Roll out the red carpets and let the celebrations begin! Polk County was officially named an All-America County by the National Civic League.

Polk County sent a 35-member team to Anaheim, Calif., to make an extraordinary presentation depicting the three grassroots programs highlighted in the application, host an inter-active trade show exhibit and answer questions about the community and the programs. This outstanding, diverse team comprised of 14 government officials and staff members and 21 community partners, business leaders, teens and volunteers represented Polk County's diverse population of all ages, ethnicities and cultures working together to improve our community. According the National Civic League, the All-America County Award application is purposely arduous to ensure only the most deserving of communities apply and are selected. A panel of judges representing government, business and civic organizations from across the U.S. listened, learned, questioned and ultimately determined Polk County deserved this prestigious recognition.

"Polk County, once a very homogenous "Old Florida" community, has, like many other Florida locations, struggled with the challenges of growth and a rapidly diversifying population with diverse needs. We've worked hard to create a new sense of community identity that is truly deserving of the coveted title "All-America County," said Cindy Price, Vice-Chair of Polk Vision. "This award is the tangible proof that a once fragmented community has embraced the ideal of creating a great place to live – turning our collective dreams into reality, together, to become the County of Choice! To be recognized by the National Civic League is an honor and a tribute to the passion and spirit that IS Polk County!"

THANK YOU! ...to the local businesses and individuals who lent their time and talents to make the "cast" look good, craft backdrops and props and ship it all to California and back. We couldn't have done it without your help!

Sonya Blaha, BoCC Traffic Engineering & Operations

Bobby Bohn, BoCC Fire Services

Central Florida Development Council

Clark/Nikdel/Powell, Inc.

DC Welding Inc., Portable Welding and Fabrication

Janene Fulger, BoCC Traffic Engineering & Operations

Healthy Families

Darla McGill, BoCC Traffic Engineering & Operations

Steve Pugh & "The Gang," BoCC Radio Communications Shop

As America's original and most prestigious community recognition, the All-America County Award  encourages and recognizes civic excellence, honoring communities in which citizens, government, business and nonprofit organizations demonstrate successful resolution of critical community issues.

"This has been a tremendous learning experience," said Polk County Commissioner Bob English. "We visited with other finalists, discussed programs working across the country and have brought back some fabulous ideas to share with and further build our community."

Since 1949, more than 4,000 communities have competed and more than 500 communities of all sizes (cities, towns, counties, neighborhoods and regions) have earned this distinguished title. These communities exemplify community members, government, businesses and nonprofit organizations working together to address critical local issues.

Polk County's winning application and presentation featured three grassroots programs: Hurricane Heroes, Park Partners and Teen Pregnancy Prevention Alliance Youth Leadership Team.

• Hurricane Heroes – The 2004 hurricanes caused Polk's residents and business owners to test their survival skills, and left them wondering how the local economy could overcome such destruction. The Hurricane Heroes campaign markets Polk County to the thousands of out-of- county electric company line workers, insurance adjustors and FEMA staff who assisted with the 2004 hurricane recovery. This initiative has helped increase sales of overnight accommodations, providing a much needed boost to our economy after a devastating hurricane season.

• Park Partners – Park Partners focuses on park rejuvenation through community commitment, asking residents to assume ownership of a park by signing an adoption pledge to care for and maintain park facilities. Park Partners also has developed a system by which plants can be propagated, planted and maintained solely through community volunteers with programs such as Backyard Nurseries, Schoolyard Nurseries, Boot Camp Nursery, "How To" Clinics, preferred customer discounts, and a plant delivery network.

• Teen Pregnancy Prevention Alliance Youth Leadership Team – This team provides outreach and education to teens through school and community based events. Its mission is to educate teens and encourage them to set healthy goals and make appropriate and responsible choices. The team members, students ranging in ages from 10 to 19 years, also advise the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Alliance on many aspects of their work and give a voice to the unique perspective of Polk's teens.

"To be selected as an All-America County speaks volumes of the leadership, civic pride and strength of community that is evident in Polk County," said County Manager Mike Herr. "The camaraderie and team spirit that evolved during rehearsals and unified those directly involved, the lives they touch and the community."

Although technically a "designation" and not a cash award the All-America County honor, has provided tangible and intangible benefits for past winners. Communities that earn the title realize numerous benefits, including national recognition, greater civic collaboration and economic stimulus. Award winners have reported increases in tourism, grants, bond ratings, new businesses and new residents as a result of the designation.  The All-America County designation indicates to businesses and individuals that the County is an ideal place to live, work and play.

"The award reinvigorates a community's sense of civic pride," said English. "Winning communities benefit from using the ingenuity, wisdom and traditions of the entire community in solving problems."

Many community individuals and businesses were involved in the successful send-off of the team and their presentation, including Clark/ Nikdel/Powell, Inc. of Winter Haven, and DC Inc Portable Welding and Fabrication of Bartow who, along with the Central Florida Development Council, sponsored the team's winning efforts.

The Board of County Commissioners authorized up to $50,000 for the competition expenses, but total expenditures are expected to rest near $45,000. The board's expenditure will be reduced by contributions from the community, $10,000 in contributions from area businesses through the Central Florida Development Council and meal expense sponsorships for the teens from area businesses and individuals.

Way to go, TEAM POLK! Your hard work, dedication and passion for excellence made the difference in California! Three cheers for the committed group of community members, local business owners, non-profit groups and County employees who joined together to create a winning team in the All-America City competition.

 

Juan Aviles TPPA  Youth Leadership Team April Aviles TPPA Youth Leadership Team Kristin Chambers TPPA Youth Leadership Team Terri Chambers TPPA Youth Leadership Team Margot McGill TPPA Youth Leadership Team Oneika Moye TPPA Youth Leadership Team Brittany Smith TPPA Youth Leadership Team Leon Smith TPPA Youth Leadership Team Ari Weagle TPPA Youth Leadership Team Elizabeth White TPPA Youth Leadership Team Jared White TPPA Youth Leadership Team Michelle White TPPA Youth Leadership Team Colleen Burton Polk Vision Joe Henry Polk County Sheriff's Office Kathy Kibler Park Partners Program Ken Laurent Park Partners Program Gerry Miller Progress Energy Chris Nikdel Clark, Nikdel, Powell Marion Ryan Friends of the Parks Foundation Terry Worthington United Way

David Cash BoCC Fire Services Ben Cherry BoCC Roadway Maintenance Elba Cherry BoCC Neighborhood Services Bob English BoCC County Commissioner Jim Ging BoCC Communications Mike Herr BoCC County Manager Sher Hooker BoCC Organization & Employee Development Sam Johnson BoCC County Commissioner Katy Martin BoCC Tourism/Sports Marketing Fran McAskill BoCC Financial and Strategic Planning Glenda Mink BoCC Leisure Services Jack Myers BoCC County Commissioner Tom Patton BoCC Central Fla. Development Council Jean Reed BoCC County Commissioner Cindy Rodriguez BoCC Communications Randy Wilkinson BoCC County Commissioner