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To All Members   -8-   October 4, 1941

abreast of the new C. A. R. changes, etc., including the handling of all the questionnaires, the making up of consolidated reports, and everything else connected with this very important part of our work. Policing all of our employment contracts and adjustment boards is also a man-sized job. All of our Headquarters' committees also demand much attention.

Our Washington representation has been lacking for some time. Finding a suitable man to represent us in this quarter is no small task. Several months ago, we definitely informed our present Washington representative that we are figuring on making a change. Since that time we have been combing the woods for a new one but, although there have been plenty of applicants, no one suitable has made an appearance.

Practically every part of our activity needs enlarging, more complete organizing, and additional developing.

I think it would be a wise move if, within the not-too-distant future, we become a little more firmly rooted to a more solid and stable foundation by building a Headquarters that we can point to as the home place of the organization. Very few propositions can stand still very long; they either must be going ahead or receding. We are in the former category. I think the time has come when we should definitely consider building our own Headquarters. We need more room and we will have to move before long in any event. To build a Headquarters would not cost an exorbitant amount and it could be designed to fit our needs for many years to come. Literally speaking, we have been stuck away in the top back end of a real estate office ever since our inception with the exception of the very first year which was spent in a couple of hotel rooms. The rents that we will have to pay for suitable quarters sufficiently large will go a long way toward financing a permanent home for our organization.

Today, we look around and find we are again facing an annual convention. Practically all organizations are larger than ours and they have people working on conventions all through the year and it takes very little effort for them to hold an annual meeting, but our organization is different. Our regular Headquarters' staff must do all the work preparing for  a convention and much falls on my own shoulders. Approximately one week ago, I looked into this situation and found that, while we are involved in all forms of activity, there is really nothing on the convention calendar that needs attention. The 1940 convention did its job so extensively and well that only about half of its mandates have been carried out. The balance are in the mill being hammered on day after day. To hold a convention consumes almost the entire time of the Association for from three to four months. It is a terrific job, and all this must be done while we are carrying on all the other work of the organization. Frankly, I think we should continue to work, continue to more completely organize ourselves, improve and extend Headquarters and its organization, seriously consider building a Headquarters' building by exploring the possibilities, proceed with the establishment of a contract with Pan American Airways, and complete the contract-making program generally, complete all the work assigned by the last convention, and we can do all these things providing we are not stymied for the next three to four months holding a convention.