RUMFORD – Two creative people who have worked hard on behalf of the River Valley Growth Council and the economy of the area were honored in different ways at Wednesday’s board meeting.

One from within the organization, the second by a statewide business publication.

Rosie Bradley, 35, executive secretary of the council, was unanimously promoted as the oranization’s first assistant to the executive director.

Her supervisor, Scott Christiansen, 42, was named as one of 12 people statewide by Mainebiz, a Portland-based business newspaper, who are taking action toward the development of a new economy for the state.

Bradley began as a half-time secretary for the council almost five years ago. From there, she became full time, and now, with the spate of innovative projects under way in the River Valley, the council decided it was time for someone to step in and help Christiansen with some of these projects.

“We’ve created enough opportunities and funding now that we need to expand,” said Christiansen.

Some of these projects include development of a commercial quinoa crop, super-insulated houses, a biomass gasifier, and a pyrolysis plant. Most of these projects include going after state and federal money as well as private corporate funding, and partnering with the University of Maine system.

Bradley’s former position will be filled by a three-quarter time person, temporarily, then be modified to a full-time position.

Bradley is a 1986 graduate of Rumford High School who has taken a number of college courses. She hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications. She is also the mother of three children.

“I’m really excited and I know it will be challenging,” she said.

One of her first tasks in the new position will be to make presentations to the Boards of Selectmen in the River Valley on a proposal to try to get the area into a Pine Tree Zone. The state-sponsored zone provides numerous economic and tax benefits that are expected to attract new businesses.

Christiansen was selected by Mainebiz in the Sept. 1 issue, as one of 12 forward looking people, some of whom are looking to use the state’s forest products in new ways, in both business and tourism.

Others in central or western Maine who made the list include Franklin Memorial Hospital President Richard Batt for the philosophy of preventative medicine and healthy lifestyles, and Mohammed Abdi who works as a liaison between the Lewiston School Department and the East African community, a position cited in Mainebiz that bodes well for a more diverse state that could have a positive economic effect.

Christiansen said that being named shows that there is statewide recognition of what the council is trying to do.

“To develop by being different, to develop outside the box. I see this as an award for the Growth Council,” he said.

A large contingent of council members is expected to attend the recognition event on Sept. 25.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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