Each year, NewTown recognizes businesses, organizations, and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional passion and commitment to the revitalization of downtown Macon. With support from Cadence Bank, 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 recipients are Z Beans and La Bella Morelia. Z Beans nearly doubled its number of employees when opening a second storefront on Cotton Avenue and a roasting facility on Third Street. Within a year of opening, La Bella Morelia outgrew its first location on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and doubled its number of employees and square footage when moving to its new location on Mulberry Street.

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 Trace Butler for adding 10 lofts with beautiful views and bay windows on the upper floors of the historic Lawrence Mayer building.

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 the McEachern Arts Center for strengthening the local arts scene with quality programming in a beautifully renovated space in one of downtown Macon’s iconic buildings.

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, Richard Frazier is recognized for enhancing every aspect of production at Theatre Macon resulting in regularly sold-out shows.

The Emerging Partner Award showcases new individuals or organizations becoming involved in the downtown movement. This year’s Emerging Partner recipient is Alex Habersham, publisher of the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages, for his tenacious commitment to increasing the diversity of downtown business owners and consumers.

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 Karen Hix, for her efforts in growing the membership of the Downtown Macon Community Association resulting in increased collaboration amongst downtown business owners. 

The Special Recognition Award is presented to an individual or organization for outstanding efforts in a specific area of revitalization of downtown or community improvement. This year’s recipients arethe 567 Center for Renewal and Visit Macon and the Georgia Beef Board. After witnessing the success of the 567 Center for Renewal’s first graffiti wall in Cherry Street Lane, the Center installed three more walls to discourage tagging on private property and to encourage creativity in our public spaces. Visit Macon and the Georgia Beef Board partnered to host Macon Burger Week, a phenomenal success with 5,000 hungry participants and 15 participating restaurants that has quickly positioned itself as one of Macon’s favorite events.