Tobacco Documents Online

.k f , . THE TOIIACCO~ IhISTITUTE , INC. MINUTES OF THE FIRST MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY RELFITION6 COMMITTEE The first meeting of the Community Relations Com- mittee of The Tobacco Institute, Inc., was held at 10:00 A.M., on August 6, 1959, at the Institute's office at 910 17th Street, N.W., Washington, D. C. The following Members of the Institute were repre- sented by the persons indicated: The American Tobacco Company Thomas P. Connors Robert K. Heimann Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation J. 3. %Crume Addison Yeaman George W. Helme Co., Inc. Dillon Woody Larus & Brother Company, Inc. ..~ ~ W. Brooks George Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company G. B. Leake W. B. Lewis, Jr. P. Lorillard Company, Inc. Manue 1 Ye l l:en ' Philip Morris Incorporated James F. Bowling Ray Jones R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company O W%l N Bill Carter C United States Tobacco Company Robert J. Steinle r; •

.1 2 There were also present Messrs. James P. Richards, President and Executive Director of The Tobacco Institute, Inc.; Edward F. Ragland, Vice President and Secretary of The Tobacco Institute, Inc.; Ned Johnston, Executive Assis- tant of The Tobacco institute, Inc.; Mrs. Dorothy O'Toole, of The Tobacco institute, Inc.; Mr. Carl Thompson of Hill and Knowlton, Inc.; and Mr. Burke Marshall, of counsel for The Tobacco Institute, Inc. CO9F1DNTIAL fr. Mr. Richards served'as Chairman of the meeting and Mrs. O'ToDle acted as Secretary and recorded the minutes. Mr. Richards stated that the purpose of the meet- ing was to carry out a motion adopted by the Executive Com- mittee on July 9, 1959. He gave a brief report of the neces- sity for organizing this Committee, pointing out that the tobacco industry was beset on all sides by adverse publicity concerning the use of tobacco, and that it had been deter- mined by the Executive Committee that the Institute should attempt to establish a grass roots organization of state and local committees aware of the facts abo~it tobacco 3nd willing to make those facts known in their communities. Mr. Richards stated that it was the purpose of the meeting to discuss ways and means of perfecting such an organization. At the request of the President, Mr. Ragland com- mented on the tremendous scope oF this undertaking and of ~ establishing and~maintaining two-way communications with ~ friends of the tobacco industry in the various states and 0 communities who would tell the facts about tobacco, and ~ would also keep the Institute informed as to*loca:l industry ~ problems. Mention was made of the anti-tobacco legislation proposed this year as well as adverse newspaper and magazine .articles. Mr. Ragland stressed the need for local level con- tacts to provide a free exchange of information in accordance with the Institute's responsibilities. The advice of the Committee was sought as to how best to proceed. In the discussion, Mr. 'Carter emphasized that the prime purpose of the meeting was to set up a communications netwo-k across the nation. In addition, Mr. Lewis pointed out the desirability of working closely with the state associa- tions of tobacco wholesalers and giving them more support than in the past. fri

In response to a question from Mr. Lewis, counsel stated that the Institute could not be concerned with sales and marketing policies of its Members, but that an educa- tional and promotional program at the grass roots level was clearly authorized by the corporate charter, and was other- wise lawful. Mr. Richards asked for suggestions as how to pro- ceed and invited comment on the proposal that the Institute should conduct a pilot operation in one state. It was sug- gested that Mr. Johnston observe the work done by the Tobacco Growers' Information Committee in tobacco-pro.3ucing: states. Mr. Carter then recommended that the Institute appoint a sub- committee of three to make formal plans and outline a pilot study in accordance with the suggestions made at the meeting. The outline would be submitted to the Executive Committee for approval, and thereafter referred to the full Committee on Community Relations. Upon motion made by Mr. Lewis and duly seconded, it was unanimously resolved that a subcommittee be established, that Mr. Carter be appointed Chairman with authority to select two members, and that the subcommittee be directed to prepare an outline for a pilot operation in one state, for the consideration of the Executive Committee and the full Committee on Community Relations. Mr. Richards then instructed Messrs. Johnston and' Thompson to prepare a master sheet showing what information was needed and to submit this sheet to the Committee members. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was resolved that each Member should submit to the Institute, as soon as possible, but not later than October 1, 1959, a list of the friends of the tobacco industry kno-an to it in each state, the lists to be kept for the use of the Institute only, and not to be dis- closed to any other Member. At the suggestion of Mr. Bowling, it was further agreed that all persons listedby each Member would be placed on the mailing list to receive Institute publications. There being no further business, the meeting was thereupon adjourned. C N O C: s/ Dorothy A. O'Too1e Nj Secretary . ~. ` _ .r