RUMFORD – The River Valley Growth Council and the town of Rumford are trying to woo L.L. Bean to locate a call center in the area.

Rosie Bradley, interim executive director for the council, and Rumford Town Manager Steve Eldridge, together with River Valley Technology Center Director Norm MacIntyre, began sending out feelers soon after Bean pulled plans for building a call center in Oakland last month.

The Freeport-based company is looking for a site, or possibly several sites, that would employ a total of 300 people. Most jobs would be seasonal, although some would likely become full-time, Eldridge said.

Bradley said the company is looking at several locations around the state. Whether the River Valley area will make the final cut won’t be known for a few weeks. Eldridge said he plans to check with Bean on Thursday.

Eldridge said a packet of information containing existing buildings and parcels that could be used was sent, along with information on the recreational opportunities available in the area. He said several other communities are also trying to persuade Bean that their area would be a good site for the call center.

He said the company would qualify for the tax benefits of a Pine Tree Zone. Eldridge, Bradley and MacIntyre would like Bean to consider using a section of the River Valley Technology Center.

Before contacting Bean, Eldridge said the council, tech center and town notified the governor’s office and the Department of Economic Development of the area’s plan.

Bradley told council members Wednesday night that she is also in communication with another call center company that is looking to set up a new site. She declined to identify the company.

In other business ventures, the council approved spending up to $1,600 to advertise for bids for the purchase of the former J.A. Thurston building complex and surrounding 16 acres, along with another nearly $4,000 to maintain the building while waiting for a sale.

Those interested must place a bid of at least $50,000 and submit a business plan for development of the site by Jan. 28. Equal consideration will be given to the bid price and number of jobs that will be created by a prospective new owner.

Bradley said several people or companies have expressed interest in the site. A few have already toured the former wood-turning mill.