Norwich Bulletin Newspaper, January 1, 1917, Page 23

- NEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE vedty TO PROMOTE CITY’S WELFARE. New Organization a Union of the Old Chamber and the Board of T rship Cam- 3 pugntoBeHeldThuMonth. T % Belicving that in union there is strength, and that in co- operation there is efficiency, The Chamber of Commerce of Nor- wich, Connecticut, was organized in order that the membership of The Norwich Board of.Trade and of The Norwich Chamber of Commerce might be united and thereby greater strength and greater efficiency acquired in promoting the civic, industrial and mercantile welfare of our city and town. The records of good resdlts accomplished in the interests of the city and ‘town by the two old organizations constitute a rich heritage of which the new organization may well be proud. Those records contain many excellent examples of the methods to be adopted and the policies to be pursued in accomplishing greater results and in procuring greater bene- fits and_advantages for our city and town. Those methods and policies the new Chamber of Com- merce has alread adopted and will from time to timé adopt such others as may seem ex- pedient and wise. It i$ the duty of every citizen to interest himself in the affairs of the community in which he lives, and as The Chamber of Com- merce of Norwich, Con- necticut, is now the only civic organization offer- ing the means to develop CHARLES V. JAMES his interest and to utilize his energies for the betterment of the and town, it becomes the further duty of every citizen to as- sociate himself with The Chamber of Commerce. A membership campaign will be held during the month of January, so that all may have an opportunity to join.: 5 CHAS. V. JAMES, President. WAVE OF PROSPERITY HAS STRUCK THE ROSE OF NEW ENGLAND. Co-operative Spirit Has Surely Come to Stay— Praise, Boost and Shout For the New Cham- ber of Commerce. The past year has scen many changes in all lines of business. The co-operative spirit has surely come to stay, with the hizh cost of living, comes the increase in wages throughout the m: ufacturing world cres a hardship on the merchants in all lines, owing to the searcity of reliable help. Great dan- ger is evident. “Willful waste makes woeful want.” The great trou- ble to be feared is the cost of high living. Evervbody seems to want the best, r of the cost, a habit that will be hardge part with. During the early part (l! the past rectors of Chamber of Commerce were very active. Plans for many events were in the works and much work - should havt been carried out, but owing to the co-operative spirit of the business imen of the city for one organization for “civic worl, it W voted to hold up activi- W. A. SOMERS des for a while. Our oureaus were ali busy and co-operation with the State Chamber was active. Our civic bureau in unien with the transportation bureau had the Holly- hock Island siding well in. the works. The work of the farm bureau has not been retarded and is in a healthy condition. The Eastern Connecticut Chambers have kept alert right up- to-the-minute having- held a December meeting in the New Chamber of Commerce building on the good roads proposition. The New Chamber-of Commerce of Norwich, Conn., incorporated, is fortunate in having a lease on their home. The Eastern Connecticut annual banquet has been planned to be held in our city again. This will be the fourth event of this kind. Our members have worked and succeeded ia malki this banquet the event of the year, but the last affair seemed to crown the work, and it was unanimously voted by the delegates from New London, Willimantic, Putnam and Danielson to come to Norwich for the 1917 banquet. The committee for 1817° will have to sit up nights to pian something to match the labors of our Old Norwich. Chamber of e directors and bureau workers. It is to be hoped that hamber will carry out the bureau work already. started dd to it. Plans were made to gssist the Norwich Grange with their convegtion and the caring for the several hundred visitors that are expected on January 9,10 and 11._ Our committee on new members were certainly in harness and had rolled our membership list up to 305 when we had to calla halt. I wonder where they would have stopped. When the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad re- fused to make liberal excursion rates for the Eastern Connocticnt outing _at Lake Chargogsagogsmanchaugagoggchaubinagunga- maug at Webster, one of our boosters sugsested the use of au- tomobiles to take us over the Nipmuck trail and this was another event not to be forgotten by Norwich and our neighboring citizens. The pick-up service by the railroads, a suggestion from the Norwich Chamber, is being well thought of. Our year book has certainly advertised Norwich broadcast, having been distributed in every state in the Union and has also reached England and South Africa. Inguiry has been made from South Africa for an envelope machine advertised in our year book. A credit system was organized and is now operdting. Credit is given the Nor- wich Chamber of Commerce in its active work to retard the sep- aration of sound Steamers from the railroads. Délegates