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HomeMy WebLinkAboutChamber of Commerce Correspondence- IFC) Z K 'E C) Q. CAS VR ty p 1G1 p 1A �► WT - O -- i t 1 PERSONAL 1202 Foster College Station, Texas April 20, 1970 MEMORANDUM TO: SUBJECT: Joe Orr Joe Sawyer Don Dale Mrs. T. W. Leland Mrs. E. B. Reynolds Dr. Carl Landiss A. C. Vinzant Dr. Grady P. Parker Mrs. Lee Verrips Bill Fitch Dr. L. P. Gabbard Dr. Dorthea Robinson Mr. James E. Poore Codie Wells Chamber of Commerce Reference is made to my personal memorandum of April 13 and the meeting as subsequently held on April 17 so that I could fulfill my obligation. With the holding of the meeting, I disassociated myself therefrom for obvious reasons. In doing so, however, it was asked that, as my last official act, a smaller committee be formed to explore the matter in depth, which committee would report back to a larger committee for review and action. I would suggest that the larger committee to which I refer be composed of those beyond the group which participated in the April 17 meeting. The committee appointed is as follows, to reflect a cross - section of all interests: Don Dale, Chairman A. C. Vinzant Dr. Dorthea Robinson Mrs. Lee Verrips Joe Sawyer Dr. Carl Landiss Mrs. E. B. Reynolds Mrs. T. W. Leland Dr. L. P. Gabbard Bill Fitch The considerations, or charge, as I see it would be to evaluate: 1. The pros and cons of a separate Chamber 2. What is involved for certification as a Chamber 3. Manner of financing - should this be a decision 4. Staffing of office expected 5. Goals expected of such body for our community ( most important) 6. Evolvement so that there is cooperation between two Chambers. There are, of course, many ramifications to the above considerations. Sincerely, D. A. Anderson DAA :Ias c4 ,Y /ZO 2 J o ,5-g j- , y r> , 1 PFRgONAT, 1202 Foster Avenue College Station, Texas April 13, 1970 MEMORANDUM TO: X Joe Orr X Joe Sawyer X Don Dale XMrs. T. W. Leland 7-Mrs, E. B. Reynolds X Dr. Carl Landiss A. C. Vinzant y Dr. Grady P. Parker Mrs, Lee Verrips X Bill Fitch — Dr. L. P. Gabbard -Dr. Dorthea Robinson uMr. James E. Poore Y_ Codie Wells SUBJECT: Chamber of Commerce 1. As one who, on behalf of some citizens, canvassed the community regarding the formation of a Chamber of Commerce for our city, I have an obligation to at least present my general findings to a small group and seek their views on what should be done. 2. I desire to do so without the fanfare of publicity. I did not seek such earlier, nor do I desire such now. I, therefore, ask each of you who receive this communication to consider it as personal. 3. I am calling a meeting of the forementioned group, only, at 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 17 at the City Hall. Please make every effort to be present. I am counting on each of you. 4. This will be a discussional meeting only. Sincerely, D. A. "A y" Anderson ( lee Wd ( /10 6� I�d W-&�t Mef r r , ! f � 1 i ' " M III --- -3000 5I6 - - - -- - 3cov i T� f t aw 600 a/eL nueLh, I so eKa, 3CU r yono 1 - 3-50 wlix "w1wi' , - - — — 10,90 ,3 00 s00 750 do .*o 775 aN �I o, 000 Y ;a, N eer 6�A& 7x � Az, Trs ev 7, 1 w 0 A a)) "; 7 � Z, A/*� � N//"/, A t I" elf 91 " 4y - 'Ila /,ir L�y (?", r ��� J / ,�/� �� �� J� i rte% ��� / ., ,. r i � . -i . ,s � � �� r � � ,. � i � �, ,� � � ,� �� r� - _ � i � i � I �" � � �- / , =/ / - � , , �e >�..�e -w�� CMIveze a Comm'5 - ?z i ) 2. 7� „!i m W, awk �5k v - %ZW6&, r it i , r �- )at 0 .x A- -- s ow r 1 ;Wye f 1,,,I CARL W. LANDISS , 803 DEXTER DRIVE SOUTH COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77840 ' I /I-' &IZA� e 7Z � 6e k f. Zoe 4 �� TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77843 MACDONALD CHAIR OF TRANSPORTATION (713) 845 -1713 April 6, 1970 Dear Andy: For my money you did a fine job by bringing into the open the neglect of College Station by the B /CS Chamber of Commerce -- even if you did not intend your letter to get publicized. Hopefully, the Chamber will take heed and work for more bi -city collaboration in matters of joint concern. As I told you once, I have discontinued my member- ship in our Chamber because of their indifference to our needs. Maybe things will change. I have just read, "Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company introduces a smooth, almost indestructible rubber grade crossing m� aterial that municipal governments can Buy on credit an repay in installments." That is all I know. Bryan and our city might be interested. Joint