Celebrating Communities

Friday, October 17, 2014 by America in Bloom
By Dr. Charlie Hall, AIB President

The AIB Symposium was held earlier this month in Philadelphia, and as usual, was attended by a lot of passionate and enthusiastic folks. The Brandywine Valley is an important horticultural region with exceptional public gardens, magnificent historic trees, innovative new parks, and picturesque natural landscapes.

Volunteers from 24 states attended the symposium to celebrate the efforts their communities had achieved in preserving their local cultural heritage, enhancing the environmental aspects of their spaces, and, of course, beautifying their surroundings. It was an incredibly gratifying experience to watch their excitement in being recognized and affirmed!

Of all of the numerous meetings I attend each year, this one is a favorite of mine, not just because of the positive attitudes, but because of the verification that the programs’ sponsorship dollars have indeed made a difference in the lives of citizens all across America and have furthered the use of flowers, shrubs, turfgrass, and trees around the country. Let me express a huge thank you to all previous AIB sponsors (and encourage those who have been on the fence to go ahead and make the sponsorship that truly makes a difference).

Now in its thirteenth anniversary, the program has not only conveyed the message of beautification, but one of economic development, provision of environmental amenities, and enhancement of health and well-being as well. Over 220 cities and several million citizens have been exposed to AIB’s message, undoubtedly benefitting the countless local businesses in those trade areas. While this alone is impressive, it is exciting to consider that as AIB continues to expand, even more synergistic benefits will likely result.

The education at this year’s symposium was exceptional with lots of good tips for communities to use in their own local programs. It was definitely worth the price of the ticket just to listen to the great insights offered by the speakers. Of course, the awards portion of the symposium was the icing on the cake. While everyone inherently knows that there are no losers in the program (given that communities obviously gained directly from all of the hard work put in by AIB volunteers), it is still nice to be recognized in some way.

Taking that to heart, one part of the program this year involved every single community receiving recognition for something the judges felt was outstanding about their respective communities. Everyone learned a lot just from hearing the judges’ comments about what they considered unique and special about their community!

I also wanted to take this opportunity to personally thank each of the communities that participated this year and I have included below a list of the recipients of the various awards presented during the symposium. Congratulations to these and all AIB cities this year!

Population Category Awards
•        Less Than 3,500 - McCall, Idaho
•        5,501 - 4,500 - Gallipolis, Ohio
•        4,501 - 10,000 - Estes Park, Colorado
•        10,001 - 15,000 - Washington, Missouri
•        15,001 - 19,000 - Ottawa, Illinois
•        19,001 - 24,000 - Calabasas, California
•        24,001 - 50,000 - Holland, Michigan
•        More Than 50,000 - Fayetteville, Arkansas

Outstanding Achievement Awards
•  Heritage Preservation - Sponsored by Meister Media Worldwide: Pella Iowa
•  Floral Displays - Sponsored by Ball Horticultural Company: Holland, Michigan
•  Landscaped Areas - Sponsored by Dosatron: Arroyo Grande, California
•  Environmental Efforts - Sponsored by Greeley and Hansen: Madisonville, Kentucky
•  Community Involvement - Sponsored by the American Horticultural Society: Belpre, Ohio
•  Urban Forestry - Sponsored by J. Frank Schmidt Family Charitable Foundation: Washington, Missouri
•  Overall Impression - Sponsored by Blackmore & Ellepot USA: Gallipolis, Ohio

John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award Winner
•        Nancy Chennault, Castle Rock, Washington

YouTube Video Award Winner (Sponsored by Neal Mast & Son Greenhouses): Holland, Michigan

Special Awards
•  Best Commercial Streetscape - Sponsored by Campania: Lexington, Kentucky
•  Most Dramatic Use of Tropical Foliage - Sponsored by Excelsa Gardens: Greendale, Indiana
•  Most Impressive Tree Canopy - Sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts: Calabasas, California
•   Best Youth Program for Growing Food: Fayetteville, Arkansas
•  Best Hanging Basket/Container Program - Sponsored by Bob's Market & Greenhouses: Castle Rock, Washington
•  Most Welcoming Town Entrance: Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
•  Most Effective Water Management Program - Sponsored by Ewing Irrigation: Arroyo Grande, California
•  Most Creative Idea for Fundraising: McCall, Idaho
•  Best Volunteer Recognition Program: Gallipolis, Ohio
•  Best Historic Restoration Project: Brewton, Alabama

America in Bloom Spirit Award: American Horticultural Society

Circle of Champions
The following cities have achieved the rank of "Circle of Champions" which is for cities that have a combination of three population category wins and/or criteria awards: Estes Park, Colorado; McCall, Idaho; and Washington, Missouri.

Again, congratulations to all who participated this year!  
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