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 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 Macon Rocks Climbing Gym for rehabilitating a historic downtown structure and turning it into a state-of-the-art rock-climbing gym, resulting in 18 new jobs.  

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 recipients are One World Link and Ambitious Graphics for the Buy Black Tour and Kinjo Kitchen + Cocktails for Spirit Forward. One World Link and Ambitious Graphics partnered to celebrate a day of shopping local and supporting black-owned businesses during the holiday season. The inaugural Buy Black Tour featured 20 locally owned business. Kinjo Kitchen + Cocktails created a cocktail collaboration among downtown bars and venues that showcased the talent of local mixologists and featured Georgia distilleries.  

The Partners in Progress Award for Increasing Residents goes to individuals, businesses, or organizations that may directly increase residents by renovating or building structures that house lofts, apartments, or condominiums or by financing residential development or promoting downtown living. This year’s recipient is Kunj Construction for Brew House Lofts, the historic building at 458 Second Street that Kunj Construction renovated to add 21 loft units to the downtown market.  

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’s recipients are Julia Rubens and Christele Parham. Julia Rubens serves as Mercer University’s Director of Arts Marketing and uses this role to connect artists of mediums across the community. Christele Parham is the co-founder of Macon Black Tech and uses her tech skills on numerous boards across the community to create more inclusive spaces. 

The Emerging Partner Award showcases new individuals or organizations becoming involved in the downtown movement. This year’s Emerging Partner recipient is the Middle Georgia Regional Library for their exemplary literacy programming in public spaces that attracts families to downtown Macon.

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 recipient is Anna Richards for her influential use of social media to advocate for downtown Macon and her role in engaging creatives throughout the community. 

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 recipient is Macon-Bibb Parks and Beautification Department for the Poplar Street median renovation. 

The Juanita Jordan Community Service Award is given to an individual or organization who has gone above and beyond in the field of service within our community. This year’s recipient it Wimberly Treadwell for her tireless dedication to improving downtown’s public spaces.