By Eileen M. Adams,Staff Writer

RUMFORD-The Downtown Revitalization Committee has launched a contest to find the best logo and slogan to describe the downtown area that would draw people into it.

At Monday night’s committee meeting, member Bill French, who is organizing the contest, said a new logo and slogan will help identify the town and create a new image that captures the downtown area. Downtown includes the Congress and Waldo streets area.

“We want to change the image,” he said.

The contest rules ask for submissions that are colorful and easily identifiable with the town. The messages conveyed by the logo and slogan should be positive.

Submissions must be appropriate for use on signs, posters, banners, store fronts and letter heads.

Richard Kent of Kent Associates in Gardiner recommends the logo/slogan designations as an economic development tool, French said. Kent Associates has been working with the Downtown Revitalization Committee for several months to develop a plan to boost the area’s economy through a variety of landscaping, marketing and other strategies.

The contest will run from May 1 to June 1. The committee will then choose the winning entries. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best logo and best slogan.

Entries may be dropped off at the town office or with French, who may be contacted at 364-3182. Copies of the contest rules may also picked up from the town office, from French, or by contacting French by email at wcfrench@midmaine.com

In other matters on Monday, plans are in the works to bring a group of local business people to Waterville or some other town having the Main Street Community designation, in an effort to gain support.

“We want them to see what a downtown designation can do,” said Selectman Jolene Lovejoy.

The town is applying to become a Main Street Community. If selected, the town would receive about $50,000 in technical support to improve the area.

Town Manager Steve Eldridge said towns chosen to become Main Street Communities have seen a resurgence to their downtowns.

“They’ve been very successful,” he said.

One of the mandates required of the chosen town is hiring a downtown manager who would focus exclusively on promoting and revitalizing the Congress and Waldo streets area.

The cost of hiring a downtown manager, estimated between $30,000 and $40,000, can be partially funded by the town, but most of the money must come from businesses and individuals.

The committee will continue discussions on revitalization projects at the next meeting set for 6 p.m. May 16. At that time, an architect and artist will meet with the group.

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