About the Award

The America in Bloom John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies community leadership through actions that reflect the mission of the organization. The award recipient, who must be from a city that has participated or is currently participating in the program, will have demonstrated a vision and selfless commitment to moving the community forward.

America in Bloom created the award in 2009 in memory of John R. Holmes (pictured right), the late CEO of OFA - an Association of Horticulture Professionals, who passed away unexpectedly. An AIB board member and officer since the organization's inception, John was a tremendous advocate for city beautification and a true believer in the power of flowers and plants to change lives.

The next cycle of nominations for the John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award will begin next summer. Nominees must be from a community that has participated in the America In Bloom competition.

Click here to submit your nomination today.

2011 Recipient - Vivian Lund, Warrenville, Illinois
	The third annual John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award was bestowed upon Vivian Lund, Warrenville, Illinois (pictured left with Laura Kunkle, AIB Executive Director). Here are excerpts from Vivian's nominations: Vivian is respected and admired by the community for her dedicated service, visionary eye, example of servant leadership, and caring for her neighborhoods. Vivian has demonstrated that one person can make a difference by just doing what one can do to be a positive influence within your hometown. We are grateful for her attitude of “can do” and positive hard work. Always aware of ways to enhance the neighborhoods improve the living conditions of its citizens in Warrenville, while Mayor, she began a program of memorial trees planted around the city. This legacy has resulted in over 145 trees being planted in memory of Warrenville citizens.
2010 Recipient - Bob Lund, Arroyo Grande, California
	The second annual John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award was bestowed upon Bob Lund of Arroyo Grande, California (pictured left with Dr. Marvin Miller, AIB President). Here are excerpts from Bob's nominations: Bob is the driving force, cheerleader, and father figure that has brought more than 90 volunteers into our local chapter of America in Bloom and kept us there for the past 4 years. Not only is Bob Lund the quintessential organizer, but he gets out every week and digs, and sweats and prunes and weeds and plants and picks up trash alongside the rest of us. If every community had an energetic, selfless champion and role model like Bob Lund, every neighborhood in America would be lovely. As AGIB chairman, Bob determines the weekly tasks, sends out e-mails to all the volunteers, brings the work trailer to the work site, assigns tasks and works along with the volunteers. He is our community champion. Good things happen when Bob Lund is in charge!
2009 Recipient - Rick Webb, Logan, Ohio
	The first annual John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award was bestowed upon Rick Webb of Logan, Ohio (pictured left with Dr. Marvin Miller, AIB President). Rick ck spearheaded the community beautification effort in Logan before the town became involved with AIB and has led the effort ever since. Here are excerpts from Rick's nominations: Rick's major attribute is his endless energy and enthusiasm. He is Logan's energizer bunny. He is now on the Chamber Board, Tourism Board, Tree Commission, President of the Logan Town Center, and attends city council. Rick has become involved in all the aspects of the operation of the city. (Government, Business, and Community) He has been recognized by the community with the Barton Holl Community Service Award. Rick has spoken to several other towns about the benefits of the AIB program. He is always ready to share our progress in Logan due to AIB. Most any day, Rick can be found hanging student flags, watering the trees that were planted with grant money, heading meetings, developing watering systems, speaking to groups, and sharing his pride for the city of Logan. He is our hero.