MEXICO — The head of the Fast Forward Main Street Project in Maine outlined the goals and timeline Tuesday night for getting participants involved in the two-year process of improving the area’s economy.

Emile Paradis, executive director of the project that began when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, said with a committed leadership team and 30 businesses willing to work, businesses could see an increase in the bottom line of 15 percent, and at least two new businesses could open in the Rumford or Mexico at the end of two years.

“The Rumford/Mexico project is the third one, and is very different. Some valuable lessons will be learned here,” he said.

The Rumford/Mexico project is the only one in the state. The other three are in New Orleans, Livonia, Mich., and a section of Atlanta, Ga.

Of the four project sites, Rumford/Mexico is the smallest and only rural one.

The local project will be largely funded by federal grants and some corporate contributions, totaling $400,000 over the two years.

Within the next two weeks, a 12-15 member leadership advisory team will be chosen from the local chamber, town officials, local banks and other entities. Linda Walbridge, economic developer for Community Concepts under the Western Maine Economic Development Council, will also play a critical role in the leadership team, as will Mike McClellen, Maine director for Fast Forward.

Then, 30 businesses comprised of commercial, industrial, service and nonprofits will be selected. Those businesses must complete a 12-hour workshop, then be coached on how to try to improve their businesses by economics experts.

By April, the program should be on its way, Paradis said.

While Rumford Selectman Greg Buccina and Mexico Selectman Barbara Laramee supported the latest efforts to help the local economy, both have also seen other attempts made and fail.

“We worked long and hard in the River Valley Growth Council. When the enthusiasm dwindled, confidence went down. If people put everything into this and it doesn’t work, it could be devastating to the area,” Laramee said.

Buccina also said that many at Wednesday’s meeting had served on other committees with similar goals, but found that success wasn’t sustainable.

“It’s a big challenge for them (Fast Forward) to come in. It is an opportunity for us,” he said, adding that the area must continue to work for a better future.

Businesses that want to participate in the two-year economic improvement program may contact McClellen at [email protected]

[email protected]

Emile Paradis, Fast Forward Main Street executive director, explains the goals of the local economic improvement project to Rumford and Mexico selectmen, and members of the River Valley Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday night. Also pictured, are Mexico Selectman George Byam, Western Maine Economic Development Council Director Linda Walbridge and Mexico Town Manager John Madigan.