On Tuesday, the National Civic League announced Clinton and the other finalists in the 60th annual All-America City Awards competition, which will be held June 17-19 in Tampa, Fla.
The city of Clinton, which has earned the finalist distinction three other times, was the recipient of the All-America designation once before, in June 2007, and looks again to retain one of the eagerly-sought titles. The All-America City award is the oldest community recognition program in the nation.
The 10 winners each year have displayed outstanding civic accomplishments and a proven capacity for community-based problem solving, grassroots civic engagement and cooperation between the public, private and nonprofit sectors, according to the NCL. This year’s 32 finalists have “created jobs, revitalized their downtowns and reduced crime, among other accomplishments,” they said.
North Carolina has the most finalists in this year competition, with four. Benson, Kinston and Statesville are the three other municipalities representing this state. Maryland and Indiana each have three representatives (see box for full list of finalists).
“We’re so excited,” Clinton mayor Lew Starling said following the announcement. “We got the (All-America City Advisory Committee) together several weeks ago and I told them that, with all the good things going on in the city, even with all the bad things happening in these economic times, that it’s more important now than ever.”
The City Council agreed, giving its blessing in early March by unanimously approving the go-ahead to file an application prior to the March 16 deadline. A resolution supporting the move stated that “it was the belief of the All-America City Advisory Committee that this endeavor will bring renewed excitement and enthusiasm to the city of Clinton.”
Along with numerous local celebrations in 2007, including a parade, the North Carolina General Assembly recognized the city of Clinton for its All-America City status and entered it into the historic register. A small delegation from Clinton also traveled to Washington, D.C. in October 2007 to be honored during the inaugural AAC Congressional Celebration on Capitol Hill.
While the red, white and blue emblem from 2007’s award-winning run can now be seen plastered nearly everywhere around the city, from department arm patches to watertowers, it is vital that the city not become stagnant, Starling notes.
“Just because you get it, doesn’t mean you have to stop,” remarked the mayor, noting that no tax dollars would be expended as part of this year’s AAC effort. “We just have a lot of good things going for us.”
From the revamp around Barden Street and the Sampson Center in District 5 and the continued revitalization of the downtown, to locals dancing their way to funds for SMART boards to be placed in city classrooms, the city of Clinton has had a busy year.
In becoming a finalist, each participant completed an application documenting some of the community projects that addressed local challenges such as job creation/economic development, environmental sustainability, neighborhood revitalization and disaster recovery.
During the three-day competition in June, a delegation from each community will present its challenges and solutions to a panel of national experts from across the United States. At least one community project must be focused on the needs of young people.
Above all else, the All-America City award recognizes communities whose citizens have worked together to identify and tackle community-wide challenges and achieve tangible results.
“The All-America City Award (AAC) is like a civic ‘Oscar’ for communities of all sizes,” said National Civic League President Gloria Rubio-Cortés. “It’s unique because it recognizes the efforts of entire communities. AACs demonstrate inclusiveness, collaboration, civic engagement and innovation.”
And, in Clinton, it has been a community effort.
“I think all the citizens are keenly aware that we are promoting the city and working together to clean up around the city,” commented Starling. “It’s just a recognition that we are an All-America City and we’re going to continue that push to move forward.”
Chris Berendt can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 121, or by email at sicrime@myclintonnc.com.
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