MEXICO – River Valley Growth Council President Joseph Derouche was the major mover and shaker to get a state-sponsored technology center established in the River Valley.

When that center finally becomes a reality early this summer, after years of planning and searching for funding, the board thinks it’s only right to name the building after him.

“He is one of the founders to make that happen,” said Bruce Bryant, past president of the River Valley Technology Center Board of Directors. “We need to recognize some of that dedication and effort.”

A grand opening of the center is expected in August.

Mark Bolduc, the board’s new president, made the motion, with the board voting unanimously to name the building after Derouche, town manager of Mexico and president of the tech center’s parent organization, the growth council.

A committee comprised of Bolduc, Dick Lovejoy, John Patrick, Randy Hotham and River Valley Economic Developer Scott Christiansen will come up with how and what precisely will be named for Derouche, then bring those plans to the board’s June 22 meeting.

“This is his legacy,” said Christiansen.

Derouche has had to reduce the number of economic development board meetings he can attend because of illness.

The technology center, soon to be completed in a building previously owned by MeadWestvaco in downtown Rumford, will focus on precision metal manufacturing, biomass products, and other manufacturing ventures. It is one of seven technology centers in the state established to help boost the economy through the establishment of technology-related businesses and training.

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