Automatic Age

16
T h e A u t o m a t ic A ge
T h e D r ift T o w a r d S m a ll
C itie s
While population figures show that the masses seem to still drift
toward bigger and bigger cities, Mr. Stuart Chase seems to be head­
ing a decided agitation toward the smaller cities. Here again the
automatic trade has something at stake for the future. It is highly
evident that all small business is going to have to put up a strong
fight for existence for years to come, so it is worth looking about for
the most favorable fighting grounds. It is only natural that the Mid­
west Utilities should come out in excellent advertising setting forth
the advantages of the small cities, but even if the utilities are promot­
ing their own business, the facts set forth are worth serious con­
sideration.
About half of the firms engaged in the manufacture of automatic
devices or parts are located in Chicago and New York, and their en­
virons. The advantages of the locations are well known. But the
automatic trade is also favored with an increasing number of firms
in the smaller cities which are marketing devices that are making
automatic history.
Since the problem of financing is likely to be such a vital factor in
the future of the small business enterprise, the possibilities of the
smaller cities in this respect becomes the chief point of interest. Else­
where in this issue there is mention of the fund whch the Scranton,
Pa., Chamber of Commerce is creating for the aid of local industries
that may meet critical financial needs. This is merely an indication
of how the smaller cities are coming to appreciate their industries,
and the next few years will show a greater number of concrete plans
whereby the community stands back of its enterprises in all crises.
.The strong advertising campaigns which many cities are conducting
to induce new industries to locate in their bounds is an indication of
the spirit of co-operation steadily growing.
It is usually a poor policy that doesn’t work both ways. If the
co-operation of the cities is going to mean a great boon to small in­
dustries, then these industries ought to be strong boosters for the
towns in which they are located. The automatic trade has been justly
criticised in this respect, and we might take warning from the plight
that chain stores have made for themselves by neglecting local spirit.
It is highly probable that those automatic firms now located in the
smaller cities will find increasing financial advantages coming their
way, as the cities learn more and more how to appreciate home in­
dustries, so boost your home town in return.
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