to'‘Washington, Hartford, Providence, New York and other cities where meetings of importance to the local and state chamber were héld have cheerfully given their time and made reports. * With all the former activities and desires to accomplish the work planned, our greatest work for the betterment of our city was the unseifish release of our strong well founded, united or- ganization. To go back to the point of beginning, so that our whole force of citzens might join in the ranks of the Chamber of Commerce. Our chamber worked for civic interests and the general welfare of the city; no individualism, no party politics, no religious differences, no personal greed, were manifest. A petition signed by about one hundred citizens of both the Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce, suggesting a consolidation of the two local bodies. was handed to me, asking me tc call a meeting of our body to consider the problem. I called a meéeting of my directors and they voted that a committee of three be ap- pointed by the chair, to meet with a like committee of the Board of Trade and to revort back with a plan whereby a better Chamber of Commerce could be formed. Many meetinzs werc held on hot ddys in a hot office of a local broker until dissolution became our resolution. Both organizations had a iot of past history and honor, and - member of the committee was there to guard the interest of his organization as well as to bring forth the most logical proposition for our civic interest. Many propositions favoring consolidation were offered, and discussed, ‘but. at all times there would appear something of an unpleasant nature to either one side or the other. The final proposition to dissolve both organizations and to form a new Chamber of Commerce after some strain of nerve,. was mct with favor by all. The report of our directors was ithout dela; 'll pwsea elved with a brotherly fee! ore a regularly called mee -\; ing of the chamber. By a unanimous Vote, our directors were authorized to continue the work, to dissolve the Norwich Cham- ber of Commerce (the Board of Trade doing the same), an act that it is to be hoped has killed all antagonism and jealousy that seemed to éxist between our citizens and the two organizations. Among our directors and members individually, it seemed like the parting of home tiés. » -'.Lueuafiungflvenmtw:tcvn-n. Its only value lies in the use we make of it. Lose it we must and very soon, But honor and duty are for all time.” Therefore I feel that the greatest work the Norwich Chamber of Commerce could possibly have done was the uniting of our citizens into the Chamber of Commerce of Norwich, Conm., in-. corporated. It is'an honor, was our duty; and we accomplished it. It is to'be hoped that every, member of both past organiza- tions will become members of the new, and that every man that has his own and the city’s welfare at heart, will interest himself in the work. City offictals are elected to. office to carry out the best form known for city government. They do not always do as individ- uals would like to see it done, resulting.in a lot of street talk and criticism which is bad for any community. The co-operative spirit between: citizen and official can be sealed through the civic bureau of’the CHamber of Commerce, freight troubles through the transportation bureau, hizhway and road trouble through the Eastern.Connecticut chamber, and I trust there will be manufacturers, bankers' and brokers’ bureaus added -to the work. Much zood can come from co-operation. One good organiza- tion can do more than a hundred individuals can do regardless of their wealth. The attempt to Separate our.town and city proved it. 'The directors of the old Norwich Chamber of Commerce are now acting as trustees in the work of dissolution to be completed early in January, 1917. 3 I want to express my appreciation of the loyal support given me during my term as president, by the directors. work placed for them. Our_secretary has given his time and energy unselfishly, and is a moést enthusiastic organizer. Our members were always ready to respond to our mid-day lunchéon .meetings in large numbers, and have willingly supported the work of their directors. The assistance from the press in giving us their time, space and news articles is to be commended and I advocate their sup- @ort and co-operation. 4 I thank all who helped to-make the Chamber of Commerce work of 1916 worth while and now, let us all work; praise, boost and shout for Norwich-and the Chamber of Commerce, incor- W. A. SOMERS, President of Norwich Chamber of Commerce. WHAT THE OLD CHAMBER ACCOMPLISHED DURING SEVEN YEARS’ HISTORY. How it Was Organized in Buckingham Memorial and Who Its Presidents Have Been—Cham- ber First Known as Norwich Business Men’s Association. 