Each year, NewTown recognizes businesses, organizations, and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional passion and commitment to the revitalization of Downtown Macon. With support from GEICO, NewTown Macon’s Partners in Progress awards are given following the organization’s annual Tour of Progress showcasing the growth and in change in downtown Macon. Awards are given in the following ten categories: R. Kirby Godsey Leadership, Juanita T. Jordan Community Service, Growing Jobs, Increasing Residents, Creating a Sense of Place, 360 Degrees, Special Recognition, Emerging Partner, Emerging Leader, and Downtown Ambassador.  Awards may or may not be given in every category. This year, six categories had award recipients.
 
The Partners in Progress Award for Growing Jobs goes to individuals, businesses, or organizations strengthening the quantity and quality of jobs in the downtown area. This year’s recipient is the Macon Bacon baseball organization for rapidly growing jobs as they brought America’s favorite past time back to Macon.

The Partner in Progress Award for Increasing Residents honors a business, organization or individual that is increasing residents in our downtown. The recipient of this award may directly increase residents by renovating or creating buildings that house lofts, apartments, or condominiums. Alternatively, the nominee could have a less tangible effect by financing residential development or promoting downtown living. This year’s recipient is Southern Pines Plantation Commercial Group and Sierra Development for completing the Lofts at Capricorn.  This 137-unit loft project is the first multi-family, new construction development in downtown Macon in the past 40 years.
 
The Partners in Progress Award for Creating a Sense of Place winner may establish a popular event; improve the aesthetics of downtown; create a business, which attracts people to downtown; protect or preserve an endangered building or property; strengthen the community; or enhance public space. This year’s recipient is Sparks Yoga for partnering with local businesses and organizations to host 30+ yoga events in downtown Macon that encouraged personal wellness and community connection.
 
The Emerging Leader Award goes to an organization or individual that has made significant contributions to Downtown Macon and has demonstrated the potential for leadership and continuing service. This year, Tonja Khabir is recognized for her determination to improve her hometown for starting initiatives like Let’s Do Lunch and Urbane and her recognition as an Emerging City Champion.
 
The Emerging Partner Award showcases new individuals or organizations becoming involved in the downtown movement. This year’s Emerging Partner recipient is the Mercer Innovation Center and the director of the Center, Stephanie Howard, for supporting Macon’s start-up and small business community.
 
The Downtown Ambassador Award goes to an individual or organization acting as a representative or promoter of downtown. The nominee may encourage the community to frequent, live, shop or recreate downtown.  This year’s Downtown Ambassador Award recipient is Charles Davis for exuding his love of Macon in his roles as an announcer on Creekside Mornings, Macon Bacon’s hype man, and performances in Theatre Macon.  
 
The Juanita Jordan Community Service Award is NewTown Macon’s highest honor and is given to an individual or organization that has gone above and beyond in the field of community service. This year’s recipient is Bryan Nichols for his dedication and commitment to improving downtown Macon through the Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza.