South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1913-07-18

not overlooked and the development
OF which Will be promoted by the
Chamber is the Manufacturers
an dJobbers' Bureau. This organiza-
ton among other things urges the in
creased use Of South Bend made goods
by the people Of this city and vicin-
ity. For instance. there is one factory
in this city turning out a high-grade
product all of which now produced
could be consumed here. Yet not
ten per cent. of this product is sold
here. This factory's> capacity could
be Immediately doubled if the people
Of the city were trained 10 use our
own goods.
These few illustrations will serve to
emphasize the basic character of the
policy and work of the Chamber Of
Commerce. Much of it is work that
will require years to fully develop.
The most valuable service to the COM
munity results from the quiet, in
telligent work Of officers and commit
tees. which while not always fully
understood or appreciated by the
public, is part Of a definite and syste-
matte plan of development that. If
persisted in, will insure sound and
certain growth and prosperity for
the city.
Brought New Industries.
The Chamber of Commerce has
brought to the city new industries
having active capital of about $780,
000 and adding about Sis. 900 TO the
annual pay roll Of the city. This
record is especially good for the rea-
son that each of the industries is
fiourishing one, the success of which
was assured when it was brought
here. and all have been secured with
out the payment Of any bonus-they
are practically clear gain to the COM
munity.
The policy Of the organization in
seeking only substantial industries
which will further diversity our man
ufacturers, and not Interfere } with
those already established, and which
will come without financial assistance,
has another side not generally per
ceived, which is the element of pro-
lection it gives the community from
badly organized or declining indus
tries. Such concerns are constantly
seeking to exploit cities and, II
brought in, are apt to mean ultimate
loss TO the community and disaster 10
some Of it's citizens. The Chamber of
Commerce turns down hundreds of
these bonus stock subscription seekers
every year.
on the civic side another good IL
organization is the social center move
ment by means of which the school
buildings of the city are made TO
serve as universities of the people;
promoting acquaintance and sooia-
bility among all classes of citizens
and providing means or wholesome
entertainment and instruction. In the
end the future of a city depends on
the intelligence, loyalty and public
spirit of its citizens. The social center
will be an increasingly potent agency
for the development of these quail
ties This work of the Chamber of
Commerce has attracted nationwide
attention and is the subject of con-
slant inquiry from all parts Of the
country.
The foregoing mention Of a few OF
the activities of the organization will
serve, ii is hoped, to make clear its
general policy and purposes.
AS these purposes are better under
stood, there will be still greater APP
probation and interest on the part of
citizens Of the community who have
the welfare of South Bend at heart
and the Chamber of Commerce will
be able to more actively advance it's
program OF promoting the prosperity
and general welfare Of the city and
county.