1909, the Norwich Chamber of Commerce, now in process blution, has been very active throughout the seven yea existence and has contributed much to the welfare of the city and town. The organization meeting was held in Buckingham Me- morial, and the Chamber was first known as the Norwich Business Men'’s Association, with the fol- lowing locdl gentlemen as members: Thos. F. ‘! Burns; Chas."W. Pearson, Wm. P. Bode, Jos. Buteau, A. R. Manning, W. E. Manning, F. E. Hull and Chas. S. Fair- clough. The first officers were: F. Burns, pres Chas. S. Fair- vice - presiden Chas. W. Pearson, sec- retary and treasurer. Charles W. Pearson, the retiring secretary and treasurer, has filled both those offices since the day of organization, in a very capable man- ner and with credit to both the organization and himself. The seven presidents of the organization has been as follows: Thos. F. Burns, Chas. I. Smith, Chas. S. Fairclough, Frank H. Organized M clough, CHARLES W. PEARSON Smith, H. R. Branche, W. H. C‘xulcksnauk ‘W. A. Somers. On January 29th, 1915, the name was changed from the Nor- wich Business Men’s Association to the Norwich Chamber of Commerce, and on January 14, 1916, five bureaus were created as follows: Civic, Mercantile, and Transportation. Real Estate, Agricultural, New Industry The membership in November last numbered 3200. Among the accomplishments of the Chamber might be men- tioned the following: An act reducing the amount exempt from foreign attachment from $25 to $15; Boswell Avenue track extension; platform and electric lights at the Greenevile Station: enlarged freight sheds: new arc flaming lights through center of city: the enforcement of an act concerning assumed and ficticious names; peddlers’ and hawkers’ licenses; widening of Little Water Street, amalgamation ;u.h the Norwich Board of Trade; salesmanship lecture; ureau; Farm Norwich Building and Loan Association. ‘Co-operating with the state and local chambers about the state. the Norwich Chamber of Commerce has supported and labored for the following acts, which have been passed: Public utilities bill; an act for the taxation of billboards: an act reducing the amount exempt from foreign attachment from $25 to $15; an act limiting the indebtedness which towns and cities may incur: an act providing for the payment of damages by the state on land affected by the layout of state roads by the Highway Commissioner: the question of sewage disposal; an act giving home rule to cities and towns. The Norwich Chamber supported the following matters of city and state-wide interest: The location of the Tubberculosts Sanatorium: sofl survey of the New London County; consolidation of th@ Conunty Jails: spur track extension on Hollyhock Island; trolley freizht to Put- nam: asphalting Rose Alley; through parlor car service to New York: Vocational Training School; deevening of the Thames River channel: the widening of Thames Street; public Christmas tree: deeper waterwavs: transfers on all Westerly cars entering the city: the state higshway bridee at Groton: state highway from Norwich to Groton: million dollar pier at New. London: Versailles cut off; track extension to Maplewood, Fitchville and. Mohepn Park. Matters which were opposed by the Chamber were as f&nov “The bill which prohibited the Federal Government from print. ing the return on the stamped envelopes: the repealing of the milion dollar dock appropriation at New London: the taking out of Norwich division the Town of Franklin and its neighborhood from the Norwich Telephone Fxchange: the divorcing af the Sound steamships from the railroads: the separation of the Town. ! In the/seven years of its existence the Chamber has publishea and distributed the following printed matter: One thousand copies of their business directorv and vear book; 1500 copies of the Fastern Connecticut Chambber of Commerce = Masgazine; 100.000 gum stickers; 10,000 large envelopes advertising bankers’ 10.000 circulars showing the advantages of Norwich. They re also instrumental in securing the large electric sign, Nor- ch for Progress. The annual outings and banquets have plaved an fmportant part in the life of the chamber. The old chamber was afiliated with the National Chamber. ofcomm with' the” State Cham-- ber of Commerce and with th ‘Cannecucut‘(flmmbcr of Commerce. Although it is nofl%‘&fllkfl.i 1ts ‘to form' _the mew Chamber of Commerce of Norwic! conjunction with the Norwich Foard o(~m&a .nother organiza- tion which has had an enviable history. vét its willing workers ‘remain. In union there js strength. - So bé it with the new ‘Rose.__ ; o A - F They were - willing workers; not one of them ever refused to carry out the TIne., in’| chamber,: a piun of the two mn# prominent civie. hod!” of m,, WHAT BOARD OF TRADE HAS . ACCOMPLISHED FOR NORWICH. MWMMMWG to Its Efforts—Record of Thirty memtmlndeliblyml_lfeofthecny On June 19, 1886, seventeen citizens of Norwich met in the mayor’s office in response to a circular signed by Hugh H. Os- good _an mk A lfl heI.L Thl! was the initial step in or- § sanizing the Norwich Board of Trade. A com- El;tee was appointed sisting of Hugh Os- good, Charles Bard, Adams P. Carroll, Will-~ fam N. Blackstone, Frank A. Mitchell, Will- jam H. Shields, J. Hunt Smith and M. M. Whit- temore to draw up a constitution and by-laws and these were adopted and officers elected at a meeting held on Janu- ary 8th, 1887. Thus was started a movement that in the course of thirty years added industries to the town with nearly 2,500 employes and year- ly wages of nearly $2,- 000,009 and gave Nor- three industrial build- ingsg Mohegan Park the Broadway theatre the