Main Street Cleveland held its annual Christmas party on Wednesday evening. A new award that acknowledges an individual’s long-term commitment to downtown Cleveland was presented to Allan Jones in memory of George R. "Bobby" Taylor.
Mr. Taylor was founder and CEO of bank of Cleveland and instrumental in founding the Mainstreet Cleveland organization. He was a strong supporter of downtown; deeply dedicated to its revitalization. The award seeks to honor and recognize individuals who display a long-term commitment to the preservation and development of downtown Cleveland.
Mr. Jones was nominated for the award by Scott Taylor, son of Bobby Taylor. In 1990 Mr. Jones was a founding partner of Main Street Cleveland along with Mr. Taylor. He was also the first board of directors president. Throughout the organization's 26 year history, Mr. Jones has been a steadfast supporter and has been involved in all of the downtown revitalization projects.
Mayor Tom Rowland presented the award which was accepted by Mr. Jones granddaughter, Gincy Pendergrass. Gincy's mother, Courtney Jones Pendergrass said, "Gincy's great grandmother - Virginia Ann “Gincy” Slaughter - was great friends with Bobby and Nancy Taylor and would have been proud of Gincy for accepting the award."