The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-04-19

before that body last night at the
annual meeting OF the organiZa ton;
To the officers and Members of the
Lakeland Chamber of Commerce:
Gentlemen: l have the honor to
present to you my report, as required
by the rules of the Association, and
for the period covering the time be-
tween January /, 1915 and the pres
ent time.
This period has been one which
has tried and tested the commercial |
and agricultural interest of Florida |
and particularly this section, the
profitable marketing of its resources
I having been considerably hampered
| by the results of the great European
conflict. While Lakeland has suf-
fered in great measure it is some
consolation to know from most re-
liable authorities, as well as from
present conditions, that We have
weathered the storm much better
than many of our neighbors, and for
some little time past we have had
good reason to know that the worst
is over and everything is looking
brighter and better. In fact, the
present outlook, without any excess
of optimism, is better than it has
been for several years. The oppor-
tunities are awaiting our response
in larger degree than most of us real
ize Our only need is keener Wis
ion of these opportunities, and more
! vigorous handling of them in order
S satisfactory shall speak of these
r later. Let me now speak of the ac
tivities of the Chamber during thu
past Is months or Whereabouts.
AS you know, this Association wa
recognized last May, and the nam
4 changed with, if not a much large
s membership one constructed on
more stable basis. 1t may not b
II amiss for me as the man on tn
- lookout to say what | think with re
gard to the results of the reorgan
cation. In the first place the ncom
has been somewhat larger and h;
is enabled the office to more effectiv
A. ly take care of the publicity end
h
sc broaden out and get behind thin
ne which have meant and are meanil
an much to the development of this Sc
IN. ton. Very much time was Civ
ale by the office in working, out a ma
ch of detail which caused the City Coz
cry missioners to engage an engine
it's and have the surveying work do
ere looking to the paving of some of O
ers. worst thOroughfares. While Il
ing paving has not yet been done, t
me foundation has been laid for its
ave cOmplishment in the near future
no. was some satisfaction to this off
: it to learn from the late City
gineer that the figures and estima
made with regard to this work v
substantially or at least appro
ned mately correct, and at least a gt
in working basis to go on. 1t secul
lem the cooperation of a large mum
life of citizens who expressed their v
Hiss linsness to be assessed for the c
hat of these necessary improveme
ton which must come quickly if La
APP land is to continue her wonder
lust growth. 1t is not good business
to us to be content with what
lish been accomplished but rather sho
ate. we go on and build up on this spl
lard did foundation because, as yet,
tile only have the foundation for W
by is destined to be the real Lakela
de- The men are here and it is for til
uses to furnish the energy and the
thusiasm for the real work VIII
lies before us-the means will
found if the right men get busy.
Nay The Chamber secured the act
are of the city officials in the matter
lolu calling a charter board election
ople what was found 10 he absoIu-
re- necessary in order to so on with
II i work of public improvements
d'es Lakeland, namely. new char
was and il is hoped that something sa
anu factory will soon be presented
ave that body whose findings are to
'''' Another matter of vast imp
'i7H ance TO Lakeland is that of
wv interurban line. This office has b
was working for couple of years in
i'' effort to interest capital to build
interurban line between Lakol
re-
and adjacent towns, particul;
those in Polk county. A large amo
of correspondence and a mass of
liminary work has been done in Il
two years, but, not being able to
our own people to supply the fu
Oplc
hing
~ survey. it seemed useless to push
- matter furthr as a local enterpl
and others were encouraged TO
-, hold of il. The parties who are
handling the matter will, il is
-. Lived, carry out the original !
- connecting the rarious town.