State armory, post office . building and other pub- FRANK J. KING lic improvements too numerous to mention in this limited space. Let us honor the founders of the Norwich Board of Trade and give due credit to their associates and suc- cessors who faithfully carried out their plans and purposes. The objects of, the Norwich Board of Trade as outlined in the constitution were as follows: Advancement: of Business Interests. “The advancement of the individual and general business in- terests of the community; the encouragement of commercial and manufacturing industries; the improvement of facilities for trans- portation; the diffusion of information concerning trade, manu- facturing and other interests; the cultivation of a more intimate knowledge of all questions and events affecting the public wel- fare, thus, so far as may be, giving a healthful tone to public sentiment; and incidentally and subordinately, the promotion of social intercourse and rational enjoyment among its members.” The new Board of Trade started with 89 members. The dues were $10.00. The first activity was to secure an improvement of the channel of the Thames river, through action of congress. Record Indelibly Written. For 30 years the record of the Norwich Board of Trade has been written indelibly on the life of the city. It has been the one organization with continuous and never ceasing activity that has been ready at all times for service of the community. Now after three decades of unexampled usefulness and at a time when in point of membership and financial grength it is well equipped to serve the town as in the past, a v®te has been passed to ter- minate its corporate existence, and in this very action the un- selfishness and patriotism of the mcmbers are shown more strikingly than in any other act for it was believed to be for the best interests of the community. For some time there had been duplication of effort and ex- pense and an increase in rivalry between the Norwich Board of Trade and the Norwich Chamber of Commerce, the latter bei a newer organization originally formed as a merchants’ assoct tion. These two organizations are now terminating their cor- porate existence to merge into a consolidated 2ssociation known as the Chamber of Commerce of Norwich, Connecticut, In- corporated. 3 A Few Accomplishments. \ It is proper at this time to call attention briefly to a few accomplishments of the Norwich Beard of Trade in the 30 active vears of it It took the initiative and was the principal factor in b ut the following public improvements: Iroad rates: improved mail, train and tele- stoppinz open policy playipg; extension of street st Side and Baltic; widening channel of Thames n of three industrial buildings: Broadway theatre; hospital for insane; government building: Mohe- preservation old t n record free public T & New York Propeller company; annexation of de and Laurel Hill; oppo fon to division of tow: impreve- ment of highways: Columbus Day celebration in 1892; 250th an- niversary in 1909; placing Montville in Norwich telephone dis- trict; establishment of playerounds in 1911 near Lake street widening Little Water strect: Tuberculosis sanitarium; impri strect lighting; auto pumping engine; consolidation of ‘schodls; extension of trolley express throush Shetucket street: Central Vermont station; spraying trees. Many other similar activities of the Board of Trade might be mentioned if space permitted. Great Gaine Made By Norwich. Norwich has made spme i trially since the Board of Trade v local industries that owe their establ efforts of the Board of Trade or its me International Siiver Co. B. Ma & Allen Arms Co.; Reliance Yarn Co Manufacturing Co.; John T. Young Boiler Co.; Manufacturing Co.; American Thermos Bottle Co. Factor in City’s Prosperity. These eight concerns give employment at the present time to 2,455 hands, with a weekly payroll of $24,610. These figures prove the Norwich Board of Trade to have been a great factor in the prosperity of the city During the first 10 vears of its existence the Board of Trade had rooms to accommodate the monthly meeting of the board but no cne connected with it received any compensation. The Merchants Exchange was then incorporated with the Board of Trade and aided the merchants by credit information and a paid secretary was employed. An office was opened for the con- venience of the members and the monthly meetings were dis- continued; the work of encouraging new industries being con- ducted by the executive committee. Many Noted Speakers Heard. This plan proved unsuccessful and in 1994 monthly meet- ings were resumed and a partly paid secretary installed in cen- trally located offices which were open most of the time. Great interest developed® in the monthly and annual meetings which have from time to time been addressed by noted speakers from out of town, including President Taft, Chief Conlin of the New York Fire Department, Edmund Clarence Stedman and Lucius Tuttle. lly and indus- There are elght ment or continuation to . Limited; Hopkins nerd & Armstronz United Metals Who the Officers Have Been. The following gentlemen have served as presidents of the organization: Hugh H. Osgood, Henry H. Gallup, Arthur