Gratitude
by Evelyn Alemanni

It's early November, but you could hardly tell by the way the stores are jammed with Christmas decor, holiday cooking supplies, and junky items destined for re-gifting.

Where did Thanksgiving go? Squeezed in between Halloween, now the second biggest holiday in revenue terms, and Christmas, Thanksgiving hardly gets a retail nod anymore. But in this blog, we want to give it prominence. That grateful feeling... aah! So much to be grateful for, not just this time of year, but every single day.

Let's start with AIB's founders - all volunteers - who more than 12 years ago, decided that America's towns and cities could use a boost. They worked tirelessly to get the program off the ground.

And for that, we have to give praise to our sponsors throughout the years. America in Bloom is the only national awards program that actually sends two, real, live, specially trained judges (again, all volunteers) to coach and mentor on site. So sponsors are super-important. Sponsors help us keep registration fees low, help present the symposium and awards program, and get the word out about AIB. So here's a big hug to our sponsors!

And our judges deserve thanks. Many of them have been with AIB since the program's inception. What an amazing commitment and a testament to their belief in the program. Each year, our judges commit to several weeks of travel, followed by several more weeks of writing evaluations. At other times of the year, they mentor participants, give talks about AIB, support AIB at tradeshows, and more. Judges, we appreciate you greatly.

Then there are all the participants. Real people, in real communities, who have a vision for the greatness that their town can achieve, and who are willing to make the effort to bring it about. You are America's champions, leading the way, showing how it's done, and using the America in Bloom framework to engage volunteers of every demographic to help improve the quality of life where you live. Gratitude, appreciation and admiration to all of you.

Major appreciation to our board of directors, all volunteers. They come from a variety of backgrounds and each of them helps guide the organization's development and success.

Heartfelt thanks to our Executive Director, Laura Kunkle, who has been with AIB from the beginning and also is a volunteer.  She is the rock, the fount of all knowledge, the resource and guide, who always has a smile and the right answer. Laura, we are indebted to you.

May your Thanksgiving, and your year ahead, be greatly blessed with the fruits of your efforts. As you plan ahead for the holidays, remember that the best gift you can give your town is participation in the 2013 America in Bloom program. Register soon!