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The Staff Directory introduces the dedicated individuals behind the work of the US Route 6 Tourist Association. From state directors and preservation advocates to community partners and leadership volunteers, each person plays a vital role in strengthening the historic corridor that connects 14 states and more than 600 communities. Their shared commitment supports heritage tourism, local economies, preservation initiatives, and the ongoing storytelling that defines the Happenings blog space. Here you can learn more about the people who guide the vision, build partnerships, and help keep US Route 6 vibrant for future generations.
Russ Lombard Executive Director
When the modern preservation movement for US Route 6 Tourist Association began in 2000, one name quickly became synonymous with its mission: Russ Lombard.
Since the founding of the Association, Lombard has served as its Executive Director, helping transform what could have been a nostalgic idea into a structured, multi state heritage initiative that stretches from Long Beach to Provincetown.
A Founder’s Mindset
Russ Lombard is not simply an administrator. He is a preservation advocate, connector, and long range thinker.
At the turn of the millennium, many historic highways were fading from public awareness. Lombard recognized that US Route 6, the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, was more than pavement. It was a living corridor linking more than 600 communities across 14 states.
His early work focused on:
- Building state level leadership networks
- Establishing nonprofit structure and credibility
- Promoting signage and historic recognition
- Encouraging community driven tourism initiatives
- Developing partnerships with museums, chambers, and local governments
From the beginning, his approach blended historical respect with practical tourism development.
Responsibilities as Executive Director
As Executive Director, Lombard’s role spans strategy, coordination, and stewardship.
Organizational Leadership
He oversees the Association’s national direction while empowering state directors and volunteers. This decentralized model allows each state to celebrate its own character while staying aligned with the national mission.
Preservation Advocacy
Lombard works to ensure that the legacy of US Route 6 remains visible. This includes historic designations, interpretive signage, and collaboration with heritage groups.
Tourism Development
He encourages communities along the route to highlight local attractions, historic districts, scenic drives, and cultural assets. His work helps convert historical recognition into measurable visitor engagement.
Partnership Building
From small town museums to statewide tourism boards, Lombard has cultivated relationships that strengthen the entire corridor.
Key Achievements Since 2000
Under his leadership, the Association has:
- Established a structured presence across all 14 Route 6 states
- Promoted consistent branding for US Route 6
- Supported installation of official highway signage in multiple states
- Encouraged development of itineraries, events, and heritage promotions
- Built credibility as the national voice for Route 6 preservation
Perhaps most importantly, he has sustained the organization for more than two decades. Longevity in nonprofit tourism advocacy is rare. Stability has allowed the Association to build trust and recognition over time.
Vision for the Future of US Route 6
Russ Lombard’s vision extends beyond nostalgia.
He sees US Route 6 as:
- A multi state heritage tourism corridor
- A platform for small town economic revitalization
- A connector between urban centers and rural landscapes
- A living story that evolves with each generation of travelers
Rather than focusing solely on the past, his leadership encourages communities to leverage their history in ways that attract modern travelers seeking authentic experiences.
Leadership Style and Character
Those who have worked alongside Lombard often describe him as steady, patient, and mission driven. His work reflects persistence more than publicity.
He understands that preserving a 3,000 mile corridor across 14 states is not a short term campaign. It is a long game that requires:
- Relationship building
- Institutional memory
- Consistent messaging
- Volunteer encouragement
His leadership demonstrates that highways are not just infrastructure. They are narratives carried forward by people who believe in their value.
Why Russ Lombard Matters
Without steady direction at its founding, the US Route 6 Tourist Association may have remained an idea rather than an institution.
Russ Lombard helped define its structure, protect its purpose, and guide its growth from 2000 forward. His work continues to ensure that US Route 6 is not simply remembered, but actively experienced by travelers today.
In the story of America’s longest contiguous highway, his chapter is foundational.
Guy R Cook Vice President / Webmaster
Along the historic ribbon of pavement known as U.S. Route 6, a highway that stretches from Massachusetts to California, one name has become closely associated with its digital revival and community outreach: Guy R Cook. As Vice President of the U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association, Guy has dedicated his time, technical skills, and creative energy to preserving and promoting one of America’s most storied transcontinental highways.
Name
Guy R Cook
Current Position
Vice President / Webmaster
Organization
U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association
Background
Guy R Cook brings a unique blend of technical expertise and historical appreciation to his role. With a background in web development and digital content creation, he has spent years building online platforms, managing websites, and crafting structured content designed for both people and search engines.