H. Brewer, Will- iam A. Aiken, Costello Lippitt, Charles H. Preston, Alonzo R. Aborn, Amos T. Otis, Jeremiah J. Desmond, Charles E. Chandler, S. Alpheus Gilbert, Frederic W. Cary, Edwin A. Tracy, Joseph D. Haviland, James C. Macpherson and Frank J. King. The secretaries of the Norwich Board of Trade bave been Charles E. Dyer, David R. Jones, Frank L. Woodard, Frank H. Pullen, Charles Amos Johnson, George S. Smith and Henry W. Tibbits. The treasurers. have -been Jonathan Trumbull, Charles R. Butts, William M. Olcutt, Francis J. Leavens, Justin Holden, C. Leslie Hopkins and Dwight L. Underwood. All of these officers, together with those associated with them on various committees, have worked unselfishly for the good of the eity. They have all made sacrifices and have been more than compensated by the opportunity to become useful citizens. - FRANK J. KING, President Norwich Board of Trade. THE NORWICH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE STATE ORGANIZATION. Representative of Local Body Has Attendéd Nearly Al of the Meetings of the State of Directors. mwmtmm«mamnfiwu for the successful a: of its work on the ‘co-operation ccomplishment of the local chambers and none has been more enthusiastic in mdmuuwmm-m.nmw A representative from Norwich has been present at nearly all of the meetings of the Board of Directors and itaken an active part in what has been proposed. Norwich was partfcularly energetic in calling the attention of the State Chamber to the Importance of defending the New Haven Road in its arsument before the Interstate Commerce Commission asking that it be allowed to retain control of its Sound Steamboat Lines. The aid givcn by the Norwich members was thoroughly appreciated by me during my term of office for the year 1915-16, as it had been by ail my predecessors. Now that the organization has been enlarged by amalgama- tion with the Norwich Board of Trade into the Chamber of Com- merce of Norwich, its influence shouldgbe even greater in the affairs of the home city and it is to be hoped ‘that the State Chamber may have the same loyal support in the future that it has had in the past. B CHARLES A. PEASE, Former President Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. NEW LONDON CHAMBER LOOKS FOR GREAT OPPORTUNITIB FOR SERVICE. President Miner Exprene- Confident Belief . That - Chamber’s Anticipation For Notable ‘Accom- plishments Will Be Realized. During the past year, the members of 'the - New ‘fLondon Chamber. of Commerce have had the great satisfaction of seeing brought to completion or near completion, a numbsr of large public enterprises in which they have been actively and very helpfully interested. Among these may be noted the wotk on the state pier, which work has brought to us not only a national but an international notoriety. Another acquisition is the Con- necticut College for Women on the heights above the city. In the center of the city is the new Y. M. C. A. building, an insti- tution that would do credit to cities of three times New Lon- don’s population. Less notably related to the work, of the Cham- ber’s efforts, is the growth of the city brought about’ by the Chamber’s offspring, the New London Building and Loan asso- ciation. Another result of the Chamber’s efficienicy at psychologi- cal moments is the continued presence today of the 1. S. sub- marine base at the old navy yard abové the bridge. At the foot of State street, near the ferry, a municipal dock is being constructed. If actually new industries have not heen added to our city, the equivalent of new industries heen added In the extension of those already established. Otr great anxiety is to help them. To this end a committee from' thé Chamber is seeking to organize a joint ‘stock company with large local capital to build an adequate number of houses for the workmen and others who are seeking homes among us. The coming year promises to be one which will provide great opportunities for service from us. The disposition i{s'at hand to render this service, We confidently believe our anticipations for notable accomplishments will be realized. A. T. MINER, . President Chamber of Commerce, New London, Conn: PUTNAM CONSIDERING FIRE PROTECTION. Vital Subject Receiving Car"ful Attention of Chamber of Commerce in That City— Chamber Now Working Under New Code. The Putnam Chamber of Commerce, during 1916; has made important changes in its organization and methods; aceomplished some good work; and had some good times of a soclal nature. It has justified the bellef that the citizens of Putnam can use it for the improvement of the community, and that its strength is measured by the extent to which its members are willing o’ use it. At the annual meeting in May, the antiquated and inadeguate by-laws under which the rejuvenated orsanizatitn wis working were replaced by a new code, the result of much hard ®ork on the part of the directors, who studied model drafts from the best zations in the country. The dues, which had formerly been ription basis of practically “give what Yot please, o dollar minimum,, were raised and arranged on w bus- The average business man now pays six doilars a er firms and smaller corporations pay twelve: and o corporations