Will the Fruit Boom Break? Experts Urge Regional Controls
A newly formed board warns that unchecked fruit cannery expansion in the Northwest could lead to market collapse and financial ruin.
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The Northwest By-Products board, of which W. H. Paulhamus of Puyallup is chairman and Gordon C. Corbaley of Spokane is secretary, has issued an open letter to the people of the Northwest. The fresh fruit situation makes it inevitable that a very great number of canneries, evaporators and other fruit products plants will be established in the Northwest during the next 24 months. There is a real need for many of these if the districts east of the mountains are to maintain their fruit business upon a sound basis. Unless controlled, most of these plants will be started wrong. Many will be badly managed and many will be organized where there is no need for them. The result will be many failures and much needless loss of money. While this is going on, the market will be demoralized because the badly managed plant is usually just as badly off in its selling. The result will be serious injury to the business of existing plants. All this will take place unless the situation is controlled.
“Unless controlled, most of these plants will be started wrong. Many will be badly managed and many will be organized where there is no need for them.”
This early attempt at industrial regulation reflects the same tension Kennewick and the Tri-Cities face today as they grapple with rapid economic expansion—trying to balance growth with market stability to avoid a 'bust' after a 'boom'.
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