Document K6BoJL0mYaGjV67LkGxJepkZN

MINUTES EXECUTIVE COUilTTEE MEETING NATIONAL FAINT, VARNISH AND LACQUER ASSOCIATION, INC. PENNSYLVANIA HOTEL,NEW FORK, N.Y. January 19, 1940 The organization meeting of the Executive Coimittee of the National Paint, Varnish and Lacquer Association, Inc., convened at ten A.M. Fx'idny, January 19th, 1940 in The Pennsylvania Hotel, New York City, with the following in attendance: T. J. CAMPBELL D. W. FIGGIS M. L. HAVE* HOrAED KELLOGG L. P. MOORE E. E. HORTON BENJAMIN PATTERSON, JR, E. S. PHIIsLIPS J. V. REARDON WILLIAM RICHTER CHARLES J. ROH A. W. STEUDEL F. L. SULZBERGER ERNEST T. TRIGG H. E. TTBSTER Guests HAROLD RONE Association Staff H. A. GARDNER M. Q. MACDONALD REUEL W. ELTON Absent E. A. TOY, JR. W. I. LONCSWORTH S. R. MATLACK C. N. SEIDLITZ H. S. VrHERRETT VAX WURTFLE Call to Order The meeting was called to order by President Trigg, who requested Mr. F. L. Sulz berger to act as temporary Chairman. Election of Chairman Mr. Triffg placed in nomination the name of C. J. Roh to be Chairman of the Executive Committee - seconded by Mr. Richter. Thera being no further nominations, the Secretary was directed to cast a unanimous ballot for the election of Mr. Roh as Chairman, and Mr. Roh'B election as Chairman was announced. Election of Vice Chair." ~n Mr. Sulzberger placed in no:aination the name of T. J. Campbell to be Vice Chat tinea of the Executive Comaittea - seconded by Mr. Reardon, There being no'further nominations, the Secretary was directed to cast a unanimous ballot end Mr. Campbells election as Vice Chairman was announced. Welcome to_New Members The Chairman in expressing his thanks for the continued confidence expressed in his N C A 0 02919 N 4173  ~ (Executive Corc'dLttee Minutes) rc--lection as Chairman welcomed to membership on the committee Messrs, M. L. Kavey, L. ?. Moore, E S. Phillips, "illian RiclM-er, and A. W. Steudel, Minutes of Last Meeting The Chairman stated that the minutes of the preceding meeting had been nailed to all members of the co:.v;ittee, and that the agendum of this nesting would take care of any unfinished business carried over from the past meeting* It was moved by Ur. Campbell, seconded by Mr. TTebster, that the minutes of the nesting of the Executive Committee of October 31, 1939 be approved without reading. Motion carried. Report of Treasurer Mr. Roh stated that at a meeting of the Budget and Finance Committee last evening Mr. Matlack. Chairman of the Connittee, had indicated that he would not be able to be present at the meeting of the Executive Committee this morning and asked Mr, Roh to present the report of the connittee, and of the Treasurer. Ur. Roh reviewed the comparative balance sheet as of December 31, 1939 and 1938, and the statement of income end expense for the period October 1 to December 31, 1939 and 1938 (copy attached) and pointed out that in the item "excess income over expenses" there appeared a non-recurring item as a result of profit from the sale of the headquarters building returning a net gain of $13,481.23. In "accounts receivable" under "assets", the item of $2,500.00 is due from the Son Francisco Convention and Tour ist Bureau as the result of our 1939 convention. Securities are the same as last year - furniture and fixtures are decreased by the amount of depreciation - there are practically na liabilities, and the item of $4,000.00 shown under income for 1939 represents a^ payment made as the result of a violation of the Non-Exchange Agreement. All schedules of budget and expense were reviewed, and it was pointed out that all departments of the Association kept their expenses within the budget. The Chairman stated that if there were no objections, the report of the Treasurer would be received and filed. There being no objection, the report of the Treasurer covering the period October 1 to December 31, 1939 was received and filed. r Report of Budget and Finance Committee Ur, Roh stated that the Budget end Finance Committee had made a careful review of income and activity to determine whether or not the Association is on the right track, and pointed out that the Association is limited by income as to what activ ities it can undertake in a general way, but also that there was an ample surplus to increase activities if and when the occasion justified such increase. He re ported that on returns so far received it is estimated that the income for 1940 would be approximately $13,000.00 more than actual income of 1939, and that the suggested budget for 1940 would be substantially leBS than the estimated income. Ha stated that the suggested budget for 1940 would be $212,183.00 made up as follows: NCA 0 02920 -2- (Executive 1Ccv-.'ittce / f.Unu res) Budget Calendar * 1939 Administration - Salaries Administration - Expenses Building Maintenance Scientific Section Save the Surface Campaign Clean Up & Paint Up Campaign Unfair Competition Bureau wholesale Division Traffic Bureau Industrial Sales Division Truce Sales Division Depreciation - Building Depreciation - Furniture & Fix. $ 63,170.00 23,449.59 6,063.00 42,720.00 11,765.00 16,500.00 10,300.00 2,840.00 4,375.00 7,300.00 6,275.00 3,261.00 3,200,00 $211,223.59 Expenses Calendar 1939 - (Dsc. Estir = ted)_ Suggested Budget 1940 _ $ 67,332.05 27,057.22 6,163.87 43,078.34 10,732.53 18,713.77 11,486.97 3,839.95 4,191.00 7,241.82 5,714.01 2,771.34 3,402.09 0 63,730.00 28,310.00 7,554.71 42,400.00 11,500.00 13,000.00 11,490.00 1,322.50 4,300.00 . 6,855.00 5,701.25 1,375.00 3.600.00 $212,324.96 $212,188.46 Ur. Roh stated that each activity of the Association, as well as the personnel, had bean discussed in detail, and that it was felt that in view of an approxicate 12% increase in business during 1939, a 1% increase in incone for the Association dur ing 1940 is expectable. The estimated incone for 1940, $216,091.00 is made up as Estimate for 1939 Actual 1939 Estimate for 1940 Class A $ 151,510.50 $151,670.00 $162,236.90 (a) Class B Class C Class D r Class E on Securities 35,500.50 5,639.90 550.00 3,136.78 $196,337.58 3,735.00 39,477.50 5,228.55 550.00 2,795.61 $199,721.66 3,735.00 42,240.92 5,223.55 550.00 2,000.00 $212,306.37 3,785.00 (a) (b) (b) (c) *200,122.58 $203,506.66 $216,091.37 (a) The industry as a whole will show an increase for 1939 over 1938 of something over 12%, To bo conservative, we have estimated a 7% increase in Cla33 A end B dues (b) These are both the sane as 1939 actual. (c) Total decreased on account of reduction in dues to $25 per year. IJow have 77 members at $25, total $1,925.00. Total nenbers year ago sane. All pending resignations have been onitted. -3- MU. Q 02921 (Executive Committee Minutes) ./ Mr. Roh stated that the Budget and Finance Committee after giving careful considera tion to the budget as proposed, discussed the salary situation and expressed the opinion that the Association should show some appreciation for the loyalty of its personnel, and recommended that an itera of 4,500.00 be added to the proposed budget for salary 'increases. It was coved by Mr, Reardon, seconded by Mr. ITebab-r, that the budget as proposed, including the item of 4,500.00 for salary increases, be approved. Motion carried. Report of Scientific Section Ccnmittse Mr. Sulzberger stated that at the meeting of the Executive Committee in San Francisco there was some discussion regarding a display cade by Dr. Brcv.ne of the Forest Prod ucts laboratory at the convention of the Federation of Paint end Varnish Production Clubs in Chicago, and that at that time the Executive Committee had referred the matter to the Scientific Section Committee with instructions to take-such steps as it deemed advisable. After a further investigation and study, the Scientific Sec tion Committee felt that the resolution adopted by the Federation indicated that there is unanimity in thought on this subject between the executives and the tech nical men, and that no further action on the matter is desirable at this time. President Trigg pointed out that the ratter is not entirely closed, but will be given further consideration without publicity, Mr. Sulzberger stated that there had been some discussion in the committee regarding the advisability of increasing the membership of the Cci.rnittee, and that the members of the Committee felt that it might be advisable to invite individuals from various localities to sit in with the committee so that they would be more familiar with the manner in which the Scienti fic Section Vforks, and so that they might help to maintain favorable contact between the Scientific Section and the Technical Groups in the various localities. Report of Scientific Section Dr. Gardner stated that the Scientific Section Committee meets at least four times a year for the purpose of reviewing the work of the Scientific Section - to outline work to be undertaken - and to secure for the Scientific Section the cooperation and help of the leaders in the industry; he stated that the Scientific Section Com mittee is made up of the following representatives: r Frank L. Sulzberger, Chairman R. H. Everett ' C. S. Neal G. D, White and that President Trigg usually meets with the Committee, He expressed the belief that the Committee has now been successful in completing its work with the Federal Housing Administration regarding "two-coat specifications" and stated that this committee would have until Monday, January 22d, to present