From today's HA:

Hattiesburg has been selected as one of 30 All America City finalists.

"This is great," Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree said Thursday. "It's an honor to be a finalist. Awards like this are important because they let people know we are a diverse city that takes care of its own.

"It shows that we have a good business climate and a quality of life that attracts retirees," DuPree added.

The All-America City Award, sponsored by the National Civic League, recognizes communities in which the community, government, businesses and non-profit organizations work together to address critical local issues.

Hattiesburg will compete with other finalists June 10-12 in Atlanta. The city was named a finalist several years ago.

"This is just awesome, just awesome, " said Philip Wright, director of Scoutreach, a Scout Urban Emphasis programs, and one of the successes cited in the city's application.

The Scoutreach project was started three years ago and has grown to include 3,000 members between Hattiesburg and the Gulf Coast. Rob Hofmann, scout executive for the Pine Burr Area Council, said Scoutreach has had a tremendous impact in the African American community.

I'm just wondering how this all ties into everything. BTW, the contact info for them is:

Contact the AAC Staff

You can contact the All-America City program staff by phone at (303) 571-4343, by email at aac@ncl.org, or by mail addressed to:

National Civic League
Attn: AAC
1445 Market St.
Suite 300
Denver, CO 80202