twenty-five. Any person not engaged in as proprietor or manager pays three doflars. . The secretary, by unanimous recommendation of the directors, was offered a saiary of-four hundred dollars to continue the work hich he had performed the previous year without pay. It is only fair to state that this action was taken by the directors without his knowledge, and against his original wishes. The clerk and stenographer has beem put on a salarybisis, instead of being paid by piece work. Other improvernents in ad- ministration .include increasing the Board of Directors: to fifteen making an inventory of the property, and taking wut insiurance upon it. Early last vear a Building and Loan Assoclation’ was pro- jected and launched by the Chamber of Commerce. This is now, an _entirely independent organization, simply using the rooms of the Chamber of Commerce for its meetings, as any public- spirited organization is welcome to do. The Association is just completing its first year mnost successfully, having over 800 shares subscribed. During the trolley strike &arly ladt summer, the Putnam Chamber took the lead in obtaining co-operation of similar todies in the territory affected to offer mediation. While the offer was not accepted, it is generally felt that this section hastened settle= ment by showing both sides that the public was ogganized and acive in taking care of its interests as the third and most 'im- portant party in the dispute. To relieve the situation created by the strike, the Merchants' Committee of the Chamber managed zn accommodation aiito- mobile service to Grosvenordale and to Dayville, charging regu- lar trolley fares. This was maintained during the Saturday when service was interrupted, and on a reduced scale during several days following. The expense was borne by ‘subscriptions from merchants interested. Other services to merchants during the vear include making a standard list of holidays on which clofing places of business was recommended. This list was printed.on large cards which were framed and glazed and distributed free of cost to all merchants who chose to adopt this.schedule, whether members of the Chamber or not. . The same action was taken in regard to Thursday half-holidays during the summer. Cards were also issued, as last year, urging that @hristmas shobping be done early. It should be noticed that in any of these matters” there is no attempt at compulsion. The Committee, consisting of representative merchants in various lines, learns the general sentiment, and its action is merely a recommendation, which mibst business men are glad to follow, with a view to thefr own in terest. Co-operative advertising was issued for the Christmas trade, featuring November 25 as opening day. ” James_O. Fagan, a railroad signal-man, was brought here for a lecture during October. The Chamber has taken an interest in various public. matters as they came up, having advocated, for example, street lighting all night and every nignt. On the social side, two successful affairs have been managed. In July the Chamber joined with the Webster-Dudley Chamber of Commerce to entertain at Webster Lake six hundred'persons, representing the Eastern Connecticut ‘Development Committee and the Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, for their annual outings. Early in December a very successful dinner was held, with excellent speakers, and good music and cabaret features. This is regarded as-the Annual Banquet, to be the first of a series year after year. Continued co-operation with other bodies has been main- tained. The office is used jointly, with the Windham County Farmers' Association, and the two organizations have .united in the preliminary steps of a program for the good of the county, of which more will be made known within a few months. The Eastern Connecticut Development Committee, now the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, has carried on its good, work for this section. The Connecticut Chamber of ‘Commerce has entered upon a new era of efficiency which looks forward to béfng in a position to render invaluable service to thie business interests of the State. The Connecticut Association of Commercial and Civic Exeoutives:brings together Chamber of Commerce sccre- taries for the advantage of all concerned. The local Chamber has several Important fects ' in" the works. The Committee on Fire Protaction is ng this vital subject careful considerdtion. A Committee on Public Heaith has been rafSed, and promises much for the future. Another Com- mittee is studying the matter of street signs and house.numbers, as well as signs for the direction and convenience of automobilists. An engagement book, design=d to show everything that is planned for each day during the vear, is being launched and will sbon appeal for co-operation and support of all. There. is almost no limit to what:a Chamber .of Ccmmu-cg can do for its community. The limiteis practically set: by~ fhe amount of the work the individual members.are willing to'do. Such an erganization cannot delegate its functions to-the officess, but must be considered as a method of co-operation.. it b : C. 8. ANDEM, President:; «"» ¥ C. 3. HARRIMAN, Secretary. SAIEEE S R