America in Bloom (AIB) recently announced the participants of its 2015 national awards program.
The nonprofit promotes nationwide beautification through education and community involvement by encouraging the use of flowers, plants, trees, and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements. Each year, the program honors cities and organizations within cities that are helping to beautify their communities. Eligible groups include: cities, townships, business districts, college and university campuses, military installations and identifiable sections of large cities.
Each participant will receive a two-day visit from a two-person team of specially trained judges. They will tour the community, meet with volunteers, elected officials, and members of the business community, and then develop an extensive written evaluation. Many mayors have commented that the evaluation would cost upwards of $10,000 if the city had hired a consultant to do the work.
“We have 42 communities this year, a 27 percent increase over last year," said Jack Clasen, awards chairperson. "New this year is a 'Circle of Champions' category in which 11 past winners will compete against one another in two population categories – small and mid-sized."
Since 2002, America in Bloom has engaged nearly 250 towns in 40 states.
“I am quite excited that we have more cities this year than we’ve had in a while. I think it speaks to the improving economic conditions at the local level, as well as the recognition that quality landscapes are one of the best forms of economic development that a city or community can engage in," said Dr. Charlie Hall, AIB board president. "It’s also exciting to consider that we have a good mix of small and medium-sized cities this year, with a number of first-time communities. Obviously, word is getting out about the AIB program and the good results communities are realizing from participating."
Awards will be announced at the annual symposium and awards to be held this year in Holland, Mich., Sept. 24-26. Evaluations will be sent to participants on Sept. 28.
Participants are as follows:
Population Categories
Under 3,500
Independence, LA; Slippery Rock, PA; Edmonston, MD; Castle Rock, WA; Combined Locks, WI
3,500 to 6,000
West Columbia, TX; Brewton, AL; Lewisburg, WV; Catskill, NY
6,000 to 12,500
Tarboro, NC; Newtown Twp, PA; Belpre, OH; Morro Bay, CA
12, 500 to 16,000
Marietta, OH; Woodhaven, MI; Warrenville, IL; Holliston, MA
16,000 to 20,000
Fairhope, AL; Madisonville, KY; Fairview Park, OH; Ottawa, IL
20,000 to 30,000
Hammond, LA; Winter Park, FL; Venice, FL; Calabasas, CA
30,000 to 40,000
Saratoga, CA; Santa Paula, CA; Hopkinsville, KY; St Charles, IL
Over 40,000
Rockford, IL; Lexington, KY; Henderson Co, NC
Champions Category
Small Champions Category
Gallipolis, OH; Echo, OR; Lewes, DE; Greendale, IN; McCall, ID
Mid-Sized Champions Category
Estes Park, CO; Arroyo Grande, CA; Washington, MO; Holland, MI