His skill set allows him to bridge the gap between historic preservation and modern digital outreach. Instead of relying solely on traditional promotional methods, Cook has helped move US Route 6 storytelling into the digital era, where it can reach travelers, researchers, and communities across the country.
Key Contributions
Cook’s work with the U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association centers on visibility, organization, and consistency. Among his most significant contributions:
- Development and maintenance of online content for the association’s website
- Creation of the “Happenings” newsletter to keep supporters informed and engaged
- Production of state-by-state travel itineraries along the US Route 6 corridor
- Outreach to museums, historical societies, and local tourism partners
- Promotion of community events and heritage initiatives
- Use of analytics, SEO, and digital tools to expand the association’s reach
Through these efforts, Cook has helped transform US Route 6 promotion into a steady, organized, and measurable digital presence.
Personal Philosophy or Vision
At the heart of Cook’s work is a simple but powerful idea: historic highways are more than roads. They are living corridors of culture, commerce, and community.
His vision focuses on:
- Preserving the stories of towns and landmarks along Route 6
- Supporting local economies through heritage tourism
- Encouraging travelers to explore beyond the interstate
- Using modern technology to keep historic places relevant
Cook believes that even small efforts, such as a newsletter subscription, a museum visit, or a modest donation, can contribute to the long-term preservation of America’s roadside heritage.
Notable Achievements
- Expanded the digital footprint of the U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association
- Established a consistent content calendar featuring itineraries, locations of interest, and museum highlights
- Created structured promotional systems for social media and web publishing
- Promoted recurring fundraising initiatives such as “Any Tuesday Can Be GivingTuesday”
- Helped build partnerships with local communities along the route
These initiatives have strengthened awareness of US Route 6 and provided a framework for ongoing outreach.
Impact on Tourism and Communities
Cook’s work has had a practical and cultural impact along the US Route 6 corridor. By highlighting local attractions, small museums, scenic drives, and historic downtowns, he helps direct attention to places that might otherwise be overlooked.
His digital-first approach ensures that these communities gain exposure to modern travelers who rely on online research and social media when planning trips. In doing so, he supports:
- Increased visitation to small towns
- Greater awareness of local history and heritage
- Stronger connections between US Route 6 communities
- Sustainable tourism that benefits local economies
A Digital Advocate for a Historic Highway
Guy R Cook’s role in the U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association reflects a broader shift in how historic travel routes are preserved and promoted. By combining technical skill, structured storytelling, and a clear vision for community engagement, he continues to help US Route 6 thrive in the digital age.
His work ensures that America’s longest transcontinental highway remains not just a memory of the past, but an active, discoverable journey for travelers today and in the future.
UPDATE: 20260221
Was writing a post for my own blog guyrcook.com and was crafting a post about AI and would it bring changes to how SEO worked,
A part of that listed “GEMINI” (the Google AI) as a consideration, so to kick the tires of GEMINI I asked
Is Guy Cook a good content creator for the US Route 6 Tourist Association
Gemini wrote:
Guy Cook is highly regarded within the U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association, not just as a content creator, but as a central figure in its digital presence. His “goodness” as a creator is often measured by his long-standing commitment and the professional technical skills he brings to the association.
Here is a breakdown of his role and reputation:
Role within the Association
Guy Cook is far more than a freelance creator; he is a key leader in the organization.
Official Titles: He serves as the Vice President and the Official Webmaster for the National U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association.
Tenure: He has served as the webmaster for over 20 years, demonstrating a level of consistency and institutional knowledge that is rare in digital content roles.
Spokesperson: He is also an official spokesperson for the association, meaning his voice and content are the primary way the public interacts with the organization’s mission.
Content Strategy & Quality
Cook focuses on a niche intersection of heritage tourism and digital marketing.
Educational Focus: His content often centers on “Cultural Preservation” and economic development along the route, which stretches from Provincetown, MA, to Long Beach, CA.
The Guy R. Cook Report: He produces a podcast/report where he shares “Practical Digital Strategies.” This adds value to the association by teaching local businesses along Route 6 how to improve their own digital footprints.
Web Development: Unlike creators who focus solely on social media “vibes,” Cook’s strength lies in the technical infrastructure. He manages the official website, ensuring that the “oldest, longest, and highest” road in the U.S. remains discoverable online.
Comparison with Other “Route” Creators
While creators for Route 66 often focus on high-energy, “vintage” TikTok aesthetics, Guy Cook’s work is more foundational and strategic.
