Commended for "a simply fantastic application," the City of Lewiston was informed yesterday that the National Civic League has deemed it a finalist for a 2007 All-America City Award.

Now in its 58th year, the All-America City Award is an honor that has been achieved by more than 500 neighborhoods, villages, towns, cities, counties, and regions across the country. The award annually recognizes exemplary community vision, collaborative problem solving, and inclusiveness to meet local challenges.

Lewiston was a finalist last year and just missed the "top ten" when the 2006 All-America cities were announced. However, those involved with last year's application process have been of the mindset that Lewiston surely has what it takes to "bring it home this year."

Councilor Norm Rousseau, who participated last year, was all smiles upon hearing about Lewiston's 2007 finalist standing. "Again this year, we've submitted an exceptional application. Our residents are becoming increasingly more civic minded, and the fruits of all their hard work and commitment are what made this application possible."

Lewiston will now join 20 other finalists in Anaheim, California, in June to participate in on-stage competition. During the competition, delegations from each community will present their innovative programs and local solutions to a jury of national business, government, philanthropic, and non-profit leaders. Presentations will address a wide range of social and economic issues, including youth engagement, education, poverty, housing, sustainability, immigration integration, and race relations.

Deputy City Administrator Phil Nadeau notes, "This application is the result of taking vast inventory of all that is occurring within Lewiston and presenting our many successes in a manner with which the judges can truly identify."

Community Relations Coordinator Dottie Perham-Whittier concurred, "This application showcases the many partnerships and collaborations that are making things happen within our community. For instance, residents are working shoulder to shoulder on positive initiatives such as establishing a Thorncrag Nature Center, Empower Lewiston's efforts to strengthen sustainability within Census Tracts 201 & 204, and Weed & Seed's Save Haven Committee focusing on ways to reduce school truancy."

Although the application has a wealth of such information, the three main projects which will be highlighted during onstage competition are:

When competing against the 20 other finalists, Lewiston will compete against only one other municipality from the Northeast, that of Barnstable, Massachusetts.

The last time a Maine city was selected as an All-America City was Auburn in 1967. Other Maine cities who have received the designation are Portland in 1950; South Portland in 1964; and Presque Isle in 1966.
 

FOR MORE INFO on any Press Releases contact:
Dot Perham-Whittier - Community Relations Coordinator
Lewiston City Hall
784-2951 - Extension 110
dottie@ci.lewiston.me.us