RUMFORD – The River Valley Technology Center will likely open in August.

The grand opening ceremony date depends in part on Gov. John Baldacci’s schedule. The center’s board plans to invite Baldacci, Congressman Michael Michaud and the state’s two U.S. senators to the event. Each played an important role in bringing the economic development to the River Valley.

At Tuesday’s RVTC board meeting, board president Bruce Bryant said planning for the center will change to managing it once doors open. That means going after tenants, and moving the River Valley Chamber of Commerce and River Valley Growth Council into the new digs. Those offices are expected to move from River Street into the technology center by the end of June.

The tech center’s director has been on the trail of potential new tenants. Bryant, who served as president for the last time at Tuesday’s meeting, will be assigned to pursuing state funding for biomass projects known as fractionation.

The tech center, located in a building formerly owned by MeadWestvaco on Lowell Street, will offer space for up and coming, expanding, or new businesses at lower costs than each might have to pay in separate buildings. Training in the metal trades field will also be offered.

The building is also in a state Pine Tree Zone, which offers tax incentives for specified businesses.

Also Tuesday, new officers were elected. Mark Bolduc, owner of the Fitch Co., an engineering systems business based in Mexico, Bangor and Gray, was elected president; Tony Carter, representing MeadWestvaco, vice-president; Dick Lovejoy, retired MeadWestvaco, treasurer; and Diane Dostie, Central Maine Community College, secretary.

Dostie announced the start-up of the sixth and final RVTC certificate class for training in the precision metal trades. Funds for the program have come from a federal grant. About 25 people have been trained in the field since the program began about two years ago.

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