Los Banos Rotary Club History
Kaljian Tells Of Booster Group

Charles T. Kaljian, local businessman and president of the Merced County Chamber of Commerce, Tuesday noon explained to members of the local Rotary Club the aims and plans of the Central Valley Empire Assn., a body now being organized to serve the seven San Joaquin valley counties. The organization is being sponsored and encouraged by the various county and city Chambers of Commerce.

Emphasizing the very definite need for such an organization, Kaljian pointed out that this is one section of the state that does not have some sort of booster and protector body to extol the virtues of the area and also to represent this part of the valley in state matters. This is especially true in the allocation of state highway funds to sections of the state, that, by virtue of direct united representation, have convinced the powers that be theirs is the more imperative need.

As an example of what organization and united effort can do, Kaljian pointed to the successful efforts of the Merced County Highway Safety Council in securing for this county recognition and highway improvements that otherwise would have been impossible.

Kaljian said the new body would be financed partially by the various Chambers of Commerce in the seven counties, and partially by the sale of supporting memberships to individuals and business concerns in the area.

April 2, 1948

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