RUMFORD – Selectmen appointed a 14-member Economic Development Committee on Thursday while keeping the door open to anyone else who would like to help improve the town’s economic climate.

The committee, brainchild of local entrepreneur Phil Blampied, will seek out and research potential new businesses for the area. A professional may be involved if and when a deal may be near completion.

Area residents interested in the possibility of serving on such a committee met earlier in the week with Blampied to discuss the responsibilities and goals of a committee.

The first official meeting of appointed members, as well as of others who wish to serve, has been set for 5 p.m. July 9 in the Municipal Auditorium.

Appointees are: Stephanie Thompson, a counselor with the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition; Diane Ray, economic development consultant and acting River Valley Growth Council director; Kim Sequoia, social worker; Stephen Casey, tobacco cessation counselor with the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition; Mitzi Sequoia, social worker and writer; Len Greaney, interim Rumford town manager; Richard Lovejoy, River Valley Growth Council member; Jim Rinaldo, former selectman and retired mill worker; Seth Carey, Rumford attorney; Mark Henry, entrepreneur; Jennifer Stowell-Norris, consultant; Tim Gallant, Rumford parks director; and Ron Theriault, Rumford businessman.

In other matters on Thursday, the board appointed former SAD 43 director David McKivergan to complete a one-year term on the school board.

They also approved a 99-year lease with the Polar Bear Snowmobile Club for use of a parcel of town land next to the Androscoggin River.

The club plans to build a maintenance shed this year, then, when sufficient money has been raised, build a clubhouse at the site.

The board also:

• tabled action on awarding the bid for the purchase of a new grader; and

• approved a grant application for forestry training and one to provide safer routes for children attending Rumford Elementary School.