RUMFORD – Roger Whitehouse made a point to attend a reception Tuesday night’s reception for state and federal legislators who have worked to bring millions of dollars to the River Valley area.

“There are so many positive things affecting western Maine,” said the River Valley Chamber of Commerce member and local Realtor. “They need to know the positive frames of mind.”

Guests included Rep. Sawin Millett, R-Waterford, Randy Hotham, R-Dixfield, John Patrick, D-Rumford, and Sen. Bruce Bryant, D-Dixfield. Representating U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe was Diane Jackson and representing U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud was Andrea Quaid.

In his work, Whitehouse said he has learned that people from out of the area are buying homes, land and commercial space here, and he believes the area is going in a positive direction.

Norm MacIntyre, director of the River Valley Technology Center, which is one of the economic groups that sponsored the reception, said acknowledging the help of federal and state representatives was important.

“We thank them for their support. That’s important. Our operation depends on working with the world outside. Legislators on both sides of the aisle are all working on our behalf,” he said.

Sens. Susan Collins and Snowe have been strong supporters of the technology center for several years, enabling thousands of federal dollars to flow into its development. Rep. Michaud traveled with RVTC and River Valley Growth Council members to Colorado as part of a research effort for a variety of proposed biomass projects.

And the River Valley state legislators have been critical to the receipt of state money that in turn was used to get federal money for a variety of projects.

“I’ve lived in a lot of places and worked with a lot of political systems. There has been no place like western Maine,” said Scott Christiansen, economic developer for the RVGC. “Support has come from the local, regional, state and federal levels.”

[email protected]