October 2011

Keep It Blooming

This month America in Bloom will celebrate its 10th anniversary during its annual symposium Oct. 6 to 8, in Washington, D.C.

America in Bloom’s mission is to promote “nationwide beautification through education and community involvement by encouraging the use of flowers, plants, trees, and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements.”

America in Bloom’s three-day symposium and awards program recognizes those communities and individuals who have helped make their communities better places to live in.

During the symposium, there are also educational sessions as well as informative tours where attendees learn about unique and innovative ­— and green — ways to improve the quality of life in their communities.

If you and your company are not participating in the America in Bloom program, you should be. As a grower, you provide the essential products that communities can use to implement successful AIB beautification projects.

America in Bloom “provides a framework for continuous improvements in communities.” By educating communities on the value, benefits and importance of green goods, AIB is an excellent vehicle to remind your community about who you are, what you do and why you do it.

America in Bloom can help growers and garden centers like yours raise your visibility in your hometown and surrounding area. But more importantly, it helps make your community a better to place to live in.

There are many different ways to get involved — you can volunteer your time and labor, participate in the educational sessions, become an AIB judge, you can contribute products or you can donate money. These are just the few ways that you can involve yourself and your company in America in Bloom. The key is to get involved and get involved now!

America in Bloom is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and contributions are tax deductible.

To learn more about America in Bloom, visit their website at www.americainbloom.org or by email at aib@ofa.org.

Don’t Forget

The clock is ticking. The deadline for the GPN/Nexus Intern of the Year scholarship is Oct. 24. If you know a college student who has participated in an interesting horticulture internship and would like a chance to win a $3,000 scholarship and a trip to OFA Short Course next year, please have them get in touch with me at thodson@sgcmail.com.