action might reduce cost. Best regards, Sincerely, - P. Doyle Mayor D. A. Anderson 1202 Foster, East College Station, Texas 77840 MRS. C. B. CAMPBELL 815 SUFFOLK COLLEGE STATION. TEXAS n 7840 ^ - p h c 1c, c�.. MRS. C. B. CAMPBELL 815 SUFFOLK COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77840 CA-Y-1 CL �- Y _ cx" �JtJ -- n'� `'''` � �• � ,ice ro- U LAW OFFICE OF .JOHN L. SANDSTEDT 307 SOUTH MAIN STREET TELEPHONE 823 -5220 BRYAN,TEXAS 77801 April 1, 1970 Re: Chamber of Commerce Mr. D. A. Anderson Mayor, City of College Station College Station, Texas 77840 Dear Andy: POST OFFICE BOX 3727 This will acknowledge your letter dated March 24. I feel that in view of the recent establishment of the Chamber facility of Bryan that it would probably be better to leave the joint chamber in its present status rather than attempt to establish a separate entity. It is my opinion that any industry established in Bryan benefits College Station indirectly and vice versa. The areas are an economic unit. After receiving your letter I called Lynn Stuart and asked him why no one had shown up at the opening of our new City Hall. He said that he had a reserve drill on this particular day and could not therefore be present. He further stated that he announced the opening of the faci- lity at both the board of directors meeting and the executive committee meeting prior to the opening and urged all members to attend. I do not believe there is any concerted effort in the Chamber to ignore the City. In my judgment establishing a separate chamber will lessen the effectiveness of both cities in attracting new industry to the area. Kindest personal regards. Very truly yours, John L. Sandstedt JLS: jar ZD � 1,J' jj�, / j � QB�% �j(iC� (� j �s�[.� -" / d! � �GE�C�- L= -L-�.= Q--C� G/� 7Z e� f zfe -S� Z4 � � .' / i j - r 21 1�7 I j i 1202 Foster College Station, Texas March 24, 1970 MEMORANDUM TO: A Few Citizens FROM: D. A. Anderson SUBJECT: College Station Chamber of Commerce 1. Some years back, our then Chamber of Commerce joined with the Bryan Chamber of Commerce to form the B -CS Chamber of Commerce. There were, I understand, some promises and understandings not fulfilled. I do know that some individuals then involved with the change now wish otherwise. 2. What, seriously, has the B -CS done for our city? 3. Neither at the ground breaking for our new city facilities nor at the formal dedication did they show up. I refer to specific representatives from the Chamber (I'm a member myself ). 4. Years ago, when the two chambers were joined, our city did not have the economic base it now has. 5. Is the time ripe for a change back to our original situation ? I believe it is and would prefer to invest my annual $25 or $30 that I "donate" to the B -CS Chamber of Commerce in my community. 6. Why not employ an energetic go- getting retiree or some other individual on a half -day basis, or two day a week basis, as a start? Chances are we could get "free boarding" to begin with in some business establishment. 7. We have broken the umbilican cord once and for all (I hope) with respect to the United Chest. Why not go a step further and start our own Chamber? We have, I know, enough civic pride in our community to get behind such a project and push it. I'm convinced such is the case. Actually, I feel it would be something we can rally around since it would be ours. 8. As to what the individual could do as a start, he could get out a needed brochure on the city, encourage a newspaper to become established and help sell our city in many ways that a chamber does. There are many. 9. As visualized, the new Chamber would be "new" (not allied to old groups) and made up of representatives from all parts of the city -- business and citizens. 10. May I have your written reaction to this matter? I do welcome such. 11. Please do not contact me at the Texas Forest Service. DAA :Ias I feel the B —CS Chamber was a mistake, and it is time that College Station has a Chamber of Commerce. - t y 1 XL� 407 c -�� tom, 2-C'S C� 0 IAA V (/ &4- s e - W—A."el—P r jax- _1 W O O M , , %f �G 1 J J O. 1202 Foster Avenue, College Station,Texas. March 20,1070, To the Iditor, Bryan Daily Fagle, Bryan,Texas. Regarding your so- called "scoop "in the Bryan Daily Fagle of Sunday Aaish 20 » 1070, I would like is make a few points clear for the records 1,I did not send a copy of the memorandum to the preset rather,to a number of citizens only I was prompted to do so by a number of solidd