Celebrating Heritage... CULTIVATING THE FUTURE America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program September 24-26, 2015 Holland, Michigan www.americainbloom.org
Welcome to Holland, Michigan! Holland, host of the 2015 America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program, is an award-winning, all-american city that serves up the perfect balance of excitement and hometown comfort with a delightful Dutch accent. Founded by Dutch immigrants in 1847, Holland is located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The city s architecture and ambiance were modeled after its European namesake. While Holland showcases its Dutch heritage with pride from windmills and wooden shoes to tulips and stroopwafels, it also offers a diversity and a vibrancy typically found only in larger cities. Over the years Holland has been recognized as one of the best places to live, work, vacation, and retire, and we believe that America in Bloom has played an important role in our success. While here, you ll have the opportunity to experience Holland s vitality yourself. We will help you explore the historic downtown; experience public parks, floral gardens, sculptures, and restored Victorian-era buildings; stroll the environmentallyconscious campus of Hope College; and visit Pillar Church, Holland s first house of worship which survived the great fire of 1871. We hope you will find many best ideas to take home with you. During the formal presentations, many inspirational and knowledgeable speakers will offer insight into what it takes to plant pride, including some who will share their thoughts on how Holland achieved its success. Continuing this year is the Town Hall Meeting with more time allocated for networking and sharing with your AIB community colleagues. Awards will be presented throughout the Symposium, with the opening Celebration of America in Bloom Communities on Thursday evening and the grand finale America in Bloom Awards Banquet on Saturday evening. You won t want to miss a single moment of what we have planned for you! It is with great pride that we invite you to join us in Holland for the 2015 America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program. Inspired by America in Bloom, innovation and collaboration have brought us to where we are today and will lead us into the future. Please join us in Celebrating Heritage Cultivating the Future. Local Symposium Committee Nancy DeBoer Holland City Council Shelly DeVries Holland Parks Department Linda Hart Holland Area Visitors Bureau Dana Kollewehr Downtown Holland Manager Wendy Link Holland Area Visitors Bureau Ann Saliers Holland Board of Public Works Sara Simmons Windmill Island Gardens Jodi Syens Holland resident Steve Zweip Holland Parks Department National Symposium Committee Evelyn Alemanni Jack Clasen Sue di Staulo Tony Ferrara Marilyn Heifner Bill Ruppert Katy Moss Warner Cover artwork provided by Carolyn Stich (www.carolynstitch.com) and Carolyn Stich Gallery in downtown Holland.
TM Thank You to This Year s Symposium Sponsors Symposium Program Enhance Your Experience Exclusive Opportunities for AIB Symposium Guests. Special Registration Required. Holland Princess Lunch Cruise (Thursday afternoon) Get to Holland early so you can enjoy a lunch cruise on the elegant Holland Princess. This unique event is a great way to experience beautiful Lake Macatawa and parts of Lake Michigan. See the registration form for details. Walters Gardens Tour & Dinner or Private Garden Tour & Dinner (Friday evening) Two area horticulture industry leaders are opening their doors to you. Walters Gardens will provide a tour of their growing operation and dinner. Spring Meadow Nursery owner, Dale Deppe, is welcoming guests to his private garden for a tour and dinner. See the symposium schedule and registration form for details. Thursday, September 24 Hotel & Airport Information Make your hotel reservations at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Holland at 616-394-0111. Inform them you are attending the America in Bloom symposium to receive the special rate of $109/ night plus tax if reserved by August 21, 2015. The hotel is located at 650 E 24th St. The hotel is approximately 35 minutes away from Gerald R Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Airport Code: GRR). Rental cars and taxis are available. You may contact the hotel about making shuttle reservations for transportation to/from the airport. Images Courtesy of Holland Visitors Bureau TM 8 a.m. AIB Judges Training (By Invitation Only) 12:30 Holland Princess Lunch Cruise (Special Registration Required) 3:30 p.m. On this one-of-kind boat cruise, you ll enjoy lunch while we make our way from Lake Macatawa out to Lake Michigan, the largest of the Great Lakes. See the iconic Big Red lighthouse, sand dunes, scenic shores, beautiful homes, wildlife, and the unique Indian and Dutch history. You ll hear stories of the area, including the lost and found shipwrecks. The cost is $35 per person; seating is limited for this exclusive event so early registration is encouraged. 4 p.m. Mayors Reception (By Invitation Only) Honoring all mayors! All AIB mayors are invited to this special reception. While enjoying cocktails and hors d oeuvres, mayors will be hosted by AIB President Dr. Charlie Hall and Holland Mayor Kurt Dykstra. 5:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction This is an informal cash bar event for AIB community delegates to meet each other and participate in the AIB Silent Auction. Come early as there will be lots to see and do! 6:30 p.m. Celebration of America in Bloom Communities We kick off the Symposium with this celebration of your achievements. This is a time for food, fun, and awards. Each AIB community will be recognized for their special achievement. All John R. Holmes III Community Champion nominees will be honored. This is where we celebrate YOU and what YOUR community is doing to plant pride in America. Mayor Kurt Dykstra, the night s honored guest, will welcome us to Holland, an award-winning city that celebrates its heritage while recognizing the importance of beauty to successful tourism. Mayor Dykstra, Holland s 40th Mayor, provides the steady creative leadership that has Holland thriving as a community.
