Automatic Age

March, 1931
149
A u t o m a t ic A ge
A U T O M A T IC M ER CH AN D ISER S A L L !
There are no longer members of the National Vending Machine Operators
Association or of the Coin Machine Operator Association. A consolidation
effected at the Cleveland Convention brings into being a new association known
as “ Automatic Merchandisers Association” to be symbolised by the initials
“ A. M. A.” The title is broad enough to include all types of machines and
comprehends the vending not only of merchandise but of service and of
amusement.
Authorized committees with full powers representing both associations con­
ferred at Cleveland and agreed upon a constitution and upon a plan of action
for the future. The utmost harmony and good feeling prevailed. The recom­
mendations of the joint committees and the slate of new officers and directors
were unanimously approved at the final business session without a single
dissenting vote, a healthy indication that co-operation and harmony will prevail
in the future.
Manufacturers, distributors and operators are eligible for membership upon
an equal basis for it was felt that an identity of interests made such a
step necessary. The will be but one trade exhibit in the future for the
Vending Machine Manufacturers Association has agreed, informally to be sure,
to discontinue their spring exhibits following the show to be held in New York
in April. The manufacturer will no longer be confronted with the dilemma
of exhibiting three times in one year. It will mean one huge trade exhibit—
the annual “ World's Fair” of the industry.
The Association sponsors only lawful devices and membership is open to
manufacturers, distributors or operators of such devices. If a manufacturer
or operator deals in both lawful and chance devices, he is still eligible to
membership, but the protection of the Association extends only to his lawful
machines and the use of the Association Seal is restricted to such lawful
machines.
It is the plan of the Association to employ a Managing Director, responsible
to the officers and directors, who shall be a competent, well paid official,
devoting his full time to the affairs of the Association and whose duty shall
be to travel about the country interest operators and manufacturers in our
undertaking. The affairs of the Association are too intricate and require too
much time to be handled efficiently by voluntary officials no matter how well
intentioned and competent they may be. The managing of a trade association
is a profession in itself and requires a trained official who understands the work.
A committee is already at work investigating applicants. The salary of ruch
an official can easily be paid from increased memberships and from the income
from the annual trade exhibit.
There are a number of important problems confronting the industry which
require thought and attention:
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(1) The creation of favorable public sentiment;
(2) The elimination of slugs;
(3) Action against unfavorable legislation, taxes and discriminatory laws;
(4) Agreement upon fair trade practices within the industry;
To cope with the problems successfully all groups must co-operate and join
with us for the common good.
DAVID S. BOND, President.
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