The Copper Circle Connections: Wayfinding and Signage Project is proposed as a multi-entity collaboration to build the region’s capacity in economic/community development and cultural/historical preservation. Purposeful Wayfinding strategies combined with a well-branded signage campaign will result in a systematic, visually cohesive, graphic communication system for visitors and residents in the Copper Circle Region. The use of Wayfinding and signage encourages the sense of well-being, safety and security in unfamiliar or stressful environments. Visitors and residents of the area will benefit from this community navigation project. This project will address the lack of marketing and information necessary to promote the Copper Circle’s numerous assets, points of interest and community services. The southern Gila County Region is currently lacking a well-designed brand and logo. Branding a region can be extremely beneficial by creating instant, positive recognition of the history, culture and activities available.

The central location of the Copper Circle generates a tremendous amount of traffic and pass-through visitors. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reports the average daily volume of vehicles along US 60 to be between 12,500 in the west end of Miami to 16,500 at the east end of Globe. The region is lacking in a focused, collaborative strategy to entice pass-through visitors to stop, shop and enjoy the culture and history of the region. Both Globe and Miami have focused on Pass-Through Visitor Services as an economic development strategy.