Friday, September 25 7:30 a.m. Breakfast New this year! Start the day with a hot breakfast buffet while meeting some of the folks in the Showcase of Innovation. Compliments of the Holland Visitors Bureau. 8:30 a.m. Welcome to the 14th America in Bloom Symposium AIB President Dr. Charlie Hall, AIB Symposium Chair Katy Moss Warner, and Holland Visitors Bureau Executive Director Sally Laukitis will kick things off and prepare you for the days ahead. 8:45 a.m. Keynote Presentation: Vision & Reality Keeping the Power of an Early Vision Alive William Bill Johnson, Landscape Architect Bill Johnson has been celebrated nationally for his remarkable career designing landscapes for urban environments. Based both in Michigan and the West Coast throughout his career, he has worked with the City of Holland over the past 25 years to help set a bold and powerful vision for downtown revitalization. From his extensive experience working with communities, his broad understanding of design, and his passion for the power of vision, Bill will share why it is important to set a vision for your community and then what it takes to make it happen. 9:30 a.m. Panel Presentation: Selecting the Right Plants It is critically important that we choose the right plants when enhancing the gardens, streetscapes, parks, medians, and natural landscapes within our communities. Each climate and soil type requires different considerations. Three plant experts will share their recommendations with us. Pat Seibel of Four Star Greenhouse (Carleton, Michigan) will address Selecting the Right Flowers. Bill Ruppert of Walters Gardens (Zeeland, Michigan) will focus on Selecting the Right Perennials. Linda Cromer, AIB Judge and member of the Indiana Urban Forestry Council, will share info on Selecting the Right Trees. 10 a.m. Break 10:30 a.m. Panel Presentation: Encouraging Tourism Through Beautification Tourism is often a key driver of economic vitality in a community. Research has shown that the natural beauty of a community and the festivals associated with seasonal bloom can generate significant revenue. Our panelists will share insight into key issues associated with garden tourism. Michel Gauthier of the Canadian Garden Council plans the North American Garden Tourism Conference in Toronto, Canada every two years. He will share his insight in his presentation Garden Tourism is Growing. Dr. Charlie Hall, President of AIB, is an Ag Economist from Texas A&M University who has collected research data on the benefits of plants and quality landscapes. With his usual flair, he will help us understand how The Numbers Tell a Good Story. Dave Lorenz of Travel Michigan has been creatively and effectively promoting tourism in Michigan for 13 years and understands well the value of horticultural events. He will address the importance of events with his presentation Home Grown Tourism. 11:15 a.m. Pecha Kucha Panel: AIB Communities Shine You asked that there be more opportunity to learn what other AIB communities are doing. Here it is! This session will utilize an innovative presentation format called Pecha Kucha. Six presenters whose communities have been recognized for excellence in each of the 6 AIB criteria will share their experience using 20 slides, 20 seconds per slide. It will be fast paced and exciting. Washington, Missouri Urban Forestry Winter Park, Florida Environmental Efforts Lewisburg, West Virginia Landscaped Areas Echo, Oregon Floral Displays Holliston, Massachusetts Heritage Preservation Arroyo Grande, California Overall Impression 12:15 p.m. A Dutch Experience at Windmill Island Gardens A short bus ride will take us to Windmill Island Gardens, a beautifully manicured 36-acre lawn and garden city park. Enjoy lunch while learning why the tulip is so important to Holland. Following lunch, you will have time to wander the island and take a tour of the 261-year-old old DeZwaan, the only authentic working Dutch windmill in America. 2:30 p.m. Walking Tour of Downtown Holland Experience the vibrancy of Holland s Central Business District. See examples of public and private partnerships that have enhanced Holland s historic preservation efforts and propelled horticultural and environmental initiatives. Hear about the Great Fire of 1871 that nearly destroyed the city and how residents found the courage and resources to rebuild. Learn how the largest municipally-owned snowmelt system in the country keeps downtown sidewalks and streets snow and ice free. In Centennial Park, you will learn how Holland became one of the first cities in Michigan to adopt a park plan and how its original market square is maintained and utilized today. Stroll