The Wilmington morning star., 1940-12-14

their duty was ended. On the other
hand, the Chamber of Commerce
has failed to call upon the bust
ness men of the city for active
committee work on concrete pro
|jects and endeavors.
The total contributions, public
and private, made annually fol
the support of the Chamber o1
Commerce, the Port Commission,
and the Port Traffic Association,
are in excess of $20,000.00. 1t is
obvious that these bodies have fail
ed to cooperate with one another
to the extent to be expected OF
such publicly supported bodies.
Their physical and financial disas-
sociation, with the attendant lack
of unity of general purpose, has
brought about a considerable
amount of "1ost motion" and has
been costly to the business life OF
our locality.
The citizens of the community
have from time to time made sug-
gestions which they considered
beneficial and it is the prime func-
ton of the Chamber of Commerce
to investigate the feasibility OF
each suggestion made. It is our
opinion that with increased per.
sonnel, these suggestions can be
investigated thoroughly, thereby
encouraging interest from the 'usl-
ness element of our city.
Recommendations
The constitution and by-ltws Of
the Wilmington Chamber of Com
merce should be studied and re.
vised in keeping with those of
more progressive associations.
Particular attention is called to
the fact that the bylaws should
provide for three classes of men,
bership; namely, supporting mem
berships, regular memberships,
and associate memberships with
annual dues of $4,000, $500, and
$3.50, respectively. The Board Of
Directors should consist of one re-
preventative selected by each of
the following service clubs-Rota-
ry, Kiwanis, Civitan, Lions, and
Exchange, one representative ap-
pointed by the City Commission
er, one appointed by the Board
of County Commissioners, and five
from the membership Of the Cham.
ber of Commerce. This election
should be held and the directors
elected by ballot at its annual
meeting.
The Chamber of Commerce
should give immediate thought to
the possibility of establishing a
new organization which would
combine it's activities with those of
the Port Commission and the Port
Traffic association. 1t would be
most advantageous to work in
close harmony with the Junior c.
o. c. and have them affiliated
with us. We believe this will re.
suit in materially reducing tn e
overhead expenses and will pro-
vide complete unity.
Paid employees of the Chamber
of Commerce should consist of an
Executive Secretary, who should
be an industrial engineer in charge
OF the industrial division, and three
assistants, one in charge of tour.
lists and advertising, one in charge
OF port traffic, and one in charge
of port activities. In view. of the
qualifications and experience OF
Mr.. Louis T. Moore with respect
to, the pleasure resorts, points of
historical interest, and other tour
ist attractions, it is suggested that
he be placed in charge of tourists
and advertising.
The Executive Secretary, and
preferably the man selected should
not be from New Hanover coun-
ty, should have experience in in.
dustrial development. He should
not only have the ability to perfect
his organization, but also should
be the type of man who is capable
of obtaining the full cooperation
of the membership.
Every effort should be made to
place the new organization on
sound financial basis. Larger sub
scriptions should be obtained from
the leading business men and firms
and larger contributions obtained
from the city and county govern.
ments. Each service club should
hold one or more memberships,
and they should encourage their
members to become affiliated with
the Chamber of Commerce.
The city of Wilmington has avail.
BILE SIS, 100000 for advertising pur.
poses and this money together with
a large portion of the liquor money
should be allotted to the Chamber
OF Commerce, part of which should
be used in advertising the city OF
Wilmington, its several beaches,
its port and other facilities.
A suitable location should be Sc.
lected TO house the new organiza-
ton and these quarters should be
sufficiently large to permit tn e
various service clubs to hold their
weekly meetings therein. This
would mean that each week the
majority of the business men woulc
come IN contact with the Chamber
OF commerce and, consequently
would be at all times in close touch
with its activities.
IN order to expedite the execu-
tlon OF these recommendations, 1t
is urged that an entirely new board