"Bill does tremendous work for the people of Akron," said the mayor. "The tour of the city and the presentation he put together and gave to the judges really showcased the hard work the City has done to make Akron a more attractive community."

Here’s what the judges had to say about Akron: "The City of Akron exhibits the best practices of Arboricultural and Tree City, USA programs. As the steward of Akron’s street tree heritage, the city arborist (Bill Hahn) has developed an extraordinary program."

The judges---who visited Akron over the summer--- recognized: Mud Run Golf Course; City Hall’s flower boxes; floral displays in public areas; parks; what they called "Akron’s commitment to preserving history from the Indian portage, the Ohio-Erie Canal era to present day rehabilitation of buildings of more recent vintage" (such as the Civic Theatre; Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens.

Mayor Plusquellic also recognized the work of Rosemary Reymann, chairwoman for Akron in Bloom and Keep Akron Beautiful.

America in Bloom also called Akron a "leader" in the state for the visual landscape of roadways through the city by limiting sound barrier walls and encouraging planting. The organization also credited Akron with being a very clean city.

Nearly 40 communities from all regions of the country participated in the second edition of AIB. AIB’s 2003 population category winners are:

• 5,000 or fewer – Lewes, DE.
• 5,001-10,000 – Warwick, NY.
• 10,001-15,000 – Brecksville, OH.
• 15,001-20,000 – Berea, OH.
• 20,001 – 25,000 – Batavia, IL.
• 25,001-50,000 – Lake Oswego, OR.
• 50,001-100,000 – Reston, VA.
• 100,001-300,000 – Akron, OH.
• 500,001-1,000,000 – Indianapolis, IN.
• 1,000,001 or greater – Columbus, OH.