The casual visitor might see only the negatives — the crumbling awnings, peeling paint or other signs of neglect and vacancy — as they drive through downtown Warren on the way to Bristol or Newport County. But while Warren may have a problem with empty downtown buildings, it has no shortage of positive people who are doing their best to make their businesses — indeed, all of Warren —  better.

There’s Katie Dickson, always positive and optimistic, who while busy running two businesses is also one of the town’s biggest boosters. Through Discover Warren, she has worked tirelessly for years to improve her adopted town.

There’s Dave at Podsnap, a small vintage shop just up from town hall. He hands out cards telling people about his favorite places in town, including the Square Peg (great tacos), Nectar de la Vida (amazing whoopee pies and more) and other stores. He will tell anyone who will listen that small business is the town’s future, and that he is happy coming to work every day.

There’s Dave Wescott, who is helping to fill the former handkerchief factory on Main and Washington with small, thriving businesses. The same could be said for Michael Sigourney, owner of the Cutler Mills, and the folks behind Hope & Main, the town’s young but thriving food incubator.

There are many, many others who fit the bill. As Warren struggles to find a solution to its business vacancy issues, the positivity exuded by these entrepreneurs should be kept in mind and not lost in the negativity. While the town undoubtedly has much to do to turn around its business climate, the town at its core has much to be optimistic about. From its natural beauty to charming history and architecture, to its legions of hip young artists and craftspeople, it shouldn’t take a monumental effort to realize downtown Warren’s full potential. Those listed above certainly show that the will is there.

All that’s needed is an honest assessment of the problems (Inattentive landlords? Circuitous government regulations?  Lack of parking, marketing, etc.?), the will to address them all, and elbow grease.