citizens of College Station,who asked that the "pulse" be determined, I did so personably, 2..The College Station Progress association has done much for our city in many areas. i would be the last to belittle its efforts, s appreciate what the group has accomplished, and is planning to do, By inference, it could be deduced that I was negating their efforts, What I implied, or intended to imply, was that if a new Chamber was formed, it should be made up of a cross- section of the community and business, and not necessar- ily the Association. Actually, the Association might well be the nucleous around which it is formed, if at all. 3.I did not belittle the work of the B -CS Chamber of Commerce Commerce to the extent that close reading and inter- pretation might imply. As the Fagle properly stated at one point, 1 have no strong feelings against the Chamber, I am a member of suck. I will say,however, that in my opinion,they have not done as much for College Station as I fFsl they could have. And, I know of many citisens and some businesses that feel the same way, 4.I stated in my comments to the Cagle that I looked upon the cities of College Station and Bryan, as one community - -and I do not make this statement lightly, We can not do otherwise, Vie must work together closely and harmoniously in all areas, however, this is not to deny that we can not have friendly competition in some aspects to the betterment of our community as a whole. I might point out that our two cities, and the county are working more harmoniously together today than ever before and this relationship, I know, will continue to the benefit of our area, There will be no "fences" between us, Neither will such be the case: in other cooperative community efforts insofar as I am concerned, S,The city secretary does do some personal typing for me on her own time, not city time, Since the Fagle made an issue of pointing this out, I deem that it should be clarified, $,The 'scoop on the part of the Fagle, was blown ulp, all out of proportion to its significancg much to my regret. It had,. or could create „ bad blood" in our community where none exists, It is my wish that such is not the case, I assure you that none was intended on my part, nor will there be, ?,Touched on in the news story was the need for an additional newspaper Ca competitive daily) in our community, I strongly believe th we need such, and I will expend efforts toward this end, And, I might add that, in this thinking, I am not alone, in the Bryan'College Station Community, $.Finally, I wish to say that with this letter my public utterance on the issue comes to a close. Let t peace and harmony prevail in our community. D. A, Anderson, r r . �( 4�v-.e J ' CD�yI N7 r MUM TO THE CITIZENS OF COLLEGE STATION Two cities as closely located as Bryan and College Station can serve this area most efficiently if they work cooperatively. It will be most unfortunate fo-r both cities if we can't pull together for the greater good of our area, and for the continued advancement of Texas A &M University. However, in the last few days, a semi - private letter from our Mayor to a small, but representative group of our citizens, concerning the possible need of a separate Chamber of Commerce for College Station appeared as a front page feature article in The Daily Eagle, and at about the same time, radio station KORA came out opposing separate organizations. I feel that this is strictly a College Station decision, and that it is unfortunate that Bryan opposition appeared before our citizens knew anything about the existing problems. It seems to me that if ever a city needed an active Chamber. of Commerce, it is the City of College Station. The Bryan - College Station Chamber of Commerce has been very active in matters of importance to Bryan, and to the University, but has taken little or no interest in the City of College Station. The result has been that we get no industries or business at College Station; this in turn means that our citizens make most of their purchases in Bryan. This is terrifically important to you as citizens if you realize that the 1 � sales tax that goes to cities amounts at the present time to $100, 000 a year to College Station, and approximately $600, 000 a year to the City of Bryan. Since the population of Bryan is approximately twice that of College Station, the probable ratio of sales tax intake of the two cities would be far less than the present ratio of nearly 6 to 1, if we had the