The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-19
SEEKING NEW INDUSTRIES

 ham Chamber of Commerce looking to the bringing of new industries to this district is in line with progressive policy. All other things being more or less equal, industries go where they receive the most cordial in- vitation. Industries want more than mere invitation, however. They want complete information regarding a community's suit ability for the project under consideration. This information must not be general but specific, and not approximate but accurate. It is presumed that chamber Of commerce, with it's wide affiliations and its member ship drawn from all the branches of busi- ness and industry, is able to furnish data sufficiently definite and accurate to indi- cate to prospective industries whether the field is worthy of more detailed investiga- iton by their own agents.
 It is noted in this respect that all repu- table chambers of commerce expressly state that they desire only such new industries as will be successful in their communities. Industrial failures react unfavorably upon the good name of community, and it Is as important to warn investors of the ele- ments likely to diminish their success as it is to point out the favorable elements. Frank ness and absolute truth in representation are essential to confidence in chamber of commerce.
 The points on which information is es- pecially desired are varied. In the first place, there must be an abundance of raw materials of a grade suited to the product contemplated The market for the product ov,I stc probable expansion gauged. Proximity of an industry to both raw material and to the market is an immediate advantage over competitors less favorab1y situated. The proximity, of course, is figured in terms of rates even more than of mileage. Next in order, doubtless, will come labor, for, though labor is capable to some extent of being transported to new fields of endeavor, the quality of the labor on the spot is of importance. After labor come living con ditions, for no industry can prosper to it's fullest extent in an uhealthful locality which does not lend itself to betterment. The proximity of churches schools, good roads, transportation, amusement centers, shopping districts and the like enter into the consid- eration of living conditions. The cost of fuel and power is an intimate item in pro- duction. The success of other industries of the same or kindred nature is likewise a subject of careful inquiry and considera- tion. Industries in possession of facts such as these have a definite foundation upon which to have further investigation.
 It is noted that the local chamber is at present centering it's efforts on obtaining new cotton mills. Now is the psychological and strategic time for such enterprise, for the mills of New England have been finding it increasingly difficult to compete with mills in the cotton belt, and many of them are moving South, or else establishing South ern branches, while new mills are constantly seeking Southern location. Birmingham has excellent advantages in respect to this in- dustry, and has legitimate claim upon fair share of tho mills projected. The CO., operation on the part of the business and industrial interests of this district will en- courage and advance the efforts now being made by the Birmingham Chamber of Com merce.