For the third time in its history, also 1981 and 1995, the City of Akron was named an "All-America City" by the National Civic League at its annual competition held this week in Tampa Florida. Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic accepted the award on behalf of the city and its residents.
"This affirms the outstanding work of many people in our community who have worked so hard to make Akron one of this country's great places to work and live," said the Mayor.
A delegation of 66 people from Akron was on hand in Tampa, Fla. to applaud the city's victory in the competition, often referred to as the Oscars for America's cities.
Representatives from Akron schools, the business community, non-profit organizations, neighborhood groups and the University of Akron participated in the 10-minute presentation to a panel of 10 judges Thursday and attended the Awards Ceremony Friday.
Akron's citizen's officially celebrated the achievement in a ceremony at historic Lock 3 Park, in downtown Akron, on July 4th, 2008. How appropriate! Akron was one of only 10 cities nationwide to receive this distinction from the National Civic League out of over 100 cities that applied for the honor. The application itself is a very arduous task taken on by only the most determined. The 66 people that represented the City of Akron in Tampa was only a portion of the good people that were involved. Deputy Mayor David Lieberth, our local historic expert, drafted the application and co-ordinated the efforts of so many. Hats off, David.
Indeed, the live presentation in Tampa was scripted by David Lieberth, who also produced Akron's successful presentation in 1995. "I'm looking forward to re-designing the city's logo," said Lieberth. (The Akron logo contains the words "All America City- 1981, 1995.") This, according to witness Mark Williamson, Deputy Mayor for Communications, City of Akron Ohio.
According to the National Civic League, "the All-America City Awards recognizes communities for collaboration, inclusiveness, and successful innovation. All-America Cities demonstrate community-wide civic accomplishments, cross-sector cooperation, grassroots participation, and creative approaches to issues."
These issues include just some of the following; the need for low income housing, support for at risk young people, downtown re-vitalization and health care for the uninsured. Lofty goals for any city, but we must be working it better than others, as we were one of the 10 winners in the entire USA!
City of Akron Ohio, Mayor Don Plusquellic, accepting the award for All-America City, 2008.
Also on stage, is Akron's 66-member delegation that accompanied the Mayor to the Tampa finals.
Congratulations Akron Ohio, a great place to live and raise a family!
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