AIB Gets ‘New’ Management for 2017

America in Bloom (AIB) will be transitioning from AmericanHort to Second Wind Management effective January 1, 2017. Since AIB’s founding in 2001, OFA (now called AmericanHort) has served as AIB’s “home” and has provided administrative leadership and support.

Now that AIB has reached maturity and is self-sustaining, it is starting a new phase of exciting programs designed to encourage economic development centered around horticulture, environmental awareness, heritage preservation, and volunteerism.

Second Wind Management, LLC is a Columbus, Ohio-based non-profit management company owned by Laura Kunkle, who currently serves as America in Bloom’s executive director through her employment with AmericanHort.

“I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my career. I’ve been involved with AIB since Day 1 and am excited to help lead America in Bloom into the future through managing the organization via my own company,” said Kunkle. “Maintaining my long-standing relationship with America in Bloom is such an honor and I thank AIB’s leadership for their trust and support.”

“We thank AmericanHort for serving as AIB’s home for the past 15 years. It’s been a wonderful partnership, and AmericanHort’s support has allowed AIB to grow to the point that we can now explore new directions,” said Katy Moss Warner, America in Bloom president. “We appreciate the relationship we have had with AmericanHort. They were instrumental in helping us through our developmental years and we look forward to a continued strong relationship with this organization into the future.”

“AmericanHort is honored to have been intricately involved with the launch and early growth of America in Bloom. We support the mission and vision of AIB, and plan to continue promoting AIB,” said Ken Fisher, AmericanHort president and CEO. “This program is essential for the horticulture industry, and we will continue to help AIB spread its important message.”

America in Bloom connects people to plants at the grassroots level, and educates and promotes the benefits of horticulture products and services. It is a volunteer-driven organization that depends on its active board of directors, professional judges, and others to fulfill its vision of creating communities across the country as welcoming and vibrant places to live, work, and play – benefitting from colorful plants and trees; enjoying clean environments; celebrating heritage; and planting pride through volunteerism.

Effective January 1, 2017, the contact information for America in Bloom will be: America in Bloom, P.O. Box 44005,Columbus, OH 43204; phone: 614-453-0744;  Email: aib@AmericaInBloom.org.