The Downtown Development Authority honored Romans for their service to the downtown district Friday.
Normally presented at a holiday awards gala, the award were presented to recipients outside City Hall at different times Friday so as not to draw a big crowd.
Jay Shell is the recipient of the William M. Fricks Award for years of service to the downtown district. He has not only operated businesses downtown, The Brewhouse and Rome City Brewing Company, but has also served on the DDA board for eight years. His efforts as a concert and event promoter have brought many famous entertainers, not just to Rome, but to downtown Rome through the years.