any comments regarding the final draft of these specifications, (Copy attached) Copies of the specifica tions were distributed for review, and it was stated that a number of the require ments contained in the old specifications had now been eliminated, and the belief was expressed that the specifications are now in good shape. Another item being given careful consideration by the Scientific Section i3 the problem of painting cement and asbestos shingles and siding. It was stated that the redwood, cedar and Cyprus manufacturers had called upon the Association in view -4- NC A 0 02922 / of the fact that projects were being changed from vrood shingles and siding to as bestos because of the claim that asbestos did not require paint. Reference v:as rede to an alley derailing project of 350 houses on which a change had been cade over light from redwood to asbestos siding. Dr. Gardner stated that the Scientific Sec tion had developed the fact that there is little problem in painting asbestos, but that it would be necessary to get across to the public the idea that because of soot - mildew - water absorption, etc., asbestos siding vrill require painting. He expressed the opinion that this proposition of "needs no paint" is taking on serious proportions and deserves serious attention. Ke stated that the Scientific Section was endeavoring to work out a plan for publicising this situation through the "Styl ing with Paint" program. In answer to a question by Hr. Sulzberger, president Trigg stated that asbestos siding was about 2% more expensive than wood siding, and that there is very little cavings to the hone owner in the painting cost of houses con structed of either material in view of the fact that all trim and sash has to be painted in either case. Dr. Gardner stated that studies indicated that many people who had adopted asbestos siding instead of wood siding had become dissatisfied with their purchase. In connection with the proposal to adopt uniform directions for thinning paint, it was stated that the industry could do away with much criticism if they would adopt some uniform method for thinning high grade house paints, president Trigg stated that he would appoint a co:nittee of about 12 tec'cnical men representing both large and small manufacturers to study this question in an effort to develop a plan which could be submitted to the industry for further consideration. It was reported that in the new Association Headquarters the Scientific Section would occupy the second floor, but that there would be no space available for panel exposures. It is proposed to rent, buy or otherwise acquire some nearby proparty for constant exposure of paint experiments, and that it is planned to request in formation from some of the larger members regarding tests made on full size house paint jobs. It was stated that it is also planned to extend the panel exposure area used in Florida. Dr. Gardner stated that some large size tests have been started on asbestos siding but he expressed the belief that all members interested in house paints should make tests on wood versus cement (asbestos) s'.ding - painted and un painted - for the purpose of developing greater individual and local interest. In addition to the painting of cement - asbestos compositions, Dr. Gardner stated that the Scientific Section has in development the following studies:- Roof Coat ings - painting Dense Da-Aired Brick - flashability of Flat flail Paints - Locomotive Finishes - Incoapatability of House Faint - Color Measurements - Brushability Putty for Glazing flood Sash - Mildew - Floor Finishes - Color of Dry Varnish Film Film Examination - Hew Oils - Nitrocellulose Lacquer Survey - Wettability of pig ments and Liquids. It was reported that the Scientific Section had developed at the request of the Na tional Lumber Manufacturers Association a series of paint specifications f >r lowcost house developments. (Copy attached) These specifications are very simple, but it is believed adequate and copies will be distributed to all cambers of the Asso ciation. president Trigg reported that the National Lumber Manufacturers Associa tion had expressed themselves as being much pleased.with the painting specifica tions for lcw-Hiost house developments. It was reported that Mr. Scofield of the Scientific Section had made seve.'