The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-08-29
NEW PROGRAM
FOR A. OF G. IS
PROPOSED HERE
American City Bureau Repre-
sentative Says Major Part
of Original Program
Finished
PRAISES WORK DONE
Also Points Out Method by
Which He Says A. of G.
May Improve Its
Work
RAISES WORK DONE

Building up of new program for
the Association of Commerce in the
next year-because the six major
panks Of its present program are
virtually cOmpleted-was urged upon
the board of directors of the or
ganization last night by Earl J.
Smith, secretary Of the American
City Bureau.
Mr.. Smith reported to the board
his diagnosis of the A. of c. after
two days study, and while he told
hem his work was not to scatter
fulsome praise but to point out
weaknesses and aid in building up
the organization as a part of the
three year service contract with the
American City Bureau, which or
ganized the A. of c. he found much
in the organizations work Of less
than Il year to commend.
"The accomplishments of the or
ganization are above the average for
Associations of Commerce of this
size" Mr.. Smith said.
Mr.. Smith gave the directors the
benefit of his study and contact with
similar organizations. Coming from
the ranks of secretaries, having been
a secretary at Hutchinson, Kan, and
Canton, ILL.,, Mr.. Smith as seer 'tary
of The American City Bureau reOr-
ganized the Savannah. Ga. Chamber
of Commerce, which holds the world
record for membership, having 3.13S
members in a city Of 10000, of whom
$4,000 are negroes. He also reorgan-
lied the Detroit, Michigan and To-
ieao, Ohio, Chambers in the course
of hi, field work extending over q
period of eight years.
Many Recommendations
Discussing the program of the A.
of C. here Mr.. Smith made many
recommendations as follows:
Urged revision Of the entire struc-
ture of the A. of c.. program for the
reason that the six major planks OF
the program selected by members
last fall are practically completed.
Recommended group meetings be
called in November and new program
built up by membership.
Advised publication Of annual re-
port in full page advertisement in
daily newspaper instead of in pamph-
let form, SO people not members
would. know just what A. of c. has
done.
Five Of present directors terms.
expire November I, having beer
chosen for one year. Told directors
according to custom these directors
have not served full term, are eligible
to and may stand for reelection. two
years being considered one full term.
Found four Forum meetings held In
last year, and said this was not
enough. Recommended, beginning in
October, that Forum meetings be
held every two weeks in year, except
ing during July and August.
Urged alternating program for
Forums-one devoted absolutely to
local project with local speakers, TO
crystalline public opinion. Next meet
ing to be addressed by outside speak
er, to be more inspirational in nature,
to have discussed national, interna-
tional or other problems. Told them
Forum dinners were best investment
for dues.
Found present quarters inadequate.
Urged building Of ali administrative
office building, or obtaining head
quarters, to group A. Of c., Red
Cross, similar organization offices,
Should have rest room, comfort sta
tion for farm and city people in con-
nection. Declared Bismarck, capital
of a great state, should have such a
headquarters, to condense live civic
organizations in a civic administra-'
tion office.
Urges Personal Interest
Discussed personal contact, said
the directors responded we'll to the
meetings, calls showing an average
of nine out Of ten directors present
ut each meeting, which he called ex-
ceptional. Criticised directors and
members for not dropping into A. Of
C. offices more often to discuss mat
ters with the Secretary.
Said Bismarck should make first
overtures for better cooperation With
Mandan, because of the A. Of c..
structure. Slid there were many mu-
tual problems for the two cities to
solve.
Urged a committee Of three MEM
bers attend every city commission
meeting, or perhaps directors. Said
that purpose was to get business
men acquainted with problems faced
by commission and expressed belief
commission would welcome visits
and aid in solving problems. Said
city commission was official govern,
ment and A. Of C. 10 semi official
government.
Regarding internal work he said ne
found the office work in good shape,
money all accounted for, records kept
we'll by the office staff, and COM
mended Secretary Bradley and Miss
Wetmore highly. He said the secre-
tary was alone in the city-a doctor
! could discuss his profession with
another doctor, but the secretary had
to 60 out Of town to meet another.
secretary. Urged board to send Sec
retary to meetings Of other secre-
thries. Said one Of greatest troubles
in Chambers Of Commerce was fail
urs Of Secretary to grasp problems.
Continued on Page Two)