COLUMBUS — Honors for the prestigious 2012 America in Bloom (AIB) national awards program were announced at the annual symposium held in Fayetteville, Arkansas on September 22.

“America in Bloom participation is helping communities achieve their potential,” said America in Bloom Executive Director Laura Kunkle. “The accomplishments and progress shown by this year’s towns and cities is remarkable.”

Gallipolis was judged on seven criteria: overall impression, community involvement, environmental awareness, heritage, urban forestry, landscape and floral displays, across three sectors: municipal, residential and commercial.

Specially trained judges visited towns of similar populations and spent two days touring each town, meeting municipal officials, residents and volunteers. Additional competitors in this category were Slippery Rock, PA; Hummelstown, PA and Lakeside, OH.

Gallipolis competed in the population category of 3001 - 4,500, receiving a three bloom rating and a special mention for its efforts in Floral Displays.

“Congratulations on another successful year participating in the America in Bloom national awards program,” commented Judges Diane Clasen and Bill Hahn. “Having judged your community in the past, it was gratifying to witness your growth and progress. Your efforts to improve the quality of life for your citizens are very apparent to us.”

Registrations for the 2013 national awards program can be submitted until February 28, 2013.

America in Bloom is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting nationwide beautification programs and personal and community involvement through the use of flowers, plants, trees, and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements.

America in Bloom provides educational programs, resources and the challenge of a friendly competition between participating communities across the country.

For more information, visit www.americainbloom.org.