-al trips for the purpose of checking experimental perilla plantings but had found most of the pjlantings disappointing in their production of seed. Several of the plantings -5- MCA 0 02922 (Executive Committee were sufficiently encouraging to suggest the advisability of continuing the experi ments for et least another year. The Scientific Section has been studying carefully the castor oil situation, and has been encouraging the planting of castor beans in Texas, but Dr. Gardner expressed the belief that the only satisfactory answer to the oil situation is the development of a drying oil from soy beans - there being a plentifu. supply of soy beans available in this country. He expressed the opinion that the Association cannot hope to solve this problem alone, and he urged all mem bers of the industry to stimulate their chemists to bring about this development, nd he referred to a soy bean drying oil as the paint industry's "great hope". hr. rulzberger referred to a painting guide issued by the U. S. Housing Authority, one third of which is devoted to the use of whitewash and a part of which endeavors to instruct the consumer as to how to make his own paint. Dr. Gardner stated that the guide had been prepared by some one who knew very little about paint, and that the Scientific Section had worked with the U.S.H.A. in an effort to have them revise the copy. The guide has not as yet been released for publication, and it is hoped that changes will be made before publication. In answer to a question by hr. Richter regarding the F.H.A, two-ccat specification, hr. Sulzberger stated that the members of the Scientific Section Committee were in general agreement that a two-coat paint job will not give the service of a threeccat job, tut that there is a difference of opinion as to the real value of the twocoat system. China Rood Oil Situation In the absence of Mr. ICountze, Chairman of the China Wood Oil Committee, president Trigg reported that the amount of oil imported for the last month or two had de creased, and that it is fair to believe that imports will be somewhat less until a new road in China is completed to shorten the route over which the oil must be hauled. He stated that the Universal Trading Corporation reports that oil is coming in a little more freely now and that the situation looks reasonably favorable. They state their reserve stock is being used, but they believe there is sufficient oil for current needs. It was stated that the future supply will depend on developments in China, but that there is a plentiful supply of the oil in that country. There has been some suggestion tliat the Japanese night open the Yangtze River, but in some quarters this suggestion is considered as a gesture on the part of the Japanese in view of the termination of the United States - Japanese Trade Agreement which expires on Januar^.26, 1940. The Association is urging the State Department to do every thing possible to bring about a freer flow of China Wood Oil. President Trigg referred to a letter mailed to members of the Association under date of January 17, 1940 referring to the drying oils situation. (Copy attached) He stated that the drying oil situation is not too favorable. The 1939 domestic crop of flaxseed shows a substantial increase over the annual production for the last several years, due at least ip part to the work of the Flax Development Institute, He stated that because of the good work being done by the Institute, the Association tion's subscription to the Institute as reflected in the budget previously approved at this meeting has been increased from ?500.00 to 1000.00. Due to weather condi tions, the Argentine crop of flaxseed cay show a decrease this year, but as the result of world conditions, the United States will probably receive a larger per centage of the total than heretofore.. The Brazilian crop of castor oil is off ap proximately 40^, and it is unknown whether the world crop of this product will be sufficient for this country's demand. Reports from Manchukuo indicate a crop of -6- NC A 0 02924 (Executive Committee ^ Minutes) perill'a seed of about 70,000 tons, which is 45,000 tons less than 1938, of which Japan and Msnchukuo have requisitioned approximately 40,000 tons leaving about 30,000 tons available for export - indicating approximately 10,000 tons of perilla oil to supply all export-markets-'including the United States, There was a discussion of the possibility of an increase in so-called "bootleg oil" and to the sale of oil by Chinese to the Japanese in the back areas for shipment through Hankcw, Mr. Kellogg stated that his company has a representative in Hankow, and that he has had no indication from that representative of any considerable amount of bootleg oil. He stated that the situation is a little easier, but ex pressed the belief that only peace between China end Japan can bring a free shipment of oil. He stated that England is apparently not buying their usual supply of castor oil from India, and that the United States is getting more Indian seed than Brazilian. He