America in Bloom -The Value in Evaluations
By Evelyn Alemanni
Towns that participate in America in Bloom receive detailed evaluations from their judges. In fact, some communities enter America in Bloom specifically to get those recommendations and insights. Towns including Loveland, Ohio and Eureka Springs, Arkansas, have told us that getting an equivalent report from a consultant would cost thousands of dollars. Elfin Forest, California took their judges suggestions and ended up with more than $100,000 in grants for community improvements.
In your evaluation, judges will mention projects that they admire and also offer suggestions for enhancements and improvements. You can use the evaluation to bring specific needs to the attention of your local government, to support material in grant applications, and also to brag about your accomplishments.
Publishing parts of the evaluation, for example, in newspapers, on a city website, and in newsletters, helps share good ideas with everyone in your town. The judges are sensitive to limitations that towns have, for example, weather, funding, etc., and will try to make recommendations that are achievable. So send in your application for this year’s contest, so you can look forward to receiving your evaluation in September.
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