Take home a piece of the Maine woods with Maine Made Furniture

RUMFORD- You want to shop locally this Christmas season in order to save precious time and hard-earned money, while also supporting the local economy and jobs for people you know. Well, look no further than the Premium Complex located at 1180 Route 2 for a unique gift that is sure to be treasured for years to come.

The Premium Complex is home to Premium Log Yards, Woodworker's Paradise, Specialty Hardwoods, Western Maine Outfitters, Maine Made Furniture and Maine Artisans Wood Gallery.

They work with native Birds Eye and Curly Maple, Red Flame and Yellow Birch, Ash, Oak and also carry exotic woods from all over the world.

Are you looking for a new dining table, bar stools, hope chest or a curio cabinet for your home or camp? While the gallery has many choices in their stock line, they do also specialize in custom orders.

Perhaps you're looking for something on a smaller scale for a holiday gift swap. Your eyes will amaze when you see handmade wine bottle corks, spoons, bowls, cutting boards, cribbage boards and jewelry boxes. There is something for everyone.

There are even hand-painted depictions of animals and Maine scenery by local artist Carolyn Rackliffe. Premium Complex is sure to have that unique gift you're looking for that has been created by local artisans, that will last a lifetime and most of all will be a treasured heirloom for years to come.

As you enter the gallery, you'll have to pinch yourself to be sure you haven't been transported to the city of Freeport, Portland or Bangor; items are tastefully displayed and it's all right here in Rumford.

Cary Bradbury noted, “Lots of people who come in here ask us all the time why we didn't open our shop in Freeport or one of the bigger cities. The simple answer is that we opened our business where we want to be.”

Owner Clinton Bradbury is supported by 30 employees that each carry their own special talent in sustaining and promoting the business that has been growing since 2007.

Advertising in Down East Magazine, Maine Home Design and several local publications; the complex has also gained state-wide recognition through visits from Congressman Mike Michaud, Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins and have also been recognized by the Maine Office of Tourism. They are working to help give Rumford and the River Valley something else to be proud of and to help grow the local economy by employing local artisans.

For more information visit them at www.mainemadefurniture.com, stop in and see them Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or give them a call at 364-7500. Maine Made Furniture has also expanded just up the road a piece to Newry at 23 Skiway Rd.

Maine Made Furniture Photo:

Merry Christmas from members of the Premium Complex team. Pictured in front from left: Karen Warren, Amber Bradbury, Cary Bradbury; Middle from left: Kevin White, Sandy Jones, Brian Phelps, Jared Smith, Lila Smith, Gary Gallant; Back from left: Victor Haverinen, Rodney Crocker, Don Murdock, Dave Jones. (Times photo by Cherri Crockett)