RUMFORD – Leaving the economic development leadership position in the River Valley is a bittersweet experience for Rosie Bradley.

“I have mixed emotions,” she said. “But I’m excited about the new position in Fairfield.”

Bradley has been associated with the River Valley Growth Council, then the River Valley Technology Center, for nine years. She is leaving as the director of both organizations on Friday. She begins her new job as economic developer for the town of Fairfield on April 2.

“I’m looking forward to focusing on one town and not having to worry about scraping for grants,” she said. “The Fairfield area is forward thinking and positive and looks at development as part of a region.”

She believes the River Valley, and her hometown of Rumford, are right on the edge of a great renewal. It all depends on cooperation, she said.

“The people who are the most vocal, both negative and positive, if we could get those folks to work together, we could change the image of the valley. And if that happens, the valley could take off. And if that happens, watch out. But it won’t happen without a change to cooperation.”

Bradley began her career as part-time secretary for the growth council and the Chamber of Commerce. Since then, the chamber has hired a full-time director, and the growth council has about three employees and owns the River Valley Technology Center.

She said the growth council has had a tremendous impact in getting the area noticed.

“There was a time when the state didn’t even recognize our region. We are now on the list and we get leads and are able to make proposals,” she said.

She’s proud of many of the results that have occurred since her involvement, but perhaps she feels best about the transformation and redevelopment of the former Thurston mill on Route 2 west of town.

As one of the properties in the Pine Tree Zone, it was taken over by businessman Clinton Bradbury, who has transformed it into a successful woodworking business with other wood-related enterprises.

As owner of the technology center, the growth council is also responsible for trying to fill the renovated building with businesses and new jobs. The council took over the operation of the technology center just as it was about to close its doors, she said.

During her last few weeks as director, Bradley has also been part of Rumford’s Hiring Committee for filling the position of town manager.

“The town manager position is the most important one for a town because that person is the face of the town,” she said, adding that she worked with the last town manager on many economic projects.

Although she’s moving from the area once school gets out, she said she still has strong ties through family and friends to Rumford and will be in the town frequently.

Her new job is her first out of the area, and the first time she has moved out of town.

“I’m really excited about it,” she said.