NewTown Macon’s Partners in Progress awards are given following the organization’s annual Tour of Progress showcasing the growth and change

Macon, GA – According to the statement, the 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, nine categories had award recipients.

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 Macon-Bibb County and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation for investing and leveraging American Rescue Plan funds into affordable rental housing.

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 First Choice Primary Care for moving their office location to a newly renovated historic building and adding 10 new jobs to the Central Business District

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 Barks N Brews for transforming an under-utilized greenspace into a premier dog park and bar that welcomes a growing, and lovable, audience to downtown Macon -our canine companions