The Washington times., 1924-12-11
MEAT DEALERS
STAGE BIG
EVENT
v. S. Chamber Of Commerce
Affords Opportunity for
Unusual Session

H@fal meat dealers OF WA1nlmBs
ton to the number of several hun
dred packed one of the assembly
rooms of the new United States
Chamber of Commerce last night to
hear the presentation of three time
~ subjects relating to the retail
selling of meats, the actual condi-
tions prevailing in the livestock in
dustry and the attitude of the con-
sumner.
John A. Kotal, executive ssOre-
tary of the United Master Butch
ers Association Of America. the
retail meat dealers national organi-
zation presented discourse on the
subject: What Is Going On In the
Meat Industry" stating In part:
There are two vital reasons why
retailers fall short of success: lack
of knowledge of the business and
lack of capital. To buy beef, pork,
veal and mutton and to be able to
cut 1t all so as to have satisfac-
tory margin is one of the biggest
problems of the retail industry. Too
many dealers do not have the
proper conception Of the actual cost
of doing business; too frequently
more time is spent on the question
of buying when the science of SELL
Ing should have their greater con-
sideration."
Many Aids Offeree !,
1.-THE retailer who confines his
entire activities within the four
walls Of his establishment is de.
priving himself of the advantages
of agencies such as the United
States Departments Of Agriculture
and Commerce, the National Live
Stock and Meat Board. the Nation
al Association of Meat Councils, the
Institute of American Meat Pack
ers and the United Master Butch
ers Association Of America are
exerting their utmost efforts to
disseminate helpful information
which aids the retailer to more
thoroughly analyze his business. to
understand the changes that have
taken place in the industry, to pro.
mote intelligent competition and
understand more about the products
he is selling.
There is no logical reason for
failure If a man understands his
business and is willing to take on
new ideas" ~ :"
Mr.. Kotal further stated that the
packing industry had taken steps
70 assist all retailers in their
business, adding that in no other
industry exists such q degree Of
desire for cooperation and predict.
ing that with the present stage Of
progress upon the part OF producer.
packer and retaieer much could be
expected In the way Of Improvement.
Advertising Urged
The second speaker was Charles
W. Myers, director Of trade rela.
tlons' Armour and Company, Chi
cago, whose subject was, What
DO the People Want?" He de-
clared that the tive outstanding
fundamentals were convenience to
the customer through attractive
display OF the merchandise, appe-
lite appeal through neat arrange
ment or the various cuts of meats
ana the departmentizing Of various
products, such as ready-to.serye
meats. The next requirement Is
courtesy, followed by uniform at.
tention to the requirements of
every patron.
According to Mr.: Myers, the other
two answers to the question, what
Do the People Want?" are service
across the counter as well as over
the phone and a true conception
or the value Of advertising. He
paid high tribute to the efficacy
OF the daily newspaper as the most
direct mode Of communication be-
tween the retailer and consumer.
w. c. Davis, chief Of the Bureau
or Marketing, United States De.
partment Of Agriculture, thoroughly
impressed his hearers with the
necessity Of proper grading of meats.
He outlined the recent activities of
the department in preparation of
their recent survey on costs Of mar
keting and commercial cuts Of meat.
He strongly emphasized the neces.
sity for truth in advertising" stat.
ing that the public in many instances
came to the conclusion that prime
ana choice beef was no longer avail.
able because insufficient care was
the dealer.
Consumers Learning
Mr.. Davis stated that the con-
sumner was learning more and more
S~SONS htOdLS, Luctr nutrition and
modes OF preparation and urged that
every retailer exert every effort to
elevate his standard of merchan.
dising. his method Of handling the
products, sanitation and accurate
accounting.
Mr.. w. B. Spinks, local manager
Tor Armour and Company was
chairman Of the meeting which was
the first Of its kind held in the
new United States Chamber of
Commerce. He stated that in re-
Spouse to the desire Of a large
number Of retailers In Washington,
an invitation would be extended TO
several other nationally known
speakers Of the meat industry and
1t is probable that several educa-
tional meetings similar to rhe one
OF last night, with further meat
cutting demonstrations to which
the people Of Washington are in
vited, will be held during the next