RUMFORD — The River Valley Growth Council welcomed Glen Holmes, the newly appointed director for the Western Maine Economic Development Council, to its recent meeting.

Members also also heard an update on potential businesses and projects in the area, and learned of a new tenant at the Lowell Street River Valley Technology Center.

Holmes, a former longtime Buckfield town manager, replaces Linda Walbridge who had worked for several years with the council.

Holmes offered his contacts and expertise to help boost the goals of the RVGC. Included in those is a desire by some of the member towns to become certified as a community that is “open for business,” as recently introduced by Gov. Paul LePage.

“The Western Maine Economic Development Council can act as an agent, but towns must get certified,” he said. “Selectmen can apply.”

He said the certification produces a simplified, friendly process for businesses that want to relocate in a community.

Growth Council President Rich Allen said a new tenant is about to move into one of the only two spaces remaining in the technology center. He is Dr. Steve Garbarini, a chiropractor.

Allen said renovations are currently under way and Garbarini is expected to move in within a few weeks.

Also in recent weeks, a seller of books through the Internet has set up his business on the second floor of the tech center.

Board member and informal developer for the council, Jim Rinaldo, updated the board on a variety of potential projects. They include:

* A new website for the River Valley area, Growrivervalley.com and Growrivervalley.org.

* A zip line over Pennacook Falls.

* Rumford’s study of a mountain bike trail.

* Bringing natural gas to the area.