America in Bloom advisors to visit Coshocton
Professional Advisors from the America in Bloom (AIB) program will visit Coshocton, July 25-26. Coshocton 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 live, work, and play. 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 Connie Baggett and Carrie Sears.
Baggett is the director of program management for the City of Brewton where she has spent 11 years working to improve her hometown. Under her leadership focusing on design, quality of life improvement and enhanced marketing and online communications, the city has made great strides in economic development. Baggett worked for more than 20 years for the Mobile Register as an award-winning regional journalist, columnist, and photographer. Currently, all the experience comes into play as she works on the Brewton Council of the Arts, Tree and Beautification Board and various other civic boards. Baggett has earned recognition for her leadership in the local America in Bloom program, Leadership Alabama and was named Alabama Communities of Excellence STAR Local Coordinator for 2018. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, songwriting, and regional theater. She graduated from the University of South Alabama with a BA in Communication.
After retiring from a career as a science teacher, Carolynn (Carrie) Sears became a Master Gardener (2008), an Advanced Master Gardener, and a member of the Pound Ridge Conservation Board (2010- 2020). She founded The Invasives Project-Pound Ridge in the winter of 2012. Understanding, protecting, and enjoying the environment is a long-standing passion for her, reinforced with time in the garden. From 2021-2022, Sears guided the town’s participation in America in Bloom, culminating in recognition for outstanding achievement in community involvement and special recognition for celebrating its heritage. She has a BA from Marietta College, an MS from Bank Street College, and a PhD from The Union Institute.
To date, more than 350 communities from 43 states have participated in the program and more than 22 million people have been touched by it. Awards will be announced Sept. 26-28, at AIB’s National Symposium & Awards Celebration in Columbus.
Category: Arts & Entertainment
