PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 18, 2016
Contact: Andy Kenyon, Director of Parks and Recreation, ;
Steve Zwiep, Parks Supervisor, , at 616.928.2450
Subject: Holland Enters America in Bloom Competition for Sixth Year
The City of Holland and the Holland in Bloom Committee are pleased to announce Holland’s entry into the 2016 America in Bloom Competition for the sixth consecutive year!
Holland has achieved considerable success in the America in Bloom competition, receiving a 5-out-of-5-bloom rating and winning the top award in its population category during the first four years, and the top award in the Circle of Champions Mid-Sized Cities category in the fifth year. Additionally, Holland has been awarded a an Outstanding Achievement Award in one of the six criteria categories in each of its five years of participation, beginning in 2011. Holland was also awarded the YouTube video award in 2014.
After all of this success, why another year of participation? Steve Zwiep, Chairperson of the Holland in Bloom Committee, says, “Holland in Bloom is becoming more and more a part of our community identity, and people are recognizing that this is not simply an organization to join, but also an acknowledgment of the value and benefit of our collective efforts to enhance the urban landscape and embrace historic preservation and environmental initiatives. It is a way of communicating quality of life issues and is a facilitator for change.” Holland in Bloom not only brings recognition to our city, but plays a significant role in promoting tourism, economic impact, and attracting and retaining talent in our community. The City of Holland received national attention as the host community for the America in Bloom National Symposium held here in September of 2015. International connections and recognition, such as Tulip Time’s invitation to participate in the World Tulip Summit in 2015, have grown in part through Holland in Bloom.
The City’s participation in America in Bloom is directed by a steering committee made up of City staff and area residents. This year’s Committee includes representation from the City (City Council, Parks, and DDA), Board of Public Works, Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tulip Time, Hope College, and private citizens. All expenses related to the City’s participation in the America in Bloom program have been covered by private donations and in-kind contributions.
The America in Bloom competition unites the community, promotes civic pride and involvement, and provides a positive image for the community to aid in its economic development and tourism efforts. The awards are an affirmation of not only the pride we as residents have in our community, but the strong desire to always seek ways to improve beautification efforts.