer Joel Hulett and his small staff put together this glorious gorefest, where art-film sensibilities were left at the door, and mayhem and madness ruled the roost.

83. Michael Wallis, writer

This longtime Tulsa author may be best known for his seminal book "The Mother Road," which reignited the national, and international, love affair with Route 66, but Wallis has authored dozens of other books over the years, as well, along with voicing the role of the Sheriff in the animated classic "Cars." He'll be back in the spotlight in 2011, as his new book about Tennessee legend David Crockett is released this spring.

84. DJ Robbo

Yes, he's one of Tulsa's favorite DJ's and has been for years. Not only has he developed a solid following with his love for both '80's and electronic music with his Mixtape gigs and annual '80's Prom (one of the biggest parties of the year), he's also the mastermind behind electro-dance band Recorder and a key player in making Free Tulsa happen this summer in the absence of DFest. As we speak, he continues to open his grasp of local music as the new manager of Eclipse, making an effort to breathe new life into an iconic location in the Pearl District.

85. Ken Alexander

This Tulsa native and restaurant architect who has worked on projects around the world decided to jump into the beer industry in a major way, announcing plans to open the Spring Loaded Brewery in Sand Springs, a production brewery, restaurant and bar, and events center in the old Sand Springs Power, Light & Water Building, a 30,000-square-foot facility that has long been a local landmark. When his new venture opens, perhaps as soon as mid summer, it is expected to immediately become one of the biggest draws in the metro area.

86. Mike Callaway, owner of Cal-Tech Global LLC-

To be in the running with some of Tulsa's finest entrepreneurs and pull out ahead is quite an accomplishment, but Callaway did it. Winner of the 2010 SpiritBank/Tulsa Community College Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, Callaway's company makes a filtering product for the energy industry. We can't wait to see what he's up to in the coming year.

87. Brian Paschal

As executive director of one of the country's fastest growing and largest organizations of young professionals, Paschal deserves a little praise. Tulsa Young Professionals (TYPros) leads the way for change and growth in Tulsa, all the while encouraging leaders to see the city through the coming decades. Sure, nine work crews can be a lot to manage but we've got a few more ideas if you need any suggestions. We don't want you to get bored.

88. Duane Phillips and Bob Eggleston

As developers of the Village on Main in Jenks, an 800,000-square-foot riverfront development, Phillips and Eggleston are trying to make the big-box-surrounded-by-a-sea-of-asphalt project a thing of the past. They claim the Village on Main will represent the state's first true multi-use development, with residential, retail, hotel, office and recreational uses all existing side by side at this 30-acre site on the west bank of the Arkansas River. Patrons will be able to live, work and play within the confines of the Village on Main, which is scheduled to open in late 2011.

89. Tom Hufford, a.k.a. Marshal Tom

Safety first. Not many manly men would be willing to get on live television and playfully interact with local kids to promote safety. Tom appears 50 times each month on Marshal Tom's Safety Station to tell kids about the importance of community safety. He is a founding member of the Tulsa Safe Kid's Coalition and the Assistant Fire Marshall at the Tulsa Fire Department. Keep up the good work, Huffy.

90. Rusty Rowe, Owner of Mod's Coffee & Crepes

Making this list for his incredible entrepreneurial effort behind Mod's Coffee & Crepes and his resulting win of the 2010 Tulsa (or Tulsey?) Awards, Rowe knows how to draw out and facilitate a great business plan. It is noteworthy to mention his campaign videos during the voting process of the Tulsey Awards. Rarely do candidates provide us with so much entertainment. Go big or go home, right? Nicely done.

91. Zuri Louis and Steve Cluck, artists

In the year of the graphic T, Louis & Cluck are driving the wheel behind local designs. Creators of Louis & Cluck t-shirts, these two are the brains behind "Don't hate the 918" and "I heart Tulsa" wear. We eagerly await their next big thing.

92. The Rev. Willard Jones

As pastor of the Greater Cornerstone Church and executive director of the Greater Cornerstone Community Development Project, Jones has been the driving force behind the effort to resurrect west Tulsa's South Haven neighborhood in recent years. He has helped initiate a massive home-building project by Habitat for Humanity, led attempts to rid the neighborhood of drug dealers and secured $7 million to build a new community center that will bring a variety of social service providers to the chronically underserved.

93. Brian Fontaine

As the manager of both The Colony and Fassler Hall, Fontaine is already responsible for two of the best locations to catch live, local music. Not just a bar manager, however, he also supports local music by putting his weight behind local CD release parties and backing this year's The New Tulsa Sound CD.

94. Brian Horton

Although you may not know who he is, if you take in local music, you'd likely recognize him as the guy who seems to be at every local show at every venue. Beyond supporting the bands and posting more local music on YouTube and Facebook than you can possibly keep track of, Horton is also the man responsible for launching The New Tulsa Sound CD, spotlighting 18 Tulsa artists. If Tulsa had even 5 more local music fans this passionate about the scene, bands would be moving to Tulsa instead of Austin, Nashville, New York and L.A.

95. Rus DeWolf, Quik Trip, corporate sales manager

Although Chester and Chet Cadieux get the majority of the credit as owners, the reason QT remains in public favor is because Dad and Junior built a team with members like DeWolf. Although he's corporate, he's hands-on and seen regularly in stores, doing everything from product placement and display design to client tours and vendor negotiation. DeWolf is one of the MVPs that works behind the scenes to make QT the success that it is.

96. Stephen Egerton

Although Egerton has been acknowledged here before as a producer at Armstrong Studios, in 2010 he stepped up with a solo album, The 7 Degrees of Stephen Egerton, which proved he's not lost his step since his days in seminal punk bands Descendents and All. 7 Degrees was one of the best spins of the summer if not the entire year.

97. Stars Go Dim

As one of the hottest pop bands coming out of Tulsa, SGD not only won this year's ABoT Music award for Album of the year, but a host of other accolades. What other Tulsa band do you know that landed a single in rotation in Hollister stores, won a national contest (sponsored by Clear Channel Radio and Subway) to open for Goo Goo Dolls, and still had time to go back to the studio and release another new single?

98. Brandon Clark

There's good reason why Urban Tulsa readers voted Clark this year's Artist of the Year at the ABoT Music Awards. Between solo shows, acoustic gigs and dates with Brandon Clark Band, the hardest working music man in Tulsa plays more than 300 shows each year mixing both cover tunes and original material. Still, he's down to earth and supports his peers, knowing more about local music than most fans.

99. Eric Arndt

Although Arndt is known as one of Tulsa's most active musicians, playing with everyone from Vandevander to Jesse Aycock, Pilgrim and even his own project, Refund Division, he's more than just that. He's an artist and visionary within the local music scene, combining his love of film, music and technology. As a filmmaker, he's already produced a pair of short films and begun the process of creating videos for each of the songs on his Refund Division release. He's also amongst the most forward thinking on the scene, releasing his music digitally on a flash drive in a multi-media format. Take notes kids: Arndt is signaling the future of music releases and distribution.

100. Paul Benjaman Band

For all the talk of "The New Tulsa Sound," Paul Benjaman Band is one of the leaders in the movement and the best example of what it's all about. By mixing contemporary sensibilities with the classic influences of Leon Russell, JJ Cale and even Bob Wills, Benjaman and his band take the vibe of Tulsa's classic '70's scene and launch it headlong into the future providing a soundtrack that generations both young and old can appreciate and enjoy.