Keep Smyrna Beautiful Wins National Award
Keep Smyrna Beautiful received a Keep America Beautiful Affiliate Award at the annual Keep America Beautiful (KAB) National Awards Dinner, held during the recent 2015 KAB National Conference in Washington, D.C.
Keep Smyrna Beautiful was honored for distinguishing itself as an exemplary affiliate organization in the 50,001-200,000 population category. Taking first place in its category, the organization was honored for its outstanding community improvement programs.
The KAB Affiliate Awards were open to all KAB affiliates for program activities during the 12-month period from July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014 that help create communities that are socially connected, environmentally healthy and economically sound. Established in 1953, KAB consists of a national network of more than 600 community-based affiliates whose programs, initiatives and efforts aim to transform public spaces into beautiful places.
“It’s my privilege to honor Keep Smyrna Beautiful and celebrate its dedication in engaging volunteers to make its community vibrant,” said Jennifer Jehn, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. “Award-winning affiliates, such as Keep Smyrna Beautiful, serve as a great inspiration in our national effort to keep America beautiful.”
Keep Smyrna Beautiful took first place in its population category for its implementation of multiple community improvement programs including:
- Adopt-a-Mile Program: Currently involving 41 civic groups, businesses, family groups and individuals, our 25-year -old program conducts quarterly litter cleanups and has educated thousands of volunteers on the impact of litter on our community. We know that fun and fellowship are a valuable part of the this important service to our community and are one of the reasons why many of our groups have been with us for over 10 years, and some for over 20. We are always open to new volunteers!
- KSB Garden Tour: Smyrna is a city with many beautiful neighborhoods and talented citizens. The Tour was started in 2009 to showcase this beauty and talent and to educate homeowners to successful best practices and local resources. Funds go to beautifying Smyrna’s public spaces. The 2015 tour will be May 16, 9am – 4 pm. Tickets are $15 and will go on sale in April. Don’t miss it!
- Partner In Education Program – We know our children and local schools are the future of our community. Keep Smyrna Beautiful works with 19 area schools to provide funding, technical advice and volunteers to improve local buildings and campuses, and provides free environmental curriculum and programming enhancements.
“Our mission is to bring together the resources of government, business and residents to protect and improve the environment and quality of life in our community. Without the support and commitment of elected officials, businesses, and our Board and volunteers, successful programs would not be possible. These awards belong to our entire community!” said Ann Kirk, Director.
Keep America Beautiful’s National Conference, KAB’s premier educational and networking event, brings together KAB’s national network of state and local affiliate directors, business leaders, policymakers and other national experts who focus on framing new ideas and strategies to build and sustain vibrant communities.
From the March 2015 issue of The Bright Side, Cobb County Georgia’s Newspaper covering Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton and Austell, GA.
