FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2010
Contact:  Matthew Dunlap
207-626-8400

Greater Rumford Community Center Honored for 100 Years of Incorporation

Secretary of State Matt Dunlap recognized the Greater Rumford Community Center (GRCC) for 100 years of incorporation on Thursday, June 3, 2010 in his office.  Robert Anderson, Program Director for the GRCC, accepted the certificate on behalf of the Center.  The Greater Rumford Community Center was incorporated in the State of Maine on May 17, 1910.

Eighteen corporations are celebrating their centennial anniversary this year. They include three business corporations - E.J. Harmon Co., TD Insurance, Inc., and Hampden Telephone Company - and fifteen non-profit corporations – Eagle Associates; The Fryeburg Masonic Trustees; Ammadamast Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, No. 379; Bowdoinham Public Library Association; Northern New England Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist, Inc.; Greater Rumford Community Center; Old South Church Corporation; Mt. Etna Grange #147 Patrons of Husbandry; American Council of the Blind of Maine; Prout's Neck Association; York Country Club; Bayville Improvement Association; Vassalboro Grange Corporation; Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association; and Daughters of Wisdom.

"This is an excellent opportunity to recognize Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations for their longevity," said Secretary Dunlap. "It takes the efforts of many individuals to keep an organization or corporation active for 100 years. Given that  this department has  over 80,000 active corporations on file, this a significant achievement."

The Greater Rumford Community Center is listed on the National Historic Register.  The building, formerly called The Rumford Mechanics Institute, was built and dedicated in 1911.  It was founded by Hugh J. Chisholm and financed by the Oxford Paper Company.  In 1968 the Oxford Paper Company gave the building and land to the Rumford Mechanics Institute Association.  The facility was created “to furnish the wage earners of Rumford the best quality of physical, mental, social, and moral improvement, at the lowest cost.”  In January of 1961 the Institute qualified as a tax exempt organization under section 501c3 and in 1972,   the Rumford Mechanics Institute was renamed the Greater Rumford Community Center.  Today the GRCC is supported primarily by membership fees, program fees and the Town of Rumford.

Director Anderson says, "the Greater Rumford Community Center has become one of the most vital organizations in the River Valley for youth, adults, senior citizens and several area businesses."

A photograph of the presentation is available upon request.