RUMFORD — Selectmen on Thursday night wholeheartedly validated the work of a group of business leaders and community members trying to make Rumford user-friendly for visitors.

Envision Rumford! members gave presentations on three projects:

* Designing and printing new maps of downtown Rumford and greater Rumford to help visitors find “the island,” navigate its one-way streets, and locate businesses and services there.

* A virtual tour video depicting downtown Rumford and businesses.

* Creating zip lines over Pennacook Falls on the Androscoggin River to downtown Rumford.

Afterward, Selectman Jeff Sterling said, “I would make a motion that we wholeheartedly support the Envision Rumford! efforts.”

“I mean the energy, just listening tonight, is encouraging,” he said.

Selectman Brad Adley said he would “wholeheartedly second that motion.”

The board voted 4-0 to support the work and projects of Envision Rumford!. Selectman Jeremy Volkernick was absent.

Launched in 2011 to grow business, and to strengthen the island as a place to do and be in business, Envision Rumford! is comprised of businessmen and women on the island.

Participants also include town officials, representatives from state and federal government agencies, and interested local residents.

Members Jennifer Kreckel, an attorney, and Tammi Lyons of Lennox Capital Management, spoke about the two-sided maps. They were designed by Cherry Smith, owner of Ink Plaza, and printed by The Maine Press, which is owned by Thomas Bourret.

Around the outer edges of the maps are ads for local businesses to cover the cost of printing 5,000 copies, which will be ready to distribute by Memorial Day, Kreckel said.

The two women solicited 52 ads from 46 businesses and nonprofits.

Envision Rumford! member Jim Rinaldo detailed the video project they hope to finish by Memorial Day for display at the Information Center beside Route 2.

Member and attorney Thomas Carey provided information about the zip lines project, which is being promoted through signs depicting a thumb’s up gesture as supportive.

“People, when I ask them about the zip lines, they know what’s going on,” Carey said.

“The word is out there and it’s nice to hear that energy coming back. That’s something that’s been missing here for some time.

“People are hopeful, and that’s good to see,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we’re going to be successful, necessarily, but I think we’d all feel worse if we didn’t give it a try.”

He said the only roadblock to date is word from Brookfield Power, the business that operates the Pennacook Falls Dam, saying they’re not on board with it.

“That’s not necessarily the final word,” Carey said. “We have responded to their ‘No,’ and hopefully they’ll respond to our request for reconsideration.”

He said if Brookfield continues that stance, the project size would be reduced.

“It wouldn’t be what it could be,” Carey said.

“Does that mean it’s not going to be successful? I don’t know. It won’t be as exciting.

“Perhaps, if it does end up as that, maybe with a reduced size as a beginning, maybe Brookfield will come around,” he said.

Carey said the project has already gained the support of some local state representatives.

“It’s good stuff,” Adley said.

“It’s potentially very exciting stuff and could be a (business) incubator for us,” Carey said.

“I wish you well,” Buccina said.

“There may be a few roadblocks, but I’m sure you can get through them. You’ve got a great bunch of people working with you. “

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