RUMFORD — With the doubling of staff for Child Development Services to 18 at the River Valley Technology Center, nearly 40 people are now employed at the site, and all but two spaces are leased on the main floor.

One of those may be filled within the next few weeks when another health/social services business decides whether to make the center its home, Beverly Crosby, administrative assistant for the River Valley Growth Council, said.

When the center was launched more than a decade ago, tentative plans were to turn much of the former bag mill into incubator, or start-up sites for the metal trades. However, that mission changed during the past few years when Community Dental opened its offices there. Other health-social service related businesses include a licensed social worker, Child Development Services, a domestic violence office, as well as longtime tenant, Maine CareerCenter.

The Growth Council, which met Wednesday night, also plans to seek grants to renovate the floor above the main floor for more tenants.

Now, the University College at  Rumford/Mexico in Mexico is looking for a larger site and the Growth Council is working to try to possibly relocate the college to the center.

Crosby said the college is reviewing surveys that will show possible needs in the community.

In other matters at Wednesday’s council meeting, a planned River Valley Sportsmen Show, proposed by growth council member Jim Rinaldo, will go forward next year. Crosby said further planning is needed to pull off a successful show. The local Chamber of Commerce will likely be a part of the event.

Also, council President Rich Allen announced plans for a fundraising golf tournament for early autumn. All money will go toward Growth Council endeavors. A committee is being formed to organize the tournament which will be held at the Oakdale Country Club in Mexico.

In other financial matters, the council reported it has received nearly $16,000 so far this fiscal year from member towns and a few businesses. It will be used to help boost economic opportunities in the River Valley areas. The council said it will be contacting other businesses in the next few months, because more money is needed.

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