The Bismarck Tribune Newspaper, December 10, 1923, Page 6

PAGE SIX EK i THE THONG AGT “The Association of Commerce is the only central organization in which citizens of all-classes’ and creeds can me things which the, community needs.” FIRST ANNUAL REPORT CK ASSQCIATI . . BISMAR To the Membership of the Bismarck Association of Commerce: The First Annual Report of the Asso- ciation of Commerce is submitted for the information of the membership and the citizens of the community. The report is necessarily brief.. It rep- resents however, many hours of time which have been given by its membership in the development of the civic program which the Association of Commerce has undertaken. The most gratifying accomplishment of the year is the fact that the Associa- tion of Commerce is realizing an increas- ing degree of public favor and support. The chief aim and ambition of a com- mercial organization is, and should be, to correlate the efforts of individuals and organizations. The development of a true community spirit is a far greater service than the ac- complishment of a single material achievement. We are very much in- debted to the newspapers, to the several organizations of the city and to individ- uals who have given of their time and substance to help make the Association of Commerce a success. We are quite certain that you will agree after an analysis of this report that the Associa- tion has become a clearing house for the promotion of community projects of a character that will tend to make Bis- marck a better place in which to live and to do business. Respectfully submitted, DIRECTORS OFFICERS A. M. Christianson W. H. Webb—President H. J. Duemeland E. B. Cox—Vice President P. R. Fields Burt Finney ep Oneasiad R. W. Lumry : Geo. D. Mann J. L. Bell—Treasurer A. F. Bradley— Secretary-Manager CREDIT BUREAU | Telephone and Telegram: | Office Suppties . | Speakers, THE BISMARCK TRIBUNE UCONN A Oe 18 Receipts and Disbursements BISMARCK. ASSOCIATION OF COMMERCE For Fiscal Year Ending October 31, 1923. RECEIPTS From Former Commercial Club Dues, Former Commercial Club . New Membership Dues ....., a Sale of Luncheon Tickets ......... Contributions for Dairy Circuit ..... Contributions for Banker’s Convent Contributions for Essay Prizes Miscellaneous i Social Registration Bureau . Juvenile Band : . Tourist Camp $B 680.23 445.00 $15,440.20 :.$ 3,595.90 4,545.42 1,016.57 328.58 227.26 161.50 272.83 463.11 930.85 27.75 ~ 791.18 57.18 80:00 185.00 131.64 50.45 12.47 265.37 11.00 1,412.06 DISBURSEMENTS American City Bureau ..... Salaries Quarters Postage Furniture and Fixtures Traveling and Entertainment. Advertising and Printing . Signs and Painting . Luncheons and Forums Former Commercial Club Dues Refunds .. Cash Prizes, Essay Contest .... Dairy Circuit eae Affiliations and Periodicals Conventions oe Insurance and Bonds Miscellaneous ............. Social Registration Bureau Juvenile Band hie tec Tourist Camp Total Cash Disbursements ... Balance on Hand October 31, 1923 $15,440.20 Balance in Banks . patedae eee Petty Cash $413.79 We hereby certify that the above statement of receipts and disbursements is correct and in accord- ance with your records, Respectfully submitted, Business Service Co., By S. A. Floren, Accountants. —% et on common ground, and join efforts in doing those MAJOR PROGRAM ~ ‘ Social Registration Bureau One of the first-accomplishments of the Association of Commerce was the organ- ization of a Social Registration Bureau in conjunction with Burleigh County, city of Bismarek and the Burleigh county chapter of the American Red Cross So- ciety. In addition.to support.from these organizations assistance has been given by the various civic and fraternal organ- izations. ; The objectof this bureau which func- tions thraugh.the Red Cross office is to centralize charitable work and afford a clearing, house for community effort along this line eliminating duplication and making more efficient all efforts to- ward alleviation of those in need of tem- porary relief. An accuraté record of all applications for relief and cases acted upon is kept. Each case is investigated by a trained so- ciql worker and during the few months of its existence this Bureau has. coordi- nated charity work in Burleigh County. COMMITTEE Dr. R. S. Towne Burt Finney (Chairman) A. W. Lucas Mrs. Edward Bannon Geo. D. Mann - Mrs. F. L. Conklin Mrs.