THE WATCH BOG OF AMERICAN BUSINESS

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2307, 27 November 1925, Page 9

THE WATCH BOG OF AMERICAN BUSINESS

Efficient and Active Chambers .of Commerce HOW THEY ASSIST THE WHOLE COMMUNITY ' (By Herman Seifert.) I was not long in thfe United States of America before I noticed that things were done on a much larger scale than anything iij, New Zealand. It is a great country, being about thirty four times larger than New Zealand, and is more densely populated to the square mile. It is doubtful whether any country In the world at any time has exceeded the United States in wealth and progress, its natural resources the wonder of the whole world, and its people, energetic and resourceful. Add to this the fact that the whole of the States trade freely with each other without any customs barrier between them and one can form some idea of the advantage' Its possesses over any other country, . i j ; ; , A World Within a World. The United States is a world within itself and probably consumes more goods per inhabitant than any other country in the world. The manufacturers there have the advantage of a home market, that has never existed in any otlier part of the ■yvoNd at any time in addition to an export market as well. One effect of this has been to build up manufacturing business and other things to a size never before known in history. Uniform Courtesy. During my journey through the United States I made calls on many Chambers of Commerce, and in all cases was, received and treated in the most kindly manner. I cannot call to mind a single Instance where I could take any exception to the treatment I received. They would show me whatever I wished to see, give me letters passing me along to private xnembera who could give information on subjects they could not supply themselves; allow me to inspe&f records and statistics, and give any printed matter that they prepared for their members or for distribution, free of charge. I always had the feeling, whenever 1 made such a call, that I was welcome, and that they were pleased to do what they could to assist in getting information, and whenever they sent me along to a private member, he also did his best to give any information, live Chambers of Commerce. I noticed in making these visits that a large stall was employed and their offices and buildings were exceptionally good, all of which seemed to indicate that money mu.U be plentiful. I therefore made some enquiries to ascertain what the income was in some of these offices of the Chamber of Commerce, and the objects of their existence. To give a sample of the American Chambers of Commerce activity I will give some particulars of the Modesto Chamber, situated in the centre of the San JoaqOin Valley, in San Francisco. I select this particular Chamber because it is active in 0. town about the sanje as Palmerston North. ’(here are other end larger Chambers all round Modesto, so it only lias that town and near surroundings under its special care. Early organisations were composed of public-spirited citizens w!u met now and again as the demand f<»* group expression accrued. The worki of recording and attending to notices was the work of volunteers, who laiil the ’ounoetlon of the modern Chamber of Commerce. Their work brought good results. Much of the public improvement and civil development of Modesto is due to tho untiring efforts of these volunteer organisations. But as Modesto grew, so grew the demand for a modern Chamber o£ Commerce, to be located in its own building with its own records and staff. Early in 1922 an elegant new building wa? completed and occupied jointly by the Modesto Chamber and the California State Automobilw Association. It was located on a convenient site whore it serves the thousands cf people passing through the city or visiting Modesto for the first time. Chamber Activities. The building is equipped with rest rooms, public lobby and means for all kinds of information for those calling. The Chamber of Commerce furnishes at all times, a wide variety of information intended to assist visitors and its community. Though its board of directors, committees, members and staff much has been accomplished towards the upbuilding of the city and county. The following is a list of some outstanding plishments;—1 Voicing the community into a united whole to work tor the Modesto territory. 2 Systematic management .and care of Inquiries. 3. Obtaining several new industries for the community. 4. Encouraged heavy voting. 5. Backed 1925 County Fair. 6. Secured change on National park to park highway map to include Modesto. 7. Conducted special advertlseing campaign, for city. 8. Promoted country-wide Dairy Improvement Contest. 10. Co-operated with farmers in various marketing problems. 11. Em couraged organisation of Golden Gate to Yosemite Highway Association. 12. Studied tax problems for community. IS. Maintained auto camp, taking care of many thousands of tourists. 14. Maintained weekly member forum with large attendance. A manager : and two yodng women typists are permanently and solely employed. The funds are raised by subscription and members fees. The fee for member- 1 ship In Chambers in the United States are from 25 dollars to, 50 dollars and ' where a member carries on more than ; one business, ho is expected to pay a 1 membership fee for each. The popu-

lation of Stanislaus County, wjiere the Modesto Cnamber poerates is, 86,0v0. The City of Modesto’s population is 16,000. Homes in Modesto total 4000 and the assessed valuation of the city of Modesto in 1924 was 13,000,000 dollars, The population of Stanislaus County rose fro m 43,300 in 1920 to 8,500 in 1925. The population of Modesto City rose from 9241 in 1920 to 16,000 in 1934, and the number of homes from 9,588 in 1020 to 4006 in 1925. Prospects and Progress.

Growth; like that mentioned means prosperity and progress. Everyone must got something out of it. It means rapid and substantial increase in the valuation of all property, good business for all and plenty Qf work at good wages for the wage-earner. Although other factors than tho Chamber of Commerce may be partly responsible for the rapid growth and progress of Stanislaus County and Modesto City, one cannot see any reason why it should make more rapid progress than the Manawatu and Palmerston North. The rainfall averages not more than 12in. in the yea t r and has been as low as five inches. For six months during summer there is no rain at all, the farmers having to depend on irrigation. The soil is not so rich as the Manawatu and the farmers depend mainly on fruit-grow-ing, Tho town must depend on the prosperity of the farmers and on such manufactures as they can carry oh profitably, I have noticed throughout the United States an indication of tho belief that the individual’s prosperity depends on tho prosperity of the whole community, and a desire to assist any section of their community that requires assistance. The actions of public bodies are mainly influenced by such beliefs and to stimulate civio pride. A Great Federation. Almost without exception the Chambers of Commerce throughout the United States are linked up to a National Chamber which had its beginning in 1912 when some 500 representatives from Commercial organisations all over the land met at Washington and laid the foundation of what has become on one. of the greatest commercial bodies in the world, its main object being to serve business and to arrive at a real business judgment upon national questions affecting industrial an the commercial interests of the entire country. Up to that time there was no means of ascertaining the preponderance of actual business opinion an problems of national importance.: Labour and others were at that time well organised and could make their voices heard effectively. Out of this situation came the National Chamber.

During 1 its life of 13 years It has obtained a business opinion on more than 200 questions which have been before the nation as Important economic issues. It has aided in creating a more intelligent public understanding of great national problems. To carry out this aim the functions of the Chamber have been defined as follows: 1. To serve American business in the study and solution of national problems. 2. To place clearly before the business public those acts of the national government which affect business. 3. To present to the various branches and departments of the National Government the opinion of American business on business and economic questions.