Reviewing Argus Progress

All departments in the plant are now engaged in a cost-reduction program. In this connection, there have been some reductions in personnel, predominantly in the salaried departments. No further reductions of this type are contemplated. All of us are looking, however, for other types of cost where substantial reductions can be made. This cost-reduction program has, of cour se, been the subject of much discussion throughout the plant. I have heard rumor s that sales we re bad and that the Company was in poor financial condition. There is no truth in either of these rumors. Sales have been running on forecast, and commercial sales are ahead of last year. We have, as you all know, not yet released full production on the new C-44 camera. Had we been able to fill the orders we have had for that camera, our sales volume would have been substantially higher. We have been building inventory for the last few months, in accordance with our recent practice of building substantial inventories during the first half of the calendar year in order to avoid, as much as possible, lay-offs right af ter Christmas. This inventory is just reaching its peak. It should begin to go down steadily as we get into the Christmas selling season. All indications point to a good season this Christmas. There has been a slow-down in the Detroit área because of the reduced automobile sales, but elsewhere throughout the country general business conditions are good.

Many of our costs have increased in recent years. Wage costs have gone up steadily. Our vendors, too, have granted wage increases, which has resulted in higher prices of everything we buy. To keep our company strong and healthy in the future, we are engaged in an active new product program, and the cost of engineering and tooiing some of these new products will not result in sales for a year or more. We cannot materially increase the price of our present products because the Argus reputation has been based on giving the best value for the dollar, and higher selling prices would put us out of line with our competition. The increased costs of wages and the high introductory costs of these new products must be paid for by reducing costs in other areas. That is the purpose behind the present cost-reduction program. The first step in our cost-reduction program was a decisión to close our Germán plant. Although we have remained optimistic about the future success of that Company, its continuance at this time cannot be justified when we are making every effort to reduce expenses. The Company!s financial condition is excellent. We owe very little money. Our sales have increased steadily, and we have exciting new products in the months to come. These products will do much to make Argus an even better name in the photographic industry.

More June Graduates

May, June Ideas Net $618 In Suggestion Awards

Jim Sieloff, Production Control, received a $66.93 suggestion award for suggesting that light shields be made out of some material that had been scrapped. Other May awards were as follows: Don Clark, Machine Shop-$17; Francés Vining, Service- $16; Chester Linden, Safety $1 5; Catherine Stotts, Final Inspection- $14 plus a $25 bonus week savings bond; Joann Salyer, Paint Shop- $13.50; Don Bortles, Chemical Processing- $12.68 and $10; and Ventura Brown, Mail $10. Marguerite Fisher and Mary Anne Eschelbach of Sales headed the June suggestion award parade by winning $245.03 fortheir suggestion concerning a new method of processing orders in the Sales Department. A check for $70. 29 went to Lillian Ehrlich, C-4 Camera Assembly, for her suggestion that the collimating operations on the C-4 and C-44 rangefinders be combined. John Kerns, Polishing, received a suggestion award of $22.83. His suggestion brought about the use of a three-inch mold in making polishing laps. A $20 award and a $25 savings bond went to Elton Guenther, Polishing, for his suggestion concerning a method of removing flint and piano polishing tools f rom spindles. Other June awards went to: Darwin Cox, Production Control-$12. 50; Glenn Eastman, Tool Room- $12 plus a $25 savings bond; and Dan Smith, Machine $10. 98. The following people received $10 awards: Art Der s ham, Service; Ernest Billau, Polishing; Margaret Crumley, Cleaning and Inspection; Lucille Harvey, Cleaning and Inspection; and Ken Rice, Polishing. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family of William Dixon, who died June 5. Bill retired from the Company last year. Bill Jr. works in the Service Department.

About The Cover

Eddie Girvan took the July cover photo at the Family Picnic.