types of businesses this city needs. The citizens of College Station are at this time, spending more than two times as much money in Bryan as they are in College Station. If this is true, and I think it is, the citizens of College Station are paying at least $200, 000 a year to support the City of Bryan. We could finance many needed improvements for College Station for far less than that amount. This $200, 000 paid to the City of Bryan by the citizens of College Station exceeds the total ad valorem taxes that our city now collects each year by approximately $60,000. I feel that for this economic reason, we should have our own Chamber of Commerce that can publicize the opportunities and need for certain light industries, and businesses that do not now exist in College Station. The present joint Chamber of Commerce cannot advertise these opportunities because of the opposition of industries and businesses in Bryan already operating in these fields. Remember that 1� of every dollar spent (on all items subject to the sales tax) outside of our city, is a loss to improvements to our city. Most sincerely, &U ' Joe Orr ADDRESSEES: O Grady P. Parker/ • :.Toe Sawver A. C. Vinzant � Joe Orr ® Gibb Gilchrist Luther Jones ® C. H. Ransdell Bill J. Cooley O Codie Wells Bob Evans ✓ Ed Madeley ( Madeley Pharmacy) O Mrs. W. J. McGuire John Sandstedt Ed Holdredge John Pruitt • Mrs. T. W. Leland • Carl Landiss • Carl Tishler • Dr. R. D. Radeleff • James E. Poore S George Draper-/ Taylor Riedel Pat Ozment m Dr. Dorthea Robinson • Rev. L. W. Flowers Dr. Bill Hoover • Phillip Steen 1 Cecil Ryan Bill Smith OMrs. C. B. Godbey "°-- 0 Mrs. E. B. Reynolds Mrs. Elsie Sauer 0 George Kunze 0 Bill Fitch . �" %si' 0 A9 ��� El 1202 Foster College Station, Texas March 24, 1970 MEMORANDUM TO: A Few Citizens FROM: D. A. Anderson SUBJECT: College Station Chamber of Commerce 1. Some years back, our then Chamber of Commerce joined with the Bryan Chamber of Commerce to form the B -CS Chamber of Commerce. There were, I understand, some promises and understandings not fulfilled. I do know that some individuals then involved with the change now wish otherwise. 2. What, seriously, has the B -CS done for our city? 3. Neither at the ground breaking for our new city facilities nor at the formal dedication did they show up. I refer to specific representatives from the Chamber (I'm a member myself ). 4. Years ago, when the two chambers were joined, our city did not have the economic base it now has. 5. Is the time ripe for a change back to our original situation? I believe it is and would prefer to invest my annual $25 or $30 that I "donate" to the B -CS Chamber of Commerce in my community. 6. Why not employ an energetic go- getting retiree or some other individual on a half -day basis, or two day a week basis, as a start? Chances are we could get "free boarding" to begin with in some business establishment. 7. We have broken the umbilican cord once and for all (I hope) with respect to the United Chest. Why not go a step further and start our own Chamber? We have, I know, enough civic pride in our community to get behind such a project and push it. I'm convinced such is the case. Actually, I feel it would be something we can rally around since it would be ours. 8. As to what the individual could do as a start, he could get out a needed brochure on the city, encourage a newspaper to become established and help sell our city in many ways that a chamber does. There are many. 9. As visualized, the new Chamber would be "new" (not allied to old groups) and made up of representatives from all parts of the city -- business and citizens. 10. May I have your written reaction to this matter? I do welcome such 11. Please do not contact me at the Texas Forest Service. DAA :las By KATE THOMAS Eagle Staff Writer College Station Mayor U. A. ndy) Anderson has suggested in a memo to a "few citizens" that College Station may need a separate chamber of com- merce. He says in the memo that t h e Bryan- College Station Chamber of Commerce did not attend the Groundbreaking or the formal ooening of the new city hall and fue- police station. The text of his memo in- cludes: 11 1. Some years back, our then chamber of commerce :;o.ined with the llryan Chamber of Commerce to form the B•CS Chamber of Commerce. There were, I understand, some promises and understardings not fulfilled. "I do know that some in- dividuals then involved with the change now wish otherwise. "2. What seriously has the B- CS (chamber) done for our city? "3. Neither at the ground- breaking for our rim city facilities nor at the formal dedication did they show up. I Ma yor Eyes Separate Chamber refer to specific repres? ;tatives from the chamber (I'm a member myseif.) "4. Years aeo. when the two chambers were joined, our city did not have the economic base it now has. "5. Is the lime ripe for a change back to our original situation? I believe it is and would prefer to invest my an- nual $25 or $30 that I "donate" to the B -CS Chamber of C,,m- merce in my community. "Why not employ an energetic go- getting retiree or some other individual on a half -day basis, or two day a week basis as a start? "Chances are we could get "free boarding" to begin with in some business establishment. 1 7. We have broken the umbilical cord once and for all (I hope) with respect to the United Chest. Why not go a step further and start our own Chamber? We have, I know, enough civic pride in our community to get behind such a project and push it. I'm convinced such is the case. Actually I feel it would be something we can rally around since it would be ours. "S. As to what the individual could do as a start, he could get out a needed brochure on the city, encourage a newspaper to become established and help sell our city in many ways a chamber does. There are many. 11 9. As visualized, the new chamber would be "new" (not allied to old groups) and made up of representatives from all parts of the city— business and citizens. 11 10. May I have your written reaction to his matter? I do See MAYOR, Page 4A &e I � I �� P Mayor Ponders Chamber for CS (Continued from page 1) industrial park, the mayor said welcome such. he thought so, as long as it "11. Please do not contact me was university oriented. A t`» Tc ::as Forest Service." "We don't want industry that Anderson told the Earle he is not university oriented," he s -nt the memo as a p : e. val i explained. citizen. It was typed and sianedl Asked who the "old grou " by Linda Swoveland, College was and if it included the Station ci:v secretary. He would C o 11 e g e Station ProgreSS not say how main or %vho the Association, the mayor replied "few citizen," were. I yes. He also said he was not Askcd what the untultill cd' a member of the association. promises w,-,re, the mayor said Mayor Anderson said lie had he prefers to waA and See wyat not contacted the chamber kind of rr•p!iPs he pets befere befcre writing the memo. Ask - making anv statements. ed why, he said: "Why didn't He said he had sent an in- they attend the groundbreaking vitation to the city hall onnn;ng and the opening?" to the chamber and never Stuart said he never "thinks received a reo!y. of two cities, but of one com B -CS Chamber of Comm°ree munity. T:iere has never president Lynn Stuart toad the kn o win g 1 y been any Eagle Saturday that Joe favoritism." Stuart said. " Sawyer, chamber or;anizational "I believe we are a lot vice president had attended the stronger working together than formal opening. working separately." To his knowledge, Stuart said, Proportionately, Stuart added, the chamber did not get an he thought there were more invitation from the mayor p e o p l e on the chamber although he said he reminded executive committee and the the chamber board to be sure board from College Station than to go. from Bryan. The chamber president also In addition he had worked told the Eagle he had seen the with Anderson on industrial memo Friday, and "it came as prospects, including the race a complete surprise." track, Stuart said. The mayor told the Eag!e he E. Ridley Briggs, immediate "had no strong feeling against past president of the chamber, the B -CS Chamber," but he told the Eagle the chamber thought a College Station wasn't represented at the city chamber could do more for hall groundbreaking because College Station. they hadn't been invited. Asked if he thought the The chamber has not failed competition would be a good to send a representative to a thing, the mayor replied "in a groundbreaking or as opening friendly way, yes." when they were invited since In reply to a question, An- the policy was initiated, Briggs derson said he thought there added. could be a reconciliation and The two communities could I that he'd sent the memo to feel get along without each other, the pulse of the city. Briggs said, "but I think it is Asked if he thought College less than practical to dilute the Station should have its own I impetus we h going for us."