‘Thos. H. Poole ——0. AUVENILE BAND Early in the Association’s career, there was an’ insistent demand for a band. Committees were named to formulate ‘plans toward this end. It was deemed ' best to organize a Juvenile Band under the joint auspices.of the Association of Commerce and the Board of Education. L. C. Sorlieh was secured as leader through the action of the Board of Edu- PUBLICITY FOR CITY ; ON OF COMMERC 4 i cation. His salary is met partially by the city and partially from the special band fund secured through the two benefits given.. The membership has responded most efficiently in the various drives for these benefits and so great has been the interest that persons not members of the Association have joined in the project. Rehearsals are being held twice a week under Mr. Sorlien’s leadership. There is a senior band of some forty pieces and a junior band nearly as large. It is hoped that from. this source ultimately will be recruited a creditable adult band. The first public appearance of the Juvenile Band will probably take place early in 1924, Eleven instruments have been pur- chased by the Association. Funds raised for the support of the band-aggregate $1,662.52; expended: $1,412.06; leaving a balance of $250.46. Fine progress is being made and great interest shown by the children and their parents in this splendid civic enterprise. COMMITTEE Geo. D. Mann (Chairman) B. M. Dunn iiss Henricka B. Beach — Fred Peterson Spencer Boise Dr. N. O. Ramstad A. S. Bolster H. O. Saxvik ag a CITY ZONING — Bismarck, through the Association of Commerce, is the first city in the state to have a Commission appointed to pro- ceed under the recent statute authorizing certain cities to pro- vide a system of zoning. The City Commission cooperated with the Association in this matter and promptly named a City Zon- ing Commission based upon recommendations from the various civic iorganizations. The function of this Commission is to lay the foundation of a city zoning plan by districting certain portions of the city to specific purposes and to prevent. encroachments: upon residen- tial areas of business or manufacturing structures. This Com- mission's duty is to propose 'to the City Commission a definite zoning plan taking in every civic activity so that each portion af the city may develop consistent with a well defined municipal plan, COMMISSION , G L. Young E. A. Hughes (Chairman) J. P. Jackson Benton Baker P. Remington Chris Bertsch F. Will ADVERTISING CLUB Geo. Utilizing the machinery of the Association of Commerce, a group of merchants, all members of the Association, organized a Credit Bureau which is now successfully func- tioning. It maintains separate offices-and has its own officials and directors. inary conferences and actual details of organi offices and through the active All prelim- were directed from the Association ion agencies, TOURIST CAMP he growth of travel by automobile along the great highways of the nation, come to vie with one another in offering advantages to the auto teurist. k as one of the chief cities along the National Parks Highways is visited an- by thousands on their way to Yellowstone and Glacier parks and to points beyond, The Association of Commerce has realized that hospitality extended to these visit- ors is a good investment not alone because of actual purchases made in the city during the period of sojourn but in good will created which is the most valuable asset of a city. With this end in view the Association of Commerce, through its Board of Directors, authorized a committee to impr he camp in the eastern portion of the city. A combination dining and kitchen qua rected. Water service was in- stalled and an outside brick oven built. Se individual tables about the grounds were provided. The camp is well lighted and 'y facility afforded for the comfort of the tourists. COMMITTEE Finance: Dale Simon (Chairman) E. A. Brown Theodore Quanrud Building: S. W. Corwin (Chairman) R. P. Logan Alex Rosen ()- RURAL RELATIONS Burleigh County Cow Testing Association: Promotion of rural relations has had the earnest attention of the Association of Commerce. Dairying has had the solid support of the membership. Through action of the Association several Burleigh County farmers were taken for a visit to the New Salem Dairy Circuit. These farmers were entertained at dinner and at a movie show- ing the dairy industry. Interest in maintaining and strengthening the Burleigh Coun- ty circuit was thus aroused and as a result the Burleigh County Cow Testing Associa- tion was formed. There are seventeen members whose herds are being tested each month by a train- ed expert recommended by the Agriculture College. Results have been most satis- factory. Great interest has been shown by the members of the circuit. It has been a most profitable investment for them and their dairy products now command a pre- ' mium on the market. Burleigh County as a most favorable dairy center is being em- phasized. COMMITTEE John A. Graham J. P, French \- (Chairman) J. L. Kelly George Duemeland F. A. Lahr ; PROPOSED CORN AND DAIRY EXPOSITION The Board of Directors