How Were "Florence First" Grants Chosen?

In June, the City of Florence announced that it had selected 37 businesses to receive a Florence First Grant; 127 businesses had applied for consideration. The 37 grants totaled 1.6 million dollars. 

When a citizen of Florence questioned the makeup of the selection committee, she was referred to the Planning Commission or the City Clerk's Office. According to a communication sent to us, she has yet to hear exactly who chose these lucky 37 businesses.

Who benefited from the grants? Here's the list:

Allegro Dance and Fitness

Ally Communications

Armosa Studios LLC

Blinds, Shades, and Shutters

Bragwell Barber Shop

Café 222

China Doll Hair Salon

Die Tech

Esther’s Eatery

Florence Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Geronimo Gymnastics, LLC

Gunrunner Hotel

Marigail’s

Mefford Jewelers

Mitchell Printing

OCS Solutions

Odette

Party Pros

Pride Senior Care

Reclaimed Spirit Regal Nail

Safari Salon

Shoals Health and Fitness LLC

Shoals Nail and Spa

Shoals Theatre

Studio 23

Studio Nails and Spa

Sugarbakers

Sweetwater Paint

The London Shop

The Look

The Mailing Room

Unique Touch

Valley Broadcasting

Vogue Galleria and Salon

Williams Cleaners

Yumm Sushi and Beyond

We're not sure why our friend has had problems ascertaining the names of the selection committee, but when she informed us, we dug a little deeper. It seems the 127 businesses which applied were scored on a point basis...but what basis? Taxes paid in? Number of employees? 

It's easy to understand that the 90 businesses not receiving a grant were frustrated. While this is a part of life, we don't think it's too much to ask for scoring criteria or the names of those who assigned the points to each business. 

Go Vote Tuesday!!!