The International Downtown Association has recognized River City Company with the Downtown Achievement Pinnacle Award for its work and initiatives related to their Emerging Producers program. 

Each year, IDA recognizes outstanding projects as winners of the Downtown Achievement Awards which identify advances to urban centers by organizations world-wide. The industry’s highest recognition, the Pinnacle Award, represents the most inspiring innovations in urban place management. This year’s projects were awarded by a jury of IDA members in the following categories: leadership development; organizational management; economic development; marketing, communications and events; planning, design and infrastructure; policy and advocacy; and public space management and operations.

The River City Company Emerging Producer program won in the category of Economic Development.

“Receiving the IDA Pinnacle Award for the Emerging Producer Program is an incredible honor and a testament to the creativity and talent that exists right here in Chattanooga. This program was created to give emerging entrepreneurs the opportunity, resources and visibility to test their ideas in the heart of downtown, while also bringing new energy and experiences to our community. We’re proud to see this work recognized on an international level and even more proud of the local entrepreneurs who have made the program such a success,” said Emily Mack, president & CEO of River City Company. 

Officials said, "The River City Company Emerging Producer program provides training and mentorship to individuals and organizations who have a vision for creating inclusive programming in downtown Chattanooga. The 10-week in-depth educational sessions provide the necessary tools and resources to take the concept of an event and turn it into a high-quality experience for attendees. Since starting the program in 2022, 10 individuals have successfully graduated from the program. Seven current cohort members will be launching their events this September and October." 

“River City Company’s innovative project received the IDA Pinnacle Award for setting the new standard for improving cities around the world,” said David Downey, IDA president and CEO. “The Emerging Producer program has made an impact on its community and the people who live, work and play there, and is evidence of the continued commitment to champion livable, vital and thriving urban centers.” 

IDA will convene this September in Toronto for Intersections: Where Districts, Disciplines & Ideas Converge, a three-day conference to discuss emerging trends in place management. River City Company will be recognized for their award-winning project during the Downtown Achievement Awards ceremony at the 72nd Annual Conference & Marketplace, Sept. 1-3. 

Officials said, "IDA’s members have a proven track record of creating collaborative public-private partnerships to tackle weighty issues. Place management organizations affect significant change in every major metropolitan area throughout North America in an industry that is growing rapidly around the globe. More than 2,500 downtown management districts exist in cities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Place management work touches every discipline of city building, including economic development, leadership, marketing, events, public space management, policy, planning and infrastructure."

Additional information on the 2026 Pinnacle award winners can be found online at downtown.org.