As the deadline approaches for a final progress report in the America's Best Communities competition, Statesboro's Blue Mile committee is pointing to evidence of forward momentum in corporate, residential and commercial development. The monumental Blue Mile signs greeting northbound visitors entering the 1.1-mile stretch of South Main Street, a statue of Statesboro Blues musician "Blind Willie" McTell nearing completion and a planned dog park grab attention as projects funded by contest prizes, donors and public agencies. But investments by AgSouth Farm Credit, the Statesboro Herald's parent company and residential rental developer Hendley Properties have added private-sector substance to recent updates.