Industrial life calls for the best that is found in brain, enterprise and ability and should have every possible aid and cooperation.  Furthermore it should be protected from impractical promoters, impractical managers and obstructive theorists.

It is actual work and accomplishment that counts.  The workers and those who lead and cooperate with them should not have their combined efforts handicapped by those who have never done actual work or who have never been performing an essential service.

Indifference and misdirection are our greatest enemies in times of peace.  These hinder our growth and if allowed to exist, will ultimately lead to our becoming a subservient people.

We are all ready to accept these facts but may differ as to the best ways to use our energies.

We are already making good progress in various branches of agriculture, granite and marble work, and in various branches of manufacturing of wood, textiles and metal, but a direct comparison with our manufacturing states shows that we do not bring into the state an adequate return for our labor.

Many of our young people migrate to more remunerative kinds of work in other states, and as already stated some of these Vermonters have led in the creation and upbuilding of great industrial establishments.

There are now many good chances to create new and energize our existing industries.

Some may ask why should we consider other industries when we can find many good opportunities in our present enterprises.  The answer is that our people drift away to other states to get into these industries for there they have discovered that the best chance to produce a large value for a day’s work is where best implements are used and where there is the best organization of workers.

They have found that in some respects we are lagging behind in the use of best methods and best implements.

OUR PROBLEM.

Without going further into the analysis of the conditions that confront us, it is obvious that an increase in the size and number of desirable industries is an object worthy of our attention and efforts.

We have clearly in mind that more money flowing into the state will improve our entire economic situation.  Taxes, markets, population, schools, opportunities for Vermonters and general improvement in all values and interests.

The next thing to do is to get an industrial policy that will guide us in our course as individuals, managers, engineers, manufacturers, investors, progressive workers and as citizens.  The idea must precede action and the action must precede results.  The true idea will bring results of like character, hence the need of the fullest knowledge on which to form the idea.

A simple outline of a desirable industry may be drawn through the following points: 

First:  An ideal industry is an organization in which the energies of mind and body are most effectively employed.