stated that one advantage of the castor bean v;as the fact that acreage could be increased rapidly and that three crops a year are possible. He expressed the belief that the Argentine flax crop is probably not as far short as is indicated, and that while some of the seed is not quite as good as last year's crop, Uruguayan reports are rather encouraging. He stated that India is sending no flaxseed to this country at the present time, Ur. Kellogg stated that there has been an easing of the freight situation from India, and that this country may get Indian products on the market again. He stated that there are no shipping difficulties from Brazil, and in answer to a question by Mr. Steudel he stated that there are no British restrictions on export of r ad from India, president Trigg referred to the breakdown of the discussions r- irding a reciprocal trade agreement between Argentina and the United States wiiic . provided for a reduction of 25'r a bushel on a quota amount of flax. In answer to a question by Ur. Morton, Mr. Kellogg stated that there is no great supply of tung oil in storage in Hankow - probably not more than 2,000 tons. Presi dent Trigg stated that information indicates that there is available in China any where from 15,000 to 25,000 tons of oil. President Trigg expressed the opinion that the Universal Trading Corporation has done an acceptable job, and he stated that they have cooperated with the representa tives of the paint industry. In answer to a question by Mr. Sulzberger, president Trigg stated that the best information available indicated that 500 of the 1,000 trucks supposed to be purchased to haul China Wool Oil out of China had been put into commission, but that many of them had been wrecked by bad roads and by inex perienced operators and that probably not more than 50$ of them are in service. Headquarters Building Situation President Trigg reviewed the action taken at the last meeting of the Executive Com mittee authorizing the sale of the Association Headquarters property, and the pur chase and reconditioning of new property. He stated that the Association had sold their present headquarters building to the U.S. Government for $150,000.00, ?5>000. of which v.as uded in commissions and expenses, leaving a net return of $145,000.00. He stated that the Committee bad arranged to purchase a four-story and tvio-basement monumental type building originally owned by Levi P. Morton, one-time Vice President of the United States and located on the block surrounded by Rhode Island Avenue, 15th Street, N Street and Scott Circle; it is reported that Mr. Morton had invested approximately seven hundred thousand dollars in the property. He stated that title N C A 0 02925 (Executive Cc-:...:.:. ttee Minutes) has been^taken to the building - that plans for alterations are now ready for ap proval by the special committee - and that the expense involved including the pur chase and remodeling of the property will not exceed the amount received for the form 3r headquarters property} he expressed the opinion that the cost of alterations to the property would probably not exceed $35>0Q0,00 and that the builuir.g should be ready for occupancy by the latter part of March or early in April. Ke stated that the principal alterations are being made on the second floor of the building, where the Scientific Section will be located. Glidden Company Resignation Mr. Campbell, Chairman of the special committee appointed to consider the Eon-Ex change case involving the Glidden Company, stated that the attached memorandum regard ing that situation was complete. President Trigg stated that the real point* of the. memorandum was to present the background to the request received from the Glidden Company for the cancellation of their membership in the National Association. Mr. Campbell expressed the belief that a small committee representing the Executive Com mittee should confer with the Glidden Company regarding their proposed resignation to discuss with them frankly the value of membership in the Association,'and should for their own good and for the good of the industry as a whole make every effort to retain their rr.erbsrship. President Trigg concurred with this suggestion and ex pressed the belief that a proper committee should see the proper officials of the Glidden Company to express to them the Executive Committee's desire that their mem bership be continued in the Association, .Mr, Roh pointed out that this Ron-Exchange situation had been discussed for many months on the Pacific Coast, and that members of the industry on the Coast openly questioned whether or not the Executive Committee would have the courage to enforce a penalty on