The ten towns of the River Valley are nestled in the picturesque Western Mountains of Maine and encompass Andover, Byron, Canton, Carthage, Dixfield, Hanover, Mexico, Peru, Roxbury and Rumford.

The Androscoggin River flows through the valley offering some of the best bass fishing in New England. The Swift River is recommended for gold panning, superb fly-fishing and the must see Coos Canyon in Byron. In Rumford the Penacook Falls, highest east of the Niagara, plunges 180 feet over solid granite. There are beautiful rivers, lakes and ponds, which enhance our four-season destination. There is an abundance of activities including camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, bicycling, skiing – cross country and downhill, snowmobiling, swimming, canoeing, kayaking and gold-panning to name a few.

The River Valley is the home of the Moontide Water Festival with the largest fireworks display in the state. We host National events such as the annual SCCA Maine Forest Pro Rally and several National Cross Country ski events at Black Mountain of Maine.

Come see why our community-oriented region is a great place to do business, live and play. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, the River Valley has something to offer you. Once you have experienced the enchanting River Valley you won’t want to leave. Join Us…. It’s where we want to be!

Demographics

Population (U.S. Census Bureau)

The population in Oxford County has grown approximately 4.196% from 52,602 in 1990 to 54,755 in 2000. Several communities experienced increases in population of more that 10% during the 1990's including; Brownfield 21%, Canton 17.9%, Denmark 17.4%, Greenwood 16.4%, Hartford 33%, Hebron 19%, Hiram 19%, Otisfield 37%, Porter 10.5%, Stoneham 13.8%, Sumner 12.2%, Sweden 46%, Waterford 12% and West Paris 13%.

Employment (Maine Depart. of Labor)

Norway-Paris LMA
Total employment increased in the Norway-Paris LMA by 14% from 1990 (7,220) to 2000 (8,520).

Manufacturing employment decreased by 29.5% from 1990 (1,900) to 2000 (1,340), while non-manufacturing employment increased by 29.8% from 5,320 to 6,910 during the same period.

In 2000, only 16% of total employment was in the manufacturing sector decreasing from 36.8% in 1990. Non-Manufacturing employment was 84% of total employment in 2000 compared to 63% in 1990.

Rumford LMA
Like the other population centers, manufacturing employment (primarily in lumber and wood products) has declined in relation to non-manufacturing employment. 

Total employment decreased in the labor market by almost 1% from 8,060 in 1990 to 7,990 in 2000. 

Manufacturing employment decreased 10% from 2350 to 2110 while non-manufacturing increased by 3% form 5710 in 1990 to 5880 in 2000. 

Non-manufacturing employment comprised of 74% of total employment in 2000 while manufacturing comprised 26.4%. 

Over the year job expansions were reported at Western Maine Transportation in Mexico, Rumford Community Hospital and Rumford Group Homes, SAD 21 in Dixfield. Fewer people were employed in wood products and paper manufacturing. Unemployment is expected to continue to climb with usual seasonal layoffs and more layoffs at MeadWestvaco and other spin off businesses.

Significant Issues/Projects Unique to Oxford County

Wal-Mart: has built a new $7 million, 113,000 sq. ft. Supercenter on 13 acres with 500 parking spaces on Route 2 in Mexico.  The building includes a department store, grocery store, pharmacy, photo developing, a vision center and a snack bar.  The new store employs 140 full time and 60 part time people. The store opened in June, 2002.

New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.: Purchased the former Norway Footwear building, a 66,000 square foot facility. As a result, it will create an estimated 100 manufacturing and professional jobs.

Maine Discoveries: Dedicated to The Best of Made in Maine; the Maine Discoveries store carries unique authentic Maine products, created by hundreds of the finest Maine manufacturers, artisans, and crafters.

Mobile Home Manufacturers: Oxford boasts three mobile home manufacturer companies. Delivery of mobile homes throughout the State is a major transportation issue.

Oxford Plaines Speedway: The speedway, on Route 26, attracts thousands of tourists a year.

Sunday River Ski Resort: Sunday River expanded by adding a new mountain called Oz, adding about 5 new expert trails. The resort is also expanding by building a new hotel and a golf course.

Mt. Abram Ski Resort: The Resort has had several improvements recently, including an increase in snow making capacity, new base lodge and is planning to add night skiing and snow tubing services.

Major Employers (200+)

• NewPage Paper Mill

• SAD #43

• Rumford Community Hospital

• SAD #21

Area Contacts - Oxford County

Growth Council of Oxford Hills
Brett Doney, Executive Director  743-8830

Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce
John Williams, Executive Director  743-2281      

Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce
Robin Zinchuk, Director 824-2282

Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce
Karen Erickson, Director, 647-3472

River Valley Chamber of Commerce
Tammi Lyons, Secretary, 364-3241

River Valley Growth Council
Joe Derouche, President 369-0396

Workforce Development Center
Ray Potvin, 364-3738

Western Mountains Alliance
Deb Burd, Executive Director, 778-7274

SCORE (Senior Corp of Retired Executives)
Harry Burns, 207-369-9976

CareerCenter
207-364-3738

AVCOG (Androscoggin Valley Council of Government)
207-783-9186

Return to top