You Asked Andy

I have some long ones this month so F 11 jump right in. Radios at State Street Warehouse "Why should we be deprived of a radio set at the State Street warehouse where it isn't bothering any other department? We all feel we have less conveniences than those working at the plant, such as a beautiful air-conditioned cafeteria with soft music playing; also a first-aid room with cots when one is ill and nice rest rooms to relax in on rest periods. In case of tornado warnings we haven't the P.A. System to notify us; also during the World Series, no one to keep us posted on scores. We have used consideration by playing the radio softly and use it mainly to hear the news broadcasts. Can you see any harm in our having a radio?" Torn Spitier told me that radios were recently removed from all areas of our plants and warehouse. The desirability of radios probably could be debated at some length. However, I don't think there is much question that news reports, baseball games, or any talking tend to interfere with our work. At least this is generally recognized in industry as a poor practice. Attempts are made to provide music where it is possible, such as in our Plant I Cafeteria. We donTt have music in all rest areas; therefore the State Street Warehouse is not being singled out as the only area lacking music. As for emergency notices, the State Street personnel will be advised by telephone as to any necessary precautions they should take. Paging System '1 suggest that when Argus personnel are paged on the chatter-box it is many times more effective if the message is repeated a second consecutive time. The first time usually serves only to alert the subject to listen closely the second time." I talked with Beulah Newman and with the switchboard operators about this one. There are two reasons why they all feit that two consecutive pages would be impractical. First, nearly half of the operator Ts time at the switchboard is taken up paging employees. If that work were to be doubled, the operator wouldnTt be able to handle her other duties. Second, the operators report very few calis to the switchboard asking that the message be repeated. They assume from this that the majority of pages are heard by the persons involved. The operators have a record of each page and can give you any information you need if you have heard your name but not the message. Cafeteria Prices and Service In reference to the question regarding the Cafeteria prices and service, Ray Higgins points out that the prices charged in the Cafeteria are generally the same as those charged prior to the Korean War period. We all know that prices for food have risen considerably since that time. The only exception is that coffee was raised 1L per cup to 7L. Sometimes I wonder if we actually realize what the prices of different items of food do cost us. Ray made up the following menus giving examples of different possibilities for lunch: Pork Chop $.30 Beef Stew $.25 Roast Beef Potato 05 Potato 05 or Ham $.35 Vegetable 05 Vegetable 05 Potato 05 Bread & Butter . . .05 Bread & Butter . . .05 Vegetable 05 Coffee 07 Coffee 07 Bread & Butter . . .05 Coffee 07 $.52 $.47 f757 Tax .02 Tax .01 Tax .02 754 $.48 $.59 Pie 20? and 15? Milk 10? and 15? In fact, Ray is sporting enough to be willing to compare his prices with restaurant prices in the area. Although certain restaurants may specialize in one item (such as hamburger stands) and serve that item at a low cost, the complete menu would average out pretty well, with some items being higher and some lower. Those of you who have occasion to eat downtown in some of the local restaurants might like to bring in a menu to compare the prices of the two establishments. I guess that about covers it. Fll be taking off on that vacation pretty soon. You too, I guess. I don!t think I have to teil you to have a good time.

Museum Director Takes C-44 Camera To Guatemala

Professor T. H. Hubbell, Director of the University of Michigan Museums, recently visited Argus. Dr. Hubbell carried an engineering model of the C-44 camera on an expedition into Guatemala and the Yucatán peninsula, where it was subjected to subtropical climatic conditions . (Above) Examining the camera, a wide-angle lens, a rotary viewfinder and an L-3 light meter, which came through the field test in excellent shape, are (left to right) Jim Meidrum, Professor Hubbell, Frank Ammerman, Eddie Girvan, and Charles Rippel.

U Of M Heart Specialist Pays Visit To Argus

Another recent visitor to Argus was Dr. Anastasius S. Dontas of the University of Michigan Hospital, who is shown above with Andy Kokinakes. Dr. Dontas, who is a research fellow of the American Heart Association, has developed a new method for detecting heart disease.

Selling Argus Products In Cuba

Tom Rentes Elected To Order Of Ahepa Post

Torn Kentes, Service, was elected lieutanant governor of the Order of Ahepa at their 25th annual convention held in Flint last month. Mrs. Kentes was elected district governor to the Daughters of Penelope at their convention held at the same time.

Girl Scout Receives Top Scouting Honors

The impressive array of Girl Scout merit badges and awards in the photo at left belongs to Jo Ann Koernke, 13year-old daughter of Phyllis Koernke, Camera Assembly. Jo Ann, who is a member of Troup #6 in Manchester, has been Scouting for five years and has now earned every award which it is possible for a Girl Scout to receive. This includes a curved

bar and a five-year pin, in addition to 16 merit badges.