the Hope College campus where you will witness the important Town-Gown relationship between the college and the city. The tour will be nearly three hours with a break along the way. Wear good walking shoes. You won t want to miss it! 5:15 p.m. Experience & Explore Evening New this year, we offer some unique experiences for Friday evening. Historic, Hip & Healthy Holland s award-winning downtown is filled with one-ofa-kind restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops. Explore the downtown on your own or reserve seating in advance from a variety of dining experiences. Holland s 5 blocks of historic buildings offer more than 100 boutiques, galleries, and eateries, so following dinner, you can shop, sip, or stroll the cobblestone sidewalks. Exclusive Opportunities (Special Registration Required) Walters Gardens Tour & Dinner For those interested in learning more about perennials, Walters Gardens, Inc., North America s leading propagator and wholesale perennial grower, is hosting an open house at their Zeeland, Michigan-based headquarters and display gardens. A tour with dinner is planned for the first 30 guests to sign up. The cost is $10 per person. Private Garden Tour & Dinner For those who would like to see Proven Winners varieties of shrubs and flowers in a garden setting, Dale Deppe, owner of Spring Meadow Nursery in nearby Grand Haven, Michigan, has graciously invited 30 of our attendees to tour his personal garden and have dinner as his guests. Spring Meadow Nursery is the leading producer of flowering shrub liners in America. The cost is $10 per person.
Saturday, September 26 7:30 a.m. Breakfast New this year! Start the day with a hot breakfast buffet while meeting some of the folks in the Showcase of Innovation. Compliments of the Holland Visitors Bureau. 8:30 a.m. America in Bloom Now and Into the Future Dr. Charlie Hall, America in Bloom President In its short history, America in Bloom has established itself as a real force for good in America. Charlie will share with us some of the exciting things that have been happening this year and will share his vision for the future. Using real-time electronic voting, Charlie will ask each of us what we expect the future to look like. 9 a.m. Town Hall Meeting Facilitator: Evelyn Alemanni, AIB Board member and judge, author of AIB s Ten Years of Best Ideas book This is your time to share successes and bright ideas with other AIB community leaders. From creative fundraising ideas to keys to success with volunteers to clever programs to get your community revved, Evelyn will help us collect our best ideas. You recommended we add some time to the Town Hall meeting so everyone has a chance to share so we did! America in Bloom Awards Banquet Saturday, September 26 6:15 p.m. Depart for Boatwerks Let the excitement begin! We will travel a short distance to Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant, a Holland landmark overlooking scenic Lake Macatawa. 6:30 p.m. Cocktails Overlooking Lake Macatawa 7:15 p.m. Dinner & Awards The anticipation goes into high gear with more food, fun, and awards. The 2015 Population Category Awards, Outstanding Achievement Awards, You Tube Video Award, and John R. Holmes III Community Champion will all be announced. 9 p.m. Presentation to our Honored Guest Communities in Bloom Founding President Raymond Carrière has been encouraging communities across Canada and around the world since 1995. With grateful thanks to Raymond, America in Bloom was created in 2002 and with his guidance and encouragement we have grown strong. Raymond believes in the value of green spaces, and is a passionate advocate of their benefits to society. We will honor him this evening. 11 a.m. Meet with Your Judges These sessions are set up so that the 2015 AIB communities can meet with your judges and delegates from other AIB communities in your population category. Each community will be asked to give a 5-minute Power Point presentation and is encouraged to bring handouts. Laptops and projectors will be available in each breakout room. These sessions are open to all symposium participants and offer excellent insight into the ordinary and extraordinary things towns and cities are doing across America. 12:45 p.m. Walking Tour of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park One of our truly exceptional public gardens in America is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, just a short distance from Holland. We have been invited by President David Hooker to visit the 15,000 square foot Conservatory, the 30-acre sculpture park, and the many gardens and nature trails on the 158-acre campus.
