RUMFORD – The Economic Development Committee hasn’t brought in any new businesses since it formed in June, but it has laid a firm foundation for future development.

“We’ve contacted two dozen retail businesses, a half-dozen industrial businesses and we’re getting people to help us,” said Phil Blampied, a local businessman who coordinates the group. “If heating oil prices stabilize, we’ll have something within a year. If not, it will be two years.”

The committee’s philosophy is to reach out to potential businesses rather than waiting for a venture to come to it.

Jim Rinaldo, a former selectman who heads up the retail subcommittee, said an inventory of empty commercial buildings and vacant lots where buildings could be constructed has been completed.

“It takes time before a business may make a decision. Things are happening. We’re making calls and going after people. We’re trying to be aggressive,” he said.

The group has put together a brochure with economic, recreational and governmental data about Rumford, completed the inventory and established working relationships with other economic development-related organizations, Realtors and Community Concepts’ economic development representative Linda Walbridge.

Members are also working with Mark Henry, owner of The Good Fisher in Roxbury, a nonprofit organization, to establish a crafts co-operative.

The town set aside about $90,000 for economic development, but instead of hiring an economic developer, the volunteer committee was formed.

Some money from that account was used for the brochure. Data in it can be changed to suit prospective businesses, Blampied said.

Rinaldo acknowledged that economic development may be challenging at the time, but he was optimistic.

“We need to realize that any jobs we get will take people off welfare, and money may go to Carlisle’s, Stanley’s, other local businesses. Money goes around about seven times,” he said. “The potential is here. Rumford is going to grow. We’re not afraid to call anybody.”

Blampied, who moved to the area several years ago from southern Maine, also sees promise.

“I was stunned by the opportunities when I moved up here,” he said.

The committee generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Anyone is welcome to attend or participate.

“I’m predicting that within a year, you’ll see a business you never expected,” Rinaldo said.