AIB Results Are In
After months of anticipation, and amid much emotion and celebration, the 2006 America in Bloom Champions were announced at the 5th Annual America in Bloom Awards Gala held Sept. 30, 2006.
Nine population category and eight criteria award winners were announced during the Fifth Annual America in Bloom (AIB) Symposium and Awards Program in Eureka Springs, Ark., held the last weekend in September.
The 2006 population category winners are:
- 5,000 or less: Eureka Springs, Ark.
- 5,001-10,000: Oberlin, Ohio
- 10,001-15,000: Wickliffe, Ohio
- 15,001-20,000: Greenfield, Ind.
- 25,001-50,000: Columbus, Ind.
- 50,001-100,000: Fayetteville, Ark.
- University Campus: University of Missouri-Columbia
- Small Business District: Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District, New York, N.Y.
- Medium Business District: Lincoln Square Business Improvement District, New York, N.Y.
There were also eight special awards presented to the “best of the best” in all population categories. These include :
- Ball Horticultural Co. Floral Displays Award: Gallipolis, Ohio
- Meister Media Worldwide Heritage Preservation Award: Eureka Springs, Ark.
- Project Evergreen Landscaped Areas Award: Columbus, Ind.
- American Horticultural Society Community Involvement Award: Logan, Ohio
- The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. Turf Groundcover Areas Award: Tipp City, Fla.
- Gardens Alive! Environmental Awareness Award: Buffalo, Minn.
- J Frank Schmidt & Son Urban Forestry Award: Ocala, Fla.
- AIB Tidiness Award: Bartlett, Tenn.
Over the summer, a team of judges evaluated each city according to a series of guidelines. During the awards program, AIB judges identified an activity of particular merit within each municipality and recognized excellence with a special mention. Each of the 30 participating cities also received a bloom rating that reflected the score the municipality achieved during the AIB evaluation, and set a benchmark for next year’s effort.
More than 200 people participated in the conference that offered two days of educational sessions and learning tours. Plans are underway for the 2007 edition of AIB. Communities can register to participate through the America In Bloom Web site at www.americainbloom.org.
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