TAMPA, Fla. — Clinton was called “the heart” of the National Civic League’s All-America event in Tampa Friday night, but in the end, it wasn’t declared one of the 10 cities to carry the AAC title for 2009.

Following five hours of “intense and difficult” jury deliberations, which included four different votes, the 10 cities were announced in the grand ballroom of the Tampa Marriott, most of them larger cities, with populations larger than 16,000.

Although disappointed that the projects they believed so desperately in didn’t help Clinton capture the title this year, all were gracious in congratulating the winners, including two from North Carolina, Statesville and Kinston.

And, mayor Lew Starling, in accepting the finalist certificate from the AAC jury panel and NCL officials, said Clinton was always a winner in his heart.

Starling also said he believed the AAC experience had made Clinton a better city, with its focus more toward grassroots efforts to strengthen all areas of the city.

“Since 2004, and through the All-America City experiences we’ve had since that time, I think the city has grown and become a stronger, more united city. We are better for having been a part of this program.”

Starling jokingly told the audience that he felt better standing at the podium in 2007, when Clinton was named an All-America City than it did Friday night, accepting the finalist nod, along with 19 other cities from across the country.

“Seriously,” Starling added, “we take back so much from each experience we have at an All-America City competition, and we become closer as a group, far closer.”

Clinton City councilman Marcus Becton said even though the group wasn’t successful at capturing the actual AAC title, he felt they were all still winners in so many ways.

“Any time you do things to make your city better, win or lose in a competition, you are still better for it. We have a great city and we’re doing great things. And that signals success, whether had won the award or not.

“We would have like to have brought home the title, but we come back winners in so many ways because we have drawn closer over the past few days. That’s immeasurable,” Becton said.

Over three days, the Clinton delegation, many who either were merely acquainted with each other or didn’t know one another at all, forged friendships that will continue long after the Southwest plane landed at RDU Saturday afternoon.

“It was a total bonding experience,” said Clinton City Schools superintendent Dr. Gene Hales. “We’ve had a great time getting to know one another.”

And, added Clinton presentation director Susan Bristow, the group pulled together as a team, worked hard, had a good time and had an “excellent presentation” in front of the jury.

During Friday night’s awards ceremony, jury forewoman Sharon Metz concurred with Bristow’s remarks, saying that Clinton and every other city making presentations had told their stories well, touched the jurors heart and made it “very difficult” to just select 10 winners.

“I can honestly say from my heart that this group of cities is the very best ... you guys really get it,” Metz said.

“Please know that this was the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make. When I say you are all winners, I really mean it, because you’re stories were so special, what you’re doing for your cities so heart-warming that we had to go over and over your projects to determine who to select,” Metz said.

Calling the hundreds in the room “the best of America,” Metz said, “There’s no doubt with the heart and innovation in this room tonight, that we can change this country.”

Although the delegation said they wished they had been able to bring back the AAC title for their beloved city, they were not disheartened, but energized and ready to work harder than ever to continue making Clinton a place where people want to live, work and raise their children.

“It’s a wonderful place,” said delegate Dee Bryant, “and with or without the title, it is an All America city.”

And Starling was emphatic that he didn’t have any regrets. “I thought we represented the city well. There’s really nothing I would change … and I certainly don’t regret any of this because I think it energized the city and I know it strengthened the city and built lasting bonds among those who were a part of this process.

“We going to keep building those bonds and keep moving this city forward,” Starling added.

The Clinton delegation returned home Saturday afternoon, weary but proud of their efforts, and closer than ever before, said Patty Cherry, a member of the AAC committee.

“We will always be winners and we will remain determined to make our city better and better for all its citizens.”