The State of the Town event was hosted by Rebuild Superior Inc. Photo by Debbie Torres
The Town of Superior hosted its annual State of the Town event on Thursday evening, bringing together residents, community partners, and regional leaders to celebrate another year of growth and achievement. The annual event is sponsored and coordinated by the local non-profit Rebuild Superior Inc. The event kicked off with a rousing time of networking and a light dinner catered by Felicia’s Ice Cream Shop. Superior Dance Company performed for the crowd early in the program.
This year’s theme, “Superior Soundtrack: A Playlist for Progress,” reflected how each project, partnership, and success adds a new “track” to the town’s story of revitalization and pride.
Connie Perez was given the Spirit of Service Award. Photo by Debbie TorresPhoto by Debbie Torres
Rebuild Superior Inc. also presented two Spirit of Service awards to recognize those who are always contributing to good works in Superior. Connie Perez was presented an award for the service she provides to the Senior Center and the Superior Optimist Club were presented an award for their 21 years of service and maintaining several key events in the community.
Superior Optimist Club was given the Spirit of Service Award. Photo by Debbie Torres
Mayor Mila Besich highlighted several major milestones during her address, including the completion of the Panther Drive Bridge, the paving of Main Street, and the announcement of a $1.9 million sidewalk improvement grant. She also celebrated the continuing transformation of the Original Superior High School into a thriving Multi-Generational Center, which will soon host a range of community programs and workforce training opportunities. Besich weaved a variety of songs into her speech to add relevance to the theme.
Besich used the song “I Won’t Back Down” to share that the Town will not be backing down anytime soon in supporting and advocating for the Resolution Copper project as she shared the recent delays in the courts. She also highlighted the work of the Town of Superior Youth Council and explained how they will be the leaders of the future and the Town must build a strong foundation for them.
Superior’s recognition by Business View Magazine as one of Arizona’s Best Managed Towns under 10,000 was another point of pride for the mayor, who credited the achievement to teamwork among residents, town staff, and local partners.
The event also spotlighted Superior’s growing leadership in developing the various mitigation agreements with Resolution Copper through the Community Working Group along with Brownfields redevelopment, and regional collaboration throughout the Copper Corridor.
In her remarks, Mayor Besich drew inspiration from the iconic song “We Are the World,” She closed with the following comments: “’Let’s think about the words from the song ‘We are the World’. Let’s think about what we can do as individuals and collectively to make this world a better place. We make the world a better place by starting at home in our own communities.”