Eldon Everett, auditor of the Norwood Trust Company, was elected President of the Norwood Retail Trade Board at the annual meeting of that organization held last Thursday night in the Tiot Room of Lewis’ Restaurant.
Louis Orent, president of Orent Brothers, presided at the meeting in the absence of Lieut Commander Joseph Frates. president of the Board and manager on military leave of the local Sears Roebuck branch store.
John Regan, chairman of the organization’s nominating committee, announced the following slate of officers who will serve with Mr. Everett Edward Bowes, vice president. Mrs. Carroll Woods, secretary, George Gearty treasurer; members of the Executive Committee, Janies Callahan, Louis Orent, Paul White, Maurice Baker William Armstrong, John Regan.
Harry J. Korslund, president of the Norwood Chamber of Commerce, was the guest speaker, his subject being “Business Conditions in Norwood Following the War.” Mr. Korslund told members of the Board that from information now available to the Chamber of Commerce, and a close survey of present business trends, his organization felt safe In predicting favorable and prosperous business conditions following the signing of a as being the period when the town will show its greatest expansion.
Acting President of the Board Louis Orent, in speaking of the service which the merchants organization had been able to make to the community said that this group might well be described as the “representatives of Norwood’s main street.”
“Every member of the group is a businessman doing business on or in close proximity to the main street of the town.” he said ’’His opportunity to and to the usage of Norwood’s good name is great peace. That a period of expansion locally is anticipated by public utility companies who operate in this area is taken for granted, he said. One large organization has had a survey made of Norwood and its report on future conditions here indicates that a population of approximately 23,000 people in less than 15 years hence who will be potential customers for the product they are engaged in selling. The five years immediately following the war are anticipated. The reputation and fame of Norwood is to a great extent depend on the impression which people obtain through the contact which they make with merchants when they come here to shop. It is the responsibility of all of our members to uphold the good name which the merchants of Norwood have established in past years, and to seek means of even furthering the service which wc owe and are according to the people of Norwood and nearby towns.”
President-elect Everett said that all indications from a banking standpoint indicated a post-war demand for consumer goods which would surpass all other records ever established in industry and merchandising. “We must all work together in Norwood,” he said, “for the mutual benefit of those we serve and each other.
Five new members were taken into the organization, bringing the total to 36 business firms represented.
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)