a large Eastern manufacturer, presi dent Trigg stated that Mr. Horsburg had been advised that the Glidden Company's request for the cancellation of their membership in the Rational Association would be presented to the Executive Committee. It was moved by Mr. Campbell, seconded by Mr. Reardon, that the resignation of the Glidden Company be laid on the table, and that the Chairman of the Executive Com mittee appoint a committee to call upon representatives of the Glidden Company to discuss the situation. Motion carried. /; Appointment - Unfair Competition Committee President Trigg read the following memorandum regarding the appointment of the Un fair Competition Committee: "Our By-laws require that the Unfair Competition Committee shall be appointed each year by the President in collaboration with the Chairman of the Ex ecutive Committee. Hie President ha3 collaborated with the Chairman and as a result presents the following list of members for this year subject to the approval of the Executive Committee: CARL J. SCHUMANN (Chairman), Hilo Varnish Corp. FRED A. ERO'.TN, Grand Rapid3 Varnish W. I. L0NGSV70RTH, Lilly Varnish Co. Corp. CHARLES J, ROH, Murphy Varnish Co. T. C. DABNEY, Jones-Dabney Co. H. E. YTE3STER, Pratt & Lambert, Inc. 0, J. S. dc-BRUN, Egyptian Lacquer W. ?i. ZINTL, E. I. dupont deUemours Mfg. Co. & Co." E. D. GRIFFIN, Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. NCA 0 Q292(~ (Executive Cc: xittee / Minvles) President Trigg stated that Mr;' TTebster had rendered excellent service as committee chairman for several years, and that the change in this year's committee had beer, mmcb at his request. He stated that the "Cincinnati Agreement" was getting serious and ) liberty cooperation, from members of the industry interested in the Industrial Field, and he stated that five additional firms have signed the agreement and ere support ing the work of the group. He stated that Mr. Carver, a member of the Association staff, is devoting his full time to the work of the Unfair Competition Bureau, end that he is really doing a splendid job. He referred to the fact that the agreement provided for an examination of the books of signers by representatives of the nation al Association at any time, and he stated that the books of four signers have so far been examined, indicating some very interesting developments, among then the fact that not one of the these manufacturers is paying salesmen more than IOF of sales for salary and expenses. He stated that one signer of the agreement expressed the opinion hat this agreement has taken a million dollars sway from foremen fin ishers. He stated that the work is progressing satisfactorily - that the r.xrbers ofthe group are enthusiastic, and that they realise that while the work will never be completely finished, the situation is under better control than it has ever been before. Mr. Richter pointed out that there is now more effective policing of the situation through the salesmen of those firms who are signers to the agreement. Mr. Roh stated that he had been in close touch with the work of the Unfair Competi tion Bureau since the organization of the Bureau, and that he was familiar with rhat industrial manufacturers had to do in order to stay in that field. He stated that prior to the organization of the Bureau it was common custom for suppliers to furniture finishers to buy their business, but that non as a result of the work of the Unfair Competition Bureau that practice has almost been eliminated. He stated that the group who had originated the "Cincinnati Agreement" had done a splendid job sne. that they are entitled to the suppoi't of every industrial manufacturer in the industry. It was moved by Mr. Richter, seconded by Mr. Kellogg, that the appointment of the Unfair Competition Committee as recommended be approved. Motion carried. , Employees Report The Chairman presented the following summary of replies on the employees report as of December 1, 1939: r BONUS Dec. 1, 1938 Dec. 1 1939 1. 21.21$ 2. 52.14$ 3. 6.87$ 4. 77.27$ 5. 53.04$ 6. 91.67$ 25.1$ : 55.6$ 11.1$ : 69.6$ 55.6$ 85.4$ , holidays. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES Highest i -9- N C A 0 02927 DAYS COMPRISING FULL FACTORY WORK WEEK Less than 5 days 5 days 5-| days Over Sis' days 193S 0.79% 70.