Putnam patriot., 1914-01-30
PUSH FOR PUTNAM
What Are We Going To Do?
Business Mems Association 10 Discuss
 Matters of Interest

What are we going to do to help Push Putnam That is question that should be ever in the minds of our citizens and they should be given op- portunity from time to time to express their thoughts on the subject.
 We may begin with the proposition that Putnam has always been a nstu- ral center, at least, since it became a junction of two railroads, or divisions of railroad. It is situated at one of the most advantageous shipping points in New England as told us time and again by representatives of the rail- road company. It is a transfer sta tion for the company which has special advantages to business enterprises as 1t saves lime and expense both in the shipment and receipt of merchandise. This is a most important, If not the most important, factor to be consider ed by concern looking for suitable location for manufacturing purposes.
 We are not such big city us to pre-. clude the locating of manufacturies on account of crowded conditions, nor on account of exhorbitant prices or scarei- ty of suitable locations. There is plenty of vacant land in close proxim- ity to the railroad tracks.
 Then we have the shipping facilities and the location for plants. With these two fun damental inducements to offer what other advantages may we suggest? The town and city have both been generous in appropriating money for public uses. We now have excel lent schools, churches, good public library, a system of sewers, fine streets and sidewalks, an excellent hospital, good homes and a healthy condition as to sanitation. The outlying farming community is we'll able to feed us and many more, should opportunity offer. Our merchants carry the best lines of l merchandise to suit the needs and have good stores.
 Is there anything that one can think of that tends to keep manufacturing enterprises from our doors2 The only answers that come readily to our ! tongue are-taxes and our own lethar- gy. Our tax rate is high, based as 1t ] Is an., ,lha. pgasent psipsttee. iilft-se who are advocating feassessment of property values believe that if just and equitable assessment is had on full value of property the tax rate will be materially lowered and will thus meet the first answer. The second an swer depends upon us, individually and collectively. If we have good thing, and we think that we have, the next step is to advertise the fact. That is what it would seem is meant by the slogan of the business mems associa- tion-Push for Putnam. If we get a prospect some one should be at hand to take care of it. A manufacturer who comes here to look over the field and does not gel proper reception from some of our leading citizens loses sight of our natural advantages as his mind is only fixed upon the nature of
  pear slow, unprogressive and without the proper spirit for hustling enter prise. If customer goes into store and the proprietor stands around with his hands in his pockets, the clerks are telling stories and finally one stops long enough to wait upon him with an expression on his face that plainly says, "I wish you had kept out and not bothered us when we were engag- ed;' does that man do business in that store or advertise 1t as good place to dc business? Such Is the effect of man seeking location for a manufac- turing plant who comes to our city and isn't given proper attention and made to feel that we want him, that we want to do business with him, and that we want him to tell his friends that we want to do business with them. That is the public spirit that should be In evidence when prospect comes to Putnam and 1t is one feature that every citizen can respond to In Pushing for Putnam.
 We have goods to sell and If we do not sell them it is either because our price Is too high or we are poor sales men, or other business enterprises have better statesmen. We should not sit down under this. We have confidence in our line and we should push 1t un- til customers come to feel that we are l doing them favor in offering them an | opportunity to join us.
 If the plans of the Business Mems 1 Association are carried through and a 1 business mems banquet is held every | person interested in the welfare of their home city should be there and at least encourage others to do what they may not be fitted to do themselves.