SAFFORD — Calling themselves the “Chaos coordinators,” Taylor Ludwig and Tricia Garrett were honored with two 2021 Best of Safford Awards at the Safford Downtown Association Appreciation Luncheon Wednesday at the Historic Safford Theatre.
“We’re just humbled,” Ludwig said. “We didn’t do this by ourselves; we have the support of the community, our employees and our vendors.”
Ludwig and Garrett operate Gila Valley Made, which offers retail space for up to 90 small business owners, most of whom are creating products out of their home.
“We want all small businesses to be successful, and we want people to, literally, be able to shop local,” Garrett said.
Gila Valley Made won the Best of Safford Awards for Best Remodel and Retail Business Excellence.
Also taking two awards was Jenny Howard, one for each of her businesses. Best Customer Service was awarded to Ginaveve’s Marketplace, and Best Newcomer was awarded for her newest venture, the Tiny Bean Coffee Co.
“It’s all my employees, they’re the face of Ginaveve’s,” Howard said. “They do it all, they’re amazing. I am so blessed.”
Safford Downtown Association President Danny Smith explained that the association supports and promotes businesses in Safford’s Downtown area, which runs from Entertainment Avenue on the east to 10th Avenue on the west, and from U.S. Highway 70 on the north to 8th Street on the south.
Safford Downtown Association, in conjunction with the City of Safford, also stages events throughout the year, including the Harvest Festival, Merry Main Street/Christmas Tree Lighting, and the Holiday Light Parade.
And the Safford Downtown Association is spearheading the restoration of the historic Safford Theatre.
The Italian luncheon of lasagna and fettuccini Alfredo was catered by Ginaveve’s.
Best of Safford 2021 (winners in bold):
Best dining experience
Casa Manana
● The Branding Iron
● Ginaveve’s Marketplace
● Dug’s Blow N Smoke BBQ
● El Charro
● Red Oven Pizzeria
Best customer service
Ginaveve’s Market Place
● Dug’s Blow N Smoke BBQ
● Safford Builders Supply/Ace Hardware
● Gila Valley Made
● Kempton Chevrolet Buick
● Misfits Vapes and More
Best remodel
Gila Valley Made
● 5th and Main Office Suites
● Los Jilbertos
● Thriftee Food and Drug
Best business newcomer
Tiny Bean Coffee Co.
● Gila Valley Made
● Red Oven Pizzeria
● Bargain Bin
Service business excellence
Palmer/Johnson Family Dentists
● Big O Tires
● Copper Hills Dental
● Kempton Chevrolet Buick
● Rustic Lace Wax Bar and Salon
● Top Notch
Retail business excellence
Gila Valley Made
● Marcia’s Garden Soap Shop
● Dug’s Blow N Smoke BBQ
● Enchanted Boutique
● Ginaveve’s Marketplace
● The Wear
Editor’s note: Reporter David Bell is a member of the Safford Downtown Association board of directors.
