Document ox68JYaJrpX3OZBoMwy1ykX

ADDRESS OF WELCOME by L.E.Hamlin, H.D. Once again It is my privilege to welcome the Industrial . N1' of the American Brake Shoe Company to the Third Conference nere at Moraine-on-the-Lake. The success of the previous meeting at Niagara Palls In June, 1948 emphasized the desirability of such gath erings, not only to provide an opportunity for our nurses to become acquainted but also to afford an occasion to learn more about the Brake Shoe Company, its people and its policies. A conference of this sort is designed to permit an exchange of ideas and experiences and allow you to "get down to brass tacks" concerning problems or questions which may have been bothering you since joining the Company. I know that Mrs. Steele has paid personal visits to practically all of our.plants and these have been of great assistance to you, as they have to me in my capacity of Director of the health program, This meeting Is the direct result of Mrs* Steele's initiative and effort and it is no small accomplishment. I know what Is involved, having had to act in the same situation for the 1948 session. Then, I had the able assistance of the nurses in the Chicago plants, only two of whom. Miss Louise Mathews and Mrs. Rita George, are still with us. Since Mrs* Steele is located in St. Louis, it was only natural that she should call upon our Brake Shoe nurses in that area to take over the supporting role. I am quite confident that after this conference has ended you will all agree that Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Ruediger, Mrs. Johnson and Miss Pennington have done a creditable job and their efforts have been a real contribution to its success. At this time I want to pay tribute to the management of the Brake Shoe Company in making the conference possible. I know of no other industry which has shown similar interest and consideration for Its burses on even one occasion, not to mention three. The expense associated with the meeting is no small item and the fact that the Company has so cheerfully underwritten It not only demonstrates its faith in the nursing program but also indicates that you have done a good job. I -think it is a fine tribute that not a single objection was raised by the President, Operating Head or plant Superintendent of any Division in the entire Company when the idea of another Nurses1 Confer ence was proposed. .1 need not remind you that we have tried to provide every thing possible for your enjoyment and convenience. The program has been arranged to allow the greatest latitude for discussion as our experience during the former gatherings Indicated. An effort has been . made to limit formal papers somewhat in order to give you a better chance to "talk shop." We want each one of you to feel "at home" and participate in the discussions. Please don't hesitate to speak up or have any fear that your questions may be "silly." They won't! And no one is going to laugh at any one else unless he or she intends It that way. As 1 stated at the last get-together, "this is your meeting and we want you to make the most of it." I SPNY 000131