America in Bloom

America In Bloom is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which promotes community beautification programs through the use of flowers, plants, and trees.^[1] America in Bloom sponsors an annual nationwide competition between participating communities throughout the United States ^[2] and educational programs. Communities receive top overall awards, based on their size. Additional awards are also given in categories such as Best Hanging Baskets, Most Whimsical Feature, Best Adaptive Reuse Project, Most Beautiful Town Entrance, Urban Forestry, and Best Community Garden Program.^[3]

Description of the organization

The organization was founded in 2002 and "modeled after proven, successful programs in Europe and Canada"^[4] (Britain in Bloom and Communities in Bloom). It has grown to 180 participating cities in 38 states.

America in Bloom is a grass-roots urban renewal program which provides a framework and is a catalyst for community organizations to work together for visible improvements. It offers one-on-one mentoring to participating communities and provides an extensive written evaluation detailing recommended improvements and enhancements. Its website provides educational materials for beautification programs.

Through its national awards and mentoring program, AIB helps towns harness untapped energy, talent, and resources to champion greening, enhance environmental awareness, promote economic development, and improve quality of life.

The AIB program is designed to bring people from every demographic together to create meaningful, visible, constructive projects, by combining efforts of residents, businesses, and local government. These groups work on common goals in eight areas: floral displays, landscaped areas, urban forestry, turf and groundcover areas, environmental awareness, tidiness, heritage preservation, and community involvement.^[5]

America in Bloom 2011 award winners

• Sackets Harbor, NY - Under 4,000 Population Category
• Gallipolis, OH - 4,001 – 10,000 Population Category
• Bexley, OH - 10,001 – 15,000 Population Category
• Arroyo Grande, CA - 15,001 – 25,000 Population Category
• Holland, MI - 25,001 – 50,000 Population Category
• Fayetteville, AR - Over 50,000 Population Category ^[3][6]

Organizational honors

• America in Bloom was named to the 2010 Associations Advance America Honor Roll, by the American Society of Association Executives & The Center for Association Leadership in Washington, D.C.

• America in Bloom's Best Ideas book was nominated for the prestigious American Horticultural Society National Book Award. The book describes more than 2000 easy to implement projects and best practices of participating towns and cities.

Board of Directors

America in Bloom is governed by an eleven-member, volunteer Board of Directors:

• Evelyn Alemanni - ALL.EA Consulting
• Jonathan Bardzik - American Nursery & Landscape Association
• Dr. Jack Clasen
• Doug Cole - D.S. Cole Growers
• Michael Geary - OFA – an Association of Horticulture Professionals
• Dr. Charlie Hall - Texas A & M University
• Dr. Marvin N. Miller - Ball Horticultural Company
• Delilah Onofrey
• Ron Pierre - Express Seed Company
• Stan Pohmer - Pohmer Consulting Group
• Katy Moss Warner - President Emeritus, American Horticultural Society
• Laura Kunkle - Executive Director

References

External links

• America in Bloom, Official Web site
• "Westfield earns 4-bloom rating from America In Bloom". NJ.com. 2011-10-09. Retrieved 2012-03-03. 
• "Westfield takes top honors in America in Bloom competition". NJ.com. 2010-10-03. Retrieved 2012-03-03. 

• "America in Bloom keeps growing". Lompoc Record.com (Lompoc, California). 2008-03-25. Retrieved 2012-03-03. 
• "America in Bloom". Grit, Rural American Know-How. Retrieved 2012-03-03.