Oct 4, 2010

America in Bloom Names Community ChampionSource: America in Bloom

Bob Lund of Arroyo Grande, California, was named the winner of the second annual John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award during the America in Bloom symposium and awards program in St. Louis.

Bob Lund of Arroyo Grande, California, was named the winner of the second annual John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award. The award was presented on October 2, in St Louis, Missouri, during the America in Bloom symposium and awards program.

The winner must come from a city that has participated in the AIB program. The award recognizes an individual who, in the view of the board of directors, best exemplifies community leadership through actions that reflect the mission of the organization.

“The selection committee had an extremely difficult decision, because each of the 13 nominees demonstrates a vision and selfless commitment to moving their community forward,” said AIB Executive Director Laura Kunkle.

The other nominees were Eric Anderson, Elfin Forest, California; Georgia Bayman and Dave Werts of Tipp City, Ohio; Norma Breitbach, Charles City, Iowa; Cindi Cope, Fayetteville, Arkansas; Janie Eldridge, Rising Sun, Indiana; Timothy France and Bill Freund of Coshocton, Ohio; Bill Ruppert, Kirkwood, Missouri; Karen Smith, Gallipolis, Ohio; Daniel Snarr, Murray, Utah; and David Williams, Westfield, New Jersey.

The John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award is given in memory of John Holmes, the late CEO of OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals, who died unexpectedly in February 2009. An AIB board member and officer since the organization’s inception, John was a tremendous advocate for city beautification and a true believer in the power of flowers and plants to change lives.

Contributions to the award fund may be made to America in Bloom in care of the John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award; 2130 Stella Ct; Columbus, OH 43215. America in Bloom is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.