Somerville Named “All-America City”

Of the thousands of cities nationwide vying for the title of “All-America City 2009”, Somerville was chosen as one of ten winners on June 19 in Tampa, FL.

The All-America City Award, sponsored by the National Civic League since 1949, is America’s oldest community recognition award. The award honors communities of all sizes in which community members, government, businesses and nonprofit organizations work together to address critical local issues.

Somerville was selected as a finalist in recognition of the city’s progress with Somerville’s Green Line Extension Project, diversity and communication issues, and youth programs such as Somerville Cares About Prevention, Somerville Positive Forces 100 and the Mayor’s Suicide Prevention Task Force.

A 40-member delegation, comprised of business community and local non-profit organization members, youth representatives, City officials and residents, traveled to Tampa for the three-day event to present a skit depicting the above-mentioned initiatives, attend workshops and share ideas with other finalists.

The Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in organizing fundraisers to offset travel expenses.

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