Organization Establishes Memorial Award

America in Bloom (AIB) recently established the John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award to recognize 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 award recipient will have demonstrated a vision and selfless commitment to moving the community forward.

The individual will come from a city that has participated or is currently participating in the AIB program. The board of directors will accept nominations for the annual award until July 1 each year. The first award will be presented during the 2009 AIB Symposium and Awards Program, Oct. 1 to 3 in Hershey, Pa.

America in Bloom, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will continue to accept contributions for this award given in memory of John Holmes, the late CEO of OFA – an Association of Horticulture Professionals – who died unexpectedly in February. An AIB board member and officer since the organization’s inception, Holmes was a tremendous advocate for city beautification and a true believer in the power of flowers and plants to change lives.

Send contributions to America in Bloom, care of the John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award, 2130 Stella Ct., Columbus, OH 43215. For more information, visit America in Bloom’s website.