Here is a tidbit from our convention here in Amarillo . This is NOT a
spoiler. The item was included in our closing talk and related to the entire
brotherhood in the US branch.
It seems the motel association here in Amarillo decided to cease giving any
breaks to our brothers coming to the annual convention which has been held
here in Amarillo for some thirty years. As a result the brotherhood was able
to schedule only one convention here this year. But their decision was made
a year ago. And it was reported to me that some motels actually raised rates
to the brothers giving no thought to possible consequences. Then last fall
the economy started to crumble and travel diminished. Empty rooms generate
no income. Add to that the fact that the reduced number of conventions
(reduced from a high of four conventions to only one this year) resulted in
fewer meals being served at local restaurants, fewer items purchased at
grocery stores and department stores (even Wal Mart) which fact results in
fewer tax dollars coming into the city when revenues are already down.
The City of Amarillo wanting to be assured that we were not planning on
leaving Amarillo sent a three man delegation of business men to Bethel to
plead the case of Amarillo . Anyway, the brotherhood welcomed them and gave
them a tour of Paterson and Brooklyn . This tour and the brotherhood's
obvious professional way of doing business so impressed these men that they
made this comment as reported in a letter from the governing body to us here
in Amarillo and partially read at our convention, this point. "We feel you
people should be placed in charge of the US government and in six months you
would have the problems, including the economy fixed."
The entire 5000 plus audience were very happy to hear this assessment of our
organization and our work. And that comment from the Chamber of Commerce and
the city may open a few hearts to Jehovah.