Schedule At-a-Glance Registration Thursday, September 24 8 a.m. 3 p.m. AIB Judges Training (By Invitation Only) 12:30 3:30 p.m. Holland Princess Lunch Cruise (Special registration required) 4 5 p.m. Mayors Reception (By Invitation Only) 5:30 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction First Name Company Name (if applicable) Mailing Address Last Name 6:30 9 p.m. Celebration of America in Bloom Communities Friday, September 25 City State Zip/Postal Code Country 7:30 8:30 a.m. Breakfast 8 a.m. Showcase of Innovation Opens Phone Number (including area code) E-mail Address 8:30 8:45 a.m. 8:45 9:30 a.m. Welcome to the 14th America in Bloom Symposium (Dr. Charlie Hall, Katy Moss Warner, and Sally Laukitis) Keynote Presentation: Vision & Reality Keeping the Power of an Early Vision Alive (Bill Johnson) Please indicate if you will be driving or flying: Please list any dietary restrictions: Please select one of the following packages: 9:30 10 a.m. Panel Presentation: Selecting the Right Plants (Pat Seibel, Bill Ruppert, and Linda Cromer) Full registration - $295 ($345 after September 4) Thursday AIB dinner and awards only $100 ($125 after September 4) Saturday AIB dinner and awards only $100 ($125 after September 4) 10 10:30 a.m. Break 10:30 11:15 a.m. Panel Presentation: Encouraging Tourism Through Beautification (Michel Gauthier, Dr. Charlie Hall, and Dave Lorenz) Additional packages available for purchase: Holland Princess Boat Cruise $35 (Thursday) Walters Gardens Tour & Dinner $10 (Friday) Private Garden Tour & Dinner $10 (Friday) 11:15 a.m. 12 p.m. Pecha Kucha Panel: AIB Communities Shine 12:15 2:30 p.m. A Dutch Experience at Windmill Island Gardens 2:30 5:15 p.m. Walking Tour of Downtown Holland 5:15 8:30 p.m. Experience & Explore Evening -Dinner on Your Own (Reservations assistance provided) -Walters Gardens Tour & Dinner (Special registration required) -Private Garden Tour & Dinner (Special registration required) Will you participate in the Friday afternoon walking tours? Yes No Method of Payment (Registration will not be processed without payment.) U.S. check/money order enclosed (Make payable to America in Bloom) Charge my : VISA MasterCard American Express Account number: Saturday, September 26 7:30 8:30 a.m. Breakfast 8 a.m. Showcase of Innovation Opens Expiration date: Name as appears on card (please print) V-Code: 8:30 9 a.m. America in Bloom Now and into the Future (Charlie Hall) 9 10:30 a.m. Town Hall Meeting (Evelyn Alemanni) 10:30 11 a.m. Break 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Meet with Your Judges 12:45 5:15 p.m. Walking Tour of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park 6:15 9:30 America in Bloom Awards Banquet 6:15 p.m. Buses Depart for Boatwerks 6:30 p.m. Cocktails Overlooking Lake Macatawa 7:15 p.m. Dinner & Awards Authorized signature: (I hereby agree to the terms and conditions of my card issuer agreement) Billing Address (if different from mailing address) City State Zip/Postal Code Country Register online at www.americainbloom.org or send a copy of this registration form to: America in Bloom 2130 Stella Ct Columbus, OH 43215 P: 614-487-1117 F: 614-487-1216 E: aib@americainbloom.org
America in Bloom 2130 Stella Court Columbus, OH 43215