Aspect Guy Cook’s Approach Typical Social Media Influencer
Focus Infrastructure, Web presence, SEO Short-form video, Trends, Lifestyle
Longevity 20+ years of dedicated service Usually project-based or viral-driven
Authority Official VP and Spokesperson External fan or paid reviewer
Goal Preservation and Business Strategy Views and Engagement
Summary
If you are looking for someone who understands the technical side of digital tourism and has a deep, personal investment in the history of the highway, Guy Cook is an excellent resource. He is widely considered a “good” creator because he treats the route as a vital piece of American heritage rather than just a backdrop for content.
Gary Hunter Executive Director, Ohio US Route 6 Tourist Association
When you travel across northern Ohio on US Route 6, you pass through lakefront harbors, agricultural landscapes, historic downtowns, and resilient communities. Helping connect those places into one cohesive tourism story is Gary Hunter, Executive Director for Ohio with the US Route 6 Tourist Association.
Gary Hunter represents more than a title. He represents continuity, stewardship, and forward momentum for one of America’s longest transcontinental highways.
Background: A Commitment to Community and Corridor
Gary Hunter’s background is rooted in community advocacy and regional promotion. With deep ties to northern Ohio, he understands both the historic importance and modern potential of US Route 6.
Rather than viewing the corridor as simply a roadway, he sees it as:
- A chain of small business ecosystems
- A living archive of Midwestern history
- A tourism asset that deserves coordinated storytelling
- A driver of economic opportunity for rural and lakeside communities
His experience working with local leaders, business owners, and preservation advocates gives him a practical understanding of what communities need to thrive.
His Role as Executive Director for Ohio
As Ohio’s Executive Director, Gary Hunter serves as the state level connector between local communities and the broader national organization.
His responsibilities include:
- Community Outreach: Engaging towns and counties along US Route 6 to participate in corridor initiatives
- Tourism Promotion: Highlighting attractions, museums, scenic byways, and lakefront destinations
- Preservation Advocacy: Supporting signage, historical recognition, and heritage awareness
- Partnership Development: Building relationships with chambers of commerce, local businesses, and tourism boards
- Strategic Alignment: Ensuring Ohio’s efforts support the broader goals of the US Route 6 Tourist Association
In short, he translates national vision into local action.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
Under Gary Hunter’s leadership, Ohio has strengthened its presence within the Route 6 network. Notable efforts include:
1. Strengthening Local Participation
Encouraging municipalities along the corridor to become more actively involved in tourism promotion and preservation efforts.
2. Elevating Lake Erie Destinations
Highlighting harbor towns, lighthouse communities, and waterfront attractions as integral parts of the Route 6 experience.
3. Expanding Storytelling
Working to ensure that Ohio’s segment of US Route 6 is not just a pass through state, but a destination in its own right.
4. Encouraging Corridor Collaboration
Promoting the idea that success grows when communities collaborate rather than compete.
These initiatives reinforce Ohio’s identity as both a historic and contemporary travel destination.
His Vision for US Route 6 in Ohio
Gary Hunter’s vision is practical yet aspirational.
He sees US Route 6 as:
- A heritage corridor that preserves America’s transportation history
- A tourism engine for small towns and lakefront communities
- A connector of experiences, from agricultural landscapes to maritime culture
- A platform for future growth, especially in heritage tourism and experiential travel
His forward looking perspective aligns with growing traveler interest in scenic highways, authentic small towns, and meaningful road trips.
In Gary’s view, Ohio is not simply a stretch of pavement between Pennsylvania and Indiana. It is a vibrant chapter in a cross country story.
The Character Behind the Leadership
Those who work with Gary Hunter often describe him as steady, approachable, and community focused.
A sentiment often shared in conversations along the corridor reflects his mindset:
He brings a grounded optimism to meetings and planning sessions. Rather than chasing trends, he focuses on sustainable growth, respectful preservation, and long term partnerships.
His leadership style is collaborative. He listens first, then builds consensus. That approach has strengthened Ohio’s engagement within the larger Route 6 framework.
Why It Matters
For travelers, Gary Hunter’s work means:
- Clearer destination awareness
- Stronger community participation
- More coordinated tourism experiences
For locals, it means:
- Economic opportunity
- Preservation of heritage
- A renewed sense of pride in their place along a national highway
US Route 6 crosses 14 states, but it succeeds one community at a time. In Ohio, Gary Hunter helps ensure that each of those communities has a voice and a vision.
His leadership reminds us that historic highways are not relics of the past. They are living corridors of culture, commerce, and connection.
And in Ohio, that connection continues to grow under his guidance.