[Source: Florence Reminder] -- Florence was recognized with three Arizona Main Street awards during the Governor's Rural Development Conference recently in Flagstaff. The awards honor people and projects that help revitalize downtowns in rural Arizona. Florence is one of 17 Arizona communities that use the Main Street Approach developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a comprehensive strategy to improve the social and economic vitality of central commercial districts.
- Euros Café was a finalist in the Best Economic Restructuring Story category. Nominees in this category represent projects or activities that identify new market opportunities that enhance business in the Main Street district. Jeff and Gulcan Lopez were recognized for the improvements they made to meet customer demand at Euros Café and the adjacent European Treasures.
- Artie's on Main was a finalist in the Best Renovation Project category for the interior renovation of the historic La Paloma Bar. Owner Artie Meyers took six months to complete the project which addressed code compliance and ADA accessibility issues.
- The 2005 Christmas on Main Street event was a finalist in the Best Special Event category. The Florence Main Street Program and Florence Parks and Recreation Department established a partnership that resulted in expanding event activities over the last two years.
