LEWISBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Professional Advisors from the America in Bloom (AIB) program will visit Lewisburg, WV, on July 13-14. Lewisburg is one of the many proud and passionate communities across America working on local revitalization programs. Communities that are more welcoming and vibrant have a competitive advantage in stimulating economic development and creating a thriving place for people to work and live. America in Bloom communities experience better cooperation among municipal, commercial, and residential sectors because everyone works toward a common goal.
In addition to receiving a detailed written evaluation from the Advisors citing strengths and opportunities for improvement, participants receive a special mention for what the judges deem to be an extraordinary project or program. Additional awards that can be earned includes:
- Population category winner
- Outstanding achievement award – the “best of the best” over all participants in each of the evaluated criteria
- Special awards
- Community Champion
- YouTube Video
Advisors will be evaluating the community’s efforts in the areas of community vitality, floral impact, landscaped areas, urban forestry, environmental initiatives, celebrating heritage, and overall impression.
The Advisor team members are:
Alex Pearl, Centerville, Ohio has been an America in Bloom judge since AIB’s inception. He is among the founding individuals. Alex’s affiliation began as a judge during AIB’s 2001 pilot program under the tutelage of Communities in Bloom. Alex’s career has taken him in many different directions. He has held responsible positions in higher education, public Horticulture, private industry, and his own business. Alex currently serves in a volunteer capacity as a Park District Commissioner for his home town Park District. He previously retired from the State of Ohio where he taught Vocational Horticulture for the Ohio Central School System, a charter school of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. Alex holds Horticulture degrees from the State University of New York, New Mexico State University, A Masters in Botanical Garden Management from the University of Delaware and Teaching credentials from The Ohio State University. His is an active member of various trade and amateur Horticultural organizations. His long association with “In Bloom” programs through America in Bloom and Communities in Bloom has taken him to cities across both countries and Europe. He is a strong advocate of the benefits “In Bloom” programs provide citizens and the overall communities. Alex’s motto is “plants change lives.” Alex is honored to contribute to planting pride in your community.
Leslie Pittenger is an AIB board member and Past President of the AIB board. She served on the national awards program committee as the judge’s coordinator for 5 years and has been a judge since 2014. She retired from her position as City Auditor for the City of Belpre, OH in December, 2021. Her passion for improvement of the area inspired community volunteers and she led the Belpre in Bloom committee (now known as Beautify Belpre) for 7 years. Belpre received the 2013 and 2014 Outstanding Achievement Award for Community Involvement sponsored by the American Horticultural Society under her leadership as well as many special awards. She has completed the Ohio Tree Commission Academy course and is an OSU Washington County Master Gardener. Leslie is the co-editor of the Best Ideas annual edition. She serves on the board of directors for the Belpre Alumnae Association and the Belpre Area Community Development Foundation. She graduated from the University of Georgia and was a business owner for 10 years. Now that she is retired, she has plans to continue her volunteering. Leslie believes in – and has experienced – the value of AIB for the benefits it can bring to the well-being and pride of small towns across America.
To date, more than 280 communities from 43 states have participated in the program and more than 22 million people have been touched by it. Awards will be announced September 28-30, 2023, at AIB’s National Symposium & Awards Celebration in Spartanburg, South Carolina.