Evening star., 1952-07-13
Board Of Trade
Lists Plans for
D. Prosperity
Moves to Improve
City's Facilities Also
Outlined in Report

washington Board OF Trad
measures to stimulate private en-
terprise, attract more Fedora
workers and visitors and promot'
educational activities here wer,
outlined last night in the board
annual report.
The report was released b,
Thomas j. Groom, immediate pas
president Of the board. He wa
succeeded on July by E. D. Mer'
rill
In addition to the boards worl
In the last year to increase thu
city's prosperity, Mr.. Groom de.
scribed its activities for improve.
ment of the city's facilities anc
for the benefit of its membership
in conducting their business af.
fairs.
He said it long had been recog.
nized that additional private en-.
terprise, both retail and whole.
sale, would be a material aid to-
ward increasing prosperity of the
community.
The board, engaged in studies
OF private enterprise in the Metro
politan Area, is preparing plans
1t believes will lead to develop
ment Of more business concerns
here, he noted. He added that
plans for an International Trade
Mart, held up by the Korean war
now are being reviewed and re-
ViSed.
Business Guidepost Awaited.
The report said also that the
Metropolitan Area Sales Pattern
Study is nearly ready for publi-
cation. It indicates the relative
Importance of sales by dollar value
in the downtown business area
and the rest of the retail trading
area.
1t is expected to furnish q
guidepost which local business
men can use as they plan expan-
sion Of their businesses or new
store locations.
The Federal payroll, Mr.. Groom
said, is the city's most important
source Of income.
Mr.. Groom reported that the
board has co-operated with the
Civil Service Commission or
means for recruiting additional
Federal workers for the city, ano
that final details Of this program
now are being worked out.
Education Vital to Area.
The board during the last yeal
also vigorously opposed decentral-
ization proposals which woulC
have transferred employees to other
cities. 1t supported a program
which would shift some agencies
into nearby areas still within the
retail trade area. b.,
Citing education as an impor-
tant element of the local economy
he reported that studies were
made on effective means to sup
port institutions Of higher learn
ing. It is hoped an educational
directory for Nationwide distribu-
ton, pointing out facilities fol
study and research here, will be
printed soon.
Mr.. Groom said continued at
tention went to conventions anc
tourism. A total of 275 conven-
tions were held here during the
year. Increased emphasis focused
on the tourist project. A specia
program was launched promoting
week end or one or two day visits
to the city.
The boards convention anC
tourist activities are carried or
through the Greater Nationa
Capital Committee.
Many Activities Listed.
Mr.. Groom said the board in
its activities has laid the ground
work for future results with plans
to be carried out and expanded
in succeeding administrations.
The membership committee
brought in 1,277 new members
he pointed out, maintaining the
boards business, professional anc
civic representation of the COM
munity.
Among the boards activities
concerned with District affairs
Mr.. Groom listed these:
The fight against so-called home
rule legislation, work for national
representation for. District citi-
zens with the vote for President
and Vice President Of the United
States, support of the District
Commissioners plan for reorgan'
ization of the District which wen
into effect July 1.
Also, studies of and compilation
of information on the Districts
finances, strong efforts for an in
creased Federal payment to ths
District, initiative in setting ul
a Metropolitan Area Development
Council composed of representa-
tives of similar trade boards tt
seek area cooperation on high
way, traffic. public utility includ
ing mass transportation, and othe
matters.
Parking Setup Surveyed.
Also, support Of legislation re
vising the National Capital Parl
and Planning Commission, spon
sorship of a February iuncheol
to make public the results of tn
Highway Origin and Destination
Survey and to consider appropri
ate action. launching a majo
survey of parking and trafn
facilities in the city, close CO
operation with the District Motto
Vehicle Agency. -
Also, an active role in urgin
establishment of a new airpor
at Burke, Va, to alleviate crowde
conditions at the National Airport
interest In a proposed Metropoli
tan Area Authority. numerou
conferences with officials of tn
o~A