have adopted a resolution to organize a Fair Association to promote an annual corn and dairy show. It is proposed to organize early the com- ing year and establish in this county a real fair which will be held at a time of the year when North Dakota products can be shown. Corn and dairy products will be featured. ( COMMUNITY SALES Through the medium of the Bismarck Advertising Club, affiliated with the Associa- tion of Commerce, three community sales were conducted. These were made possibte. through the hearty cooperation of the retail merchants. ‘Teams visited tl farming communities in a get-acquainted drive. Special advertising posters were issued con- veying information relative Yo the sale. g é One of the features to promote interest was the offering of prizes for the best pro- ducts of the farm. Great interest was shown by the farmers who brought in many specitiens to be judged. ~ i - 2 ? fi EEE a WATER SUPPLY : Upon request of the City Commission, the Board of Directors of the Assoc acted ie an advisory capacity in negotiations leading to a settlement of the @ontroversy, ~Several meetings of the Board were held in which both*s! issue were presented by the city and representatives of the Bis k Wate ‘\ “At a meeting with the commission at the city hall, the Directors adv: inary, steps to be taken and’ (offered to cooperate in any Way to effect a Ps One of the chief functions of an Association of Commerce is to advertise the advantages of its city. This phase of the Association program hasbeen cared for largely through special newspaper articles, booklets, letters and circulars. More than 1,500 booklets were printed and prepared for. distribution showing the advantages of the city as well as tthe opportunities for farm settlement. Corn and dairying have been featured in all publicity work. “You Will Like Bismarck” has been adopted ags,the official slogan. All stationery and literature bear these words. Many trade papers have contained articles upon Bismarck and with illustrations following conventions held in the Capital City. " Eastern papers have featured this city upon several occasions and the advantages of the Slope section for dairying have been stressed in Twin City papers as a result . of the various dairy circuit trips. eg The Association thas tied up with the general publicity campaign to promote the use of lignite. Booklets prepared by the lignite mine interests have been distributed by the Association and hundreds of letters have been written calling attention to this great Slope industry. COMMITTEE W. 8. Neal (Chairman) James Curran E.-W. Peterson Ne MEMBERSHIP FORUMS Through the medium of the Forums the membership hae heen together fre- quently tor a discussion of issues of importance to the state and the city. Since the organization of the Association there have been seven such public meotings. These meetings have been invaluable in crystalizing sentiment of the members upon the program of the Association. There has been am average attendance of 220 which is a unique record among ‘the commercial organizations of--the United States. In cittes many times the size of Bismarck this record has not ‘been surpassed, indi- cating an intenge interest in the program of work.and advancement of Bismarck. The following subjects have been considered by the membership: Community Chest and Social Service Bureau; Land Settlement; Diversified Farming; Federal Reserve Banks und Wheat Marketing; National. Garden Week;.. Gir), Welfare; Constitution -Week; ss 0. 2 Burleigh County Agriculture. TOURIST INFORMATION BUREAU —~ There has been,maintained at the Association office a tourist registration and information bureau. More than 1,500 tourists’ have registered here the past season. Maps are to be obtained and yoad information j# given. This thas been a portant work in developing the use of ‘the NatjOnal Parks Highway and in ing this section of the state, , ——/. ~ CLEAN-UP WEEK . -— A most comprehensive program of city clean-up was instituted last spring through the agency of the Association of Commerce and Boy Scouts. The city was districted and a large map prepared showing what sections were in greatest need of cl; 4 Committees went over the city preliminary to the actual work, of clean-up en inspections at intervals were made. The aign was most successful and, added immeasureably to the beayty of the Capital City, Some of the greatest eye sores in-the city were removed and actign on other fre hazards and buildings that are a menace to health and safety of ‘the commupity {s now pending. ~ os i (ee NATIONAL GARDEN WEEK Tree planting, mative life week activities last spring were combined under one committee and they chose the last week of 41 for ‘an intensive campaign. News- paper