SAFFORD — There were plenty of familiar faces at this year’s Best of Safford Awards luncheon, with four of the seven recipients collecting their second or more awards.
The awards honored work in 2020, a challenging year for the small business community.
“Starting a business in 2020 was a little bit of a daring operation, but the community’s come out all year and been a huge support to us. We’ve just been grateful to be a part of it,” said David Palmer who, with son, Matt, won the Best Newcomer Award for their business, Brotein Shakes food truck.
Other winners included:
● Best Dining Experience — Casa Manana
● Best Customer Service — Safford Builders’ Supply/Ace Hardware
● Best Business Remodel — Copper Steer Steakhouse
● Best Business Excellence-Service — Palmer & Johnson Family Dental
● Best Business Excellence-Retail — Enchanted Boutique
● Best Business-Community Service — Ginaveve’s Marketplace/The Main Street Bean
The awards were presented by the Safford Downtown Association.
“My glass is always so half full. I think we’re going to have a great year in 2021,” said Downtown Association President Danny Smith.
“One thing that is fascinating is the number of people, as a result of COVID, that recognize shopping locally. It seems to a buzz word among not just the business owners saying for folks to shop locally, but people really rallied here in the Gila Valley in support of our local businesses that were shut down or limited in their hours or limited in their service,” he continued. “Our record sales tax bears that out. I hope that sticks around.”
The event was co-sponsored by the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, and featured lunch from Randy Hawkins chuck wagon, Ginaveve’s and Thomas Family Traditions Old Fashioned Soda.
Editor’s note: David Bell is a board member of the Safford Downtown Association.
