Putnam patriot., 1926-12-17
HIGH SCHOOL GIRL, 16,
 WINS THE $500 PRIZE

merchant and consumer from imposi- ton. Practical business problems are solved. and closer relations with the government are established. Tn short the Chamber of Commerce sets up high standards of advertising and business efficiency.
 The prevailing opinion among the people of today Is that the Chamber of Commerce render itself serviceable merely to industrial and mercantile in teregts Such an idea is obviously in- correct when wa consider the munich pal benefits derived from the Chamber ef Commerce. F tnkes prominent part in many civic improvement such as the correction of DO tal deficiencies. maintenance of aH attractive city. through the activities of elean-up conn mittees and the erection of municipal buildings. One of thl most laHdahle of the Chambers functions Is its CO., operation with the police force regard ine the traffic problem Since the whole business life of a city depends unou efficient management of traffic the part which the, Chamber of Com meree plays in relieving congestion and widening streets is of the greatest importance.
 Information Bureau
 Certainly. not the least of the Chambers civic benefits is the fund of general information distributed to residents and business corporations. There is. for example. the work of the Chamber in Investigating worthless proposition in the field of charity, and guarding business men against the waste of contributions for unworthy purposes. The Chamber also protects the consumer by cooperating with the Better Business Commissions cam paign for truth in advertising and in conjunction with this bureau, it also protects the public against fraudulent investments.
 The Chamber of Commerce assures not only the convenience but even the safety of the public For instance by it's active measures concerning fire prevention, the Chamber secures lower insurance costs for the city and pro- tects property and human lives, thus benefiting every citizen in the com munity.
 There are a few services of the Chamber of Commerce which have such a widespread influence on all classes of peopla that they can hardly be classified but should be dealt with separately. First hut the reduction of express ratcs and freight charges, hg the defea. of 4Hfasorable traHspor- tatiou measuHes huge sums Of money are saved to shippers And of course what affect thc ehinpers also affpcts the retail me=ehant aaI th g'tma5= consumers,
 Then too. the Chamber ef Com merce. by advertising its own com rsHnffr ereaflg Hs tH tourist industry, thereby HrIching the rsi1- roads hotl kearess and earrhaats
 Acts as Arbitrator
 Lastly. the Chamber performs most Ffaisewgrthy ere.es tz aEa#.iaE and settling strike Has + ever aa- cured ta you just what would happen # coal strike lasted feH ahe length uf time2 The lack of fuei would cause great suffering among the people All importation all industry. would cease The stricken country would he paralYzed. But the Chamber helps ta prevent such disasters First. last. and always. the Chamber of Commerce strives Co promote the welfare of the people.
 Now that we have considered the in- huenee on industrial, commercial. and civic life what does Chamber of Commerce mean to a community l. means tlourishing industry and thri ing commerce: united and intelligent action for the promotion of condition favorable to business. protection of established industries and encourage ment of legitimate new enterprises, , elevation of the code of business ethics with benefit ta consumer and producer alike a higher civic spirit. and a clearer understanding of the adyau- taees U eenuIne enonarntion.