$6% 26.78* 1.57* 100.0* 1939 0.6* 73.0* 24.7* 1.7* 100.0* HOURS COMPRISING FULL FACTC)RY WORK WEEK Less than 40. ..hours 40 hours 42 hours Over 42 he;urs 4.0* 66.7* 16.1* 13.2* 100.0* DAYS COMPRISING FULL CLERICAL WORK WEEK Less than 5 days 5 days 5- days Over days 1933 0.80* 3&.00* 57.60* 5.60* 100.00* 1939 ------------ 44.2* 52.3* 3.5* 100.0* HOURS COMPRISING FULL CLERICAL DOR" WEEK Less than 40 hours 40 hours 4X5- hours 42 hours Over 42 hours 20.3% 355% 15.1* 13.4% . *15.7% 100 0 President Trigg stated that the Labor Department in connection with the Walsh-Healy Bill have suggested the establishing of minimum wages on contracts with the Govern ment amounting to ten thousand dollars or more. They have suggested a Panel calling represedatives of a number of companies in our industry to come to. Washington to discuss the situation. 1940 Convention The Chairman stated that the selection of a site for annual conventions is usually referred to a committee appointed by the Chairman of the Executive Committee. It was moved by Mr. Havey, seconded by Ur. Webster, that the selection of a site for the 1940 convention be referred to a small committee appointed by the Executive Com mittee . Motion carried. The Chairman appointed Messrs. Havey, Foy and Trigg. Membership The Secretary presented applications for Clas3 B membership received from Bennett Manufacturing Company 14600 Princeton Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, and Erumbharr Chemicals, Inc., 50 Journal Square, Jersey City, N. J. -10- MCA 0 02928 (nrecutive C-: :iitee / It was moved by Mr. T/cbster, seconded by Mr. Reardon, that the Bennett Manufacturing Company, and Kxumbharr Chemicals, Inc. be elected to membership. Motion carried. The Secretary presented the recommendation of the Membership Committee that the fol-le.'ing memberships be cancelled: Class "A" Arnesto paint Co., Inc., New York City Black and Company, -Decatur, Illinois Hetcel Roofing products C-c., Newark, N.J. Medusa products Co., Cleveland, Ohio patrons paint Uorks, Inc., Brooklyn, ".Y. The Rechtin Paint Co,, Spartanburg, S. C. Sana paint Products, New York City ^ Class "3" Carbogen Chemical Co., Garwood, N. J. Class "E" R. F. DeVisser Co., Rochester., N. Y. It was moved by Mr. Campbell, seconded by Mr. Havey, that the memberships of the firms as listed be cancelled. Motion carried. The Boren Bill Mr. .Macdonald stated that the Boren Bill is a bill "to aid consumers by setting up standards of quality based on performance as a guide in the purchase of consumer goods''. Mr. Macdonald reviewed the bill and pointed out that under this bill the Secretary of Commerce is authorised and directed to establish and publish standards of quality for consumer goods, when in his judgment such standards are in the public interest - to appoint an Advisory Committee to aid in selecting classes of goods for which consumer standards should be established - to conduct investigations to de termine the essential and desirable characteristics of the products under considera tion, -/to formulate standards based upon performance - to establish more than one grade for a given product, such grades to be designated as Grade A, Grade 3, etc. to further classify products as to type, size, color, finish, or other useful characteristic of value to coneumsers - to grant to manufacturers the right and privilege to use labels v/hich shall carry a guarantee by the manufacturer that the article meets the requirements of such standards, the wording of the label to be prescribed by the Federal Trade Commission - to maintain, and distribute upon request, lists of goods guaranteed by manufacturers to meet the requirements of a specific consumer standard. The bill further provides that "any standard established under this act shall be known as a United States Consumer Standard, and this act shall be known as the United States Consumer Standards Act". Mr. Macdonald stated that the Eoren Bill was discussed by the Scientific Section Committee at its meeting yestei'day, and that it was the opinion of the committee that no formal protest be entered when the bill is called for hearing. He pointed out that the bill is not mandatory, but rather i3 permissive, and that if the bill passes and the Department of Commerce ever takes up the proposition to establish -11- NCA 0 02929 (Executive Committee / Minutes) standards, then this industry can present such objections as it may deem advisable at the time. ir. Figgis stated that this bill comes as the result of a concerted movement on the part of consumer groups interested primarily in food products. He stated that the consumers are doing a very definite job in'making it difficult Xor manufacturers to fool the consuming public but that they are also making it dif ficult for some honest business houses to do business. President Trigg stated that this entire matter had been called to the attention of the Rational Association of Manufacturers, and that it v.ns hoped that association might take some action. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 2:15 P.M. Secretary r . -12- NC.A 0 02930