articles, posters and other literature contributed toward putting residents into chological mood to respond to the varfous ‘dema i ) whe were personally interested in and acq' tek with the, gubject of planting and 1 ing ‘the home, spoke at each school during the week, ‘and the substance of th | the schools for which: prizes, donated by different firms, were provided. The | printed ithe essays which added materially to the general interest aroused, iy an evening meeting at which Professor wai 5 ent of the Agricultural College, gave a fine, tN ‘pi rking and general community improvement... * * a activity here was a very;great increase in the planting of freee erially,ito the heauty of our residence section; interest in ed m naticcan A pirasther tite SAEDRIED: was a o mn oF work this coming spring will he moted aie TEE ii Mrs. J. G. Wall Dr. Melvin R, ore talks fgrnished topics for a) very successful essay contedt is s mirable-duringthe past year. i From.the members of. the Assoc:ation an advertising club was organized and suc- ceeded the Town Criers Club as the advertising arm of. the Association. JJInder its auspices | community sales were held. This Club is affiliated with the Associated Advertising Clubs of the world. LIGNITE COAL RATES The Association of Commerce is .at work assisting the consumers and coal mine operators in opposing any increase in lignite coal rates. Telegrams have been sent to Washington to the North Dakota delegation opposing the plan.of eastern railroads to throttle this important North Dakota industry. Conferences have been held upon the matter and every coaperation possible afforded the Lignite Coal Operators Associa- tion in their fight to majntain the present low rates, x 1 ——_0——. WHEAT ANP FLAX PRICES: Appeals made to the Associatign to. adjust tatiff rates on wheat and flax so as to stabilize prices resulted in adopting strong Fyalutions and forwarding these to Wash- ington. *The Association is trying to aid the farmers of this section to get the very best possible priées for their. commodities, points POSTAL SERVICE During the conference here of Assistant Postmaster General Glover, his attention was alle to the poor mail connections betweerf Bismarck and Fort Yates. Thru the activity. of the. A8gociation of Commerce, in. conjunction with the businessmen of Fort Yates, petitions were fqrwarded to the Posteffice Department with the result that a stage route has been established between Bismarck and Fort Yates which has facilitat- ed greatly the movement of mail and brought into closer relations a rich ‘trade territory. ferences have n hefd upon ways and means to improve local mail service justments along this line are now in progress. ' . INDIAN SCHOOL At all times the Association of Commerce has-been closely in touch with the Indian School for girls, located in’ Bismérck.’ Efforts made by other agencies to make this ~school a home far incorrigible girls were frustrajed through the immediate ‘action of the Association. The futur choo] seems most bright under the efficient and a : future of the s management of Supt. Dickiper. } —_0—— = BISMABCK AND THE AIRWAY SYSTEM Thro @ correspondence of the secretary of the Association of Commerce, on the federal mail sirway system. ‘Courtesy of the Fort Lincoln landing: fields have been accorded. many aviators during the summer and fall. Bis-.~ merck has received much’ desirable pi licity by this fact. Plans are under way to mark this field so that it will ‘be better equipped for landing. This action will increase facilities for air navigators. ’ R : CONVENTIONS ees ‘The Association of C h in ring conventions for Bismarc! . throngh, Somton vith torloue ona been. piety R gatizations An through direct wef Direc! cogedanattass have been provided in the Association ment has Big af ae renee. e loyal support of the Women’s led, Thurs Club. cially in handling the North Teachers : Emon this copra Wi anda gearts. ‘ K es efficiently. Assistdnce was out orgpni fal details were assigned to act as , RY ITTEE = E. J. Ts oe as Hoary, Halverson E. Bj rman) x. Ae Hassel Chris re ‘ Wm. O'Hara «Bismarck is most admirably eet for conventions. Its hotel facilities are ~ hi ‘tte and team. ak ong the citi: in affording hospitality has been ad- bet Ha ear Some a A penn ng esther during the year i ; e North: rs, tion, February 6 and. 7; ‘North Dakota Engineers ‘ eee a sin mh Batol Coot Roads Association, March Sand es of Womens Clubs, May 17, and 18; Disabled Veterans, May 18 antl 19; i igtion, June.6, 6 7; North Daxota Postal Employees, Juna ta, Associa} June 27, 28 and 29; North Dakota it 7, 8 ane 3 8. E. District N. Dak. Lumbermen ta duration Assqejation, November 21, 22 and 23, HOUSING BURERO COMMITTEE - ate ee i HO. ik (Chairm ot Galetenson