Transform Your Town into a Tourist Destination

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Glouster, Ohio, is a testament to the power of one person's vision.  Jim Cotter's "Paint the Town" initiative, featured on CBS over a decade ago, introduced viewers to a man on a mission to revitalize his community by painting everything in sight.  With a population of 2,000, Glouster had seen better days.  Once a bustling coal town, it had fallen into disrepair, its buildings peeling and faded, reflecting a community that had lost its vibrancy.  However, Jim's initiative sparked a movement that breathed new life into the small town.  

Following the loss of his wife, Jim found himself grappling with grief.  “I miss her,” he confided to CBS News.  “And this just gives me something that keeps me from missing her more.”  In his sorrow, he realized that instead of waiting for someone else to make a change, he could become that change.  “I can do something about the town.  We'll paint it,” he declared.  “The whole town.”

His journey began with a humble fire hydrant, setting off a chain reaction that would ultimately transform Glouster.  With each stroke of his paintbrush, Jim moved from the hydrant to guardrails, and then to house after house, business after business - all at no cost to the owners.  His efforts resonated deeply with the community, inspiring others to lend a hand.  As word spread, volunteers began pouring in from all corners of the town.

Soon, it became a common sight in Glouster - people painting fences, shutters, and entire houses.  Even high school students got swept up in the excitement, eager to contribute to the cause.  Jim had a knack for making everyone feel included, ensuring that even those without painting skills could find a way to help.  Volunteers donated their time and materials, working on buildings that didn’t belong to them but that they felt passionate about.  “We’re getting something out of it because it makes us feel better about our town,” one volunteer shared, reflecting the collective sentiment of the community.

Even more importantly, it inspired a group of local business owners, educators, and entrepreneurs to take action.  This group formed the Glouster Revitalization Organization (GRO) in 2017.  Their mission: revitalize downtown Glouster. GRO built upon the momentum created by the "Paint the Town" project, partnering with local government and Athens County on critical initiatives.

Among their notable achievements is the advocacy for a Land Bank aimed at facilitating property redevelopment, allowing for the efficient management of vacant and abandoned properties. Additionally, GRO identified several key projects to kickstart Glouster's renewal, including the renovation of the historic Knights of Pythias building and the creation of a lively open-air public event space that would serve as a hub for community gatherings and events.

Today, the Glouster Revitalization Organization operates as a registered non-profit, tirelessly working to secure funding and bring these impactful projects to fruition. The story of Glouster is far from complete; it is a powerful testament to how a single spark of inspiration can ignite a community’s collective drive toward long-term success and revitalization. With each project, they are not only reshaping their physical environment but also fostering a renewed sense of pride and purpose among residents, ensuring that Glouster continues to flourish for years to come.