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NEWS
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All-America City Award Boosts Local Economies and PrideDENVER - Is your community an All-America City? If so, your community could earn national recognition and generate powerful economic benefits. The National Civic League is now accepting applications for the 55th annual All-America-City Award, the oldest and most prestigious community recognition event in the country. The Award recognizes exemplary grassroots community problem-solving and is earned by communities that work cooperatively to tackle challenges and achieve results. Since 1949, the All-America City Award has encouraged, and recognized, civic excellence. It honors communities of all sizes - cities, towns, counties, neighborhoods and regions - in which citizens, government, businesses and volunteer organizations work together to address critical local issues. Communities that can serve as role models about facing difficult situations and meeting challenges in innovative and collaborative ways can become an All-America City. "It's been described as 'a Nobel prize for constructive citizenship,'" said Christopher T. Gates, President of the National Civic League. "That's how George H. Gallup, the famous pollster and one of the Award's founders, described the All-America City Award 50 years ago. That description holds true today." The benefits realized by All-America City winners and finalists include heightened national attention and a proven economic impact. For example, winning communities find it easier to attract and retain businesses that generate jobs and a stronger tax base. Winners also have seen an increase in tourism, grants and bond ratings. "Since winning the award in 1990, 71 companies have relocated here, bringing in 3,900 new jobs as of 2003. These new jobs are generating an annual payroll of more than $100 million," said Paul Anderson, of Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. "The Award gave us the credibility and pride to encourage these companies to relocate." Since 1949, more than 500 communities in all but two states have earned this prestigious status. Cities, towns, neighborhoods, counties and regions are encouraged to apply for the 2004 Award. For more information, or to receive an application for the All-America City Award, contact Aleks Humeyumptewa at the National Civic League. Call 303-571-4343, or write to aleksh@ncl.org. Applications and information also can be accessed at www.ncl.org/aac/. Applications are due March 11, 2004 at 5 P.M. (Mountain Standard Time). The 30 finalists will be announced April 12, 2004, and will advance to the 55th Annual All-America City Awards ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia, June 10-12, 2004, where 10 winners will be selected after making presentations to a national panel of judges from all sectors of society. 2004 All-America City Award
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