Downtown Association presents Best of Safford Awards

SAFFORD — Veterans and newcomers alike were celebrated for their business excellence Wednesday.

Best of Safford Awards were presented in seven categories during the Safford Downtown Association Appreciation Luncheon Wednesday at The Venue on Main.

Winning her eighth Best of Safford Award was Jenny Howard, owner of Ginaveve’s Marketplace/Main Street Bean and the Tiny Bean, who won for Best Business Remodel 2023 for Ginaveve’s.

“I just see continuing to grow with the market and what the people want. Every day is a new day,” Howard said.

Salty Heifer Grill owners Travis and Cheryl Post received the Best of Safford Award for Best Business Newcomer 2023 from Downtown Association Vice President John Howard.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Best Business Newcomer 2023 were Cheryl and Travis Post, owners of the Salty Heifer Grill.

“My employees are fantastic, and they go above and beyond to make sure that people’s experience is as good as it possibly can be. So I’m not surprised,” Cheryl Post said.

Other winners included:

Best Dining Experience 2023 — Casa Mana
Best Customer Service 2023 — Roycycled Treasures
Business Excellence-Service — Boulevard Glass
Business Excellence-Retail — Ace Hardware/Safford Builder’s Supply
Best Food Truck — Antojitos El Cholo

David Bell, Downtown Association secretary, left, presented the Best of Safford Award for Best Dining Experience 2023 to Diane and Dan Hoopes, owners of Casa Manana.
– Gila Valley Central Photo

Danny Smith president of the Downtown Association board, said there are 118 businesses in the Downtown area of Safford, employing 689 people.

He also showed highlights of the improvements in the Downtown spearheaded by the Association in conjunction with the City of Safford, including improvements to the streets, sidewalks and landscaping; the annual façade grant program; the Downtown mural project; and the ongoing restoration of the historic Safford Theatre. He also showcased the Association’s events in the Downtown area, including Merry Main Street and the Holiday Light Parade.