Halman, Grimston Win Top Jcc Positions

Irv Halman, Accounting, recently assumed the post of President of the Ann Arbor Junior Chamber of Commerce. Jack Grimston, Inventory Control, is Chairman of the Board of Directors. Both Irv and Jack recently attended the National JCC Convention in Kansas City.

"40 And 8" Group Elects Farrell Chef De Train

Bud Farrell, Service, was elected Chef de Train of the Washtenaw County "40 and 8M groupof the American Legión last month. He is also Service Officer for the Dexter Legión Post #557.

Bob Cuny Heads Ja Executive Committee

Bob Cuny, Engineering, has been named Chairman of the Executive Committee of Junior Achievement in Ann Arbor. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, Inc. The Southeastern Michigan corporation is the largest JA center in the United States. As Chairman of the Executive Committee Bob will direct the Ann Arbor JA operations. There are eight JA groups in Ann Arbor. The Ann Arbor JA groups are looking forward to the completion of a new work center on Fourth Avenue, which will house the equipment used in the manufacture of their products. Other Argus employees who are working with sponsor ed JA groups as advisors include Ralph Parsons, Linares Johnson, Will

Dyke, Dick Wood, Dick Dorow, Ginny Lau, Sue Rau, Alex Krezel, Harold Hale, Chuck McClune, and Wes Donaldson.

Congratulations! On Your Argus Anniversary

NOT PICTURED: Angeline Milligan, Punch Press, celebrated her fifth year with Argus in May.

Argus Folks Get Sunny Weather For Family Picnic At Independence

Play Safe!

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WE WANT YOU BACK ÍN OOOP WORKIMG ORDER 1

Wedding Bells

Joanne OTDell, Machine Shop, was mar ried May 19 to Robert C. Moor e of Chelsea. The wedding took place in the Zion Lutheran Church. The couple honeymooned in northern Michigan and are now living in Chelsea. Co-workers in the Machine Shop gave Joanne many lovely gifts in honor of the occasion. (See photo above.)

Gladys Umstead (Switchboard) and Rupe Cutler (Sales) were married March 23 in Fremont, Ohio. The couple honeymooned at Niágara Falls. They are shown above admiring the electric coffee maker given to them by co-workers at Argus.

Janice Wright (daughter of Frank, Machine Shop) was wed June 16 to Edwin Mead of Grass Lake. The ceremony took place at the Grass Lake Methodist Church. The couple honeymooned in northern Michigan and are now living in Grass Lake. Bradley Stevens, Polishing, married Barbara Swinkowski of Detroit in Ann Arbor on May 5. Paul Mason and his wife were attendants at the wedding.

A son, Lester John, was born April 3 to Ann Milligan, Machine Shop. He weighed in at 8 lbs. , 10 oz. Torn (Planning) and Edna Goetz (formerly C-4 Camera Assembly) are proud parents of a baby girl, Diane Marie. Diane was born April 20 weighing 7 lbs., 6-12 oz.

Janet Elise Mclntyre was born April 30 weighing 7 lbs. , 8 oz. Father Bob works in the Machine Shop.

Amual Bergey, Machine Shop, has a daughter, Beverly Anne, born May 20. Beverly weighed in at 8 lbs., 7 oz.

John E. Wood, Jr. weighed in at 9 lbs., 14-12 oz. on May 25. Papa John works in Polishing. Switchboard operator Evelyn Weindorf's daughter Gail Ann arrived May 27. She weighed 4 lbs. , 3 oz. Ralph Parsons' (Paint Shop) son James Craig was born June 8. He weighed in at 8 lbs., 3 oz.

Dick Jennings, Engineering, has a daughter Nancy Hardy. She weighed in at 7 lbs., 1 oz. on June 16.

"careless Clem" Says

"When moving an electric fan don't shut off the power. Fingers stuck in the spinning blades make the funniest sound!"

By Don Crump Her e are the events and winners at the men's golf outing held at Lakeiand Golf Course on June 2.

Event Winners Prizes LOW GROSS Dick Leggett, Joe Detweiler, (actual Bob Nickels 40 Camera score) Dick Leggett won the draw Umbrella LOW NET Joe Detweiler, lst Putter (actual Ron Kauf man, 2nd Umbrella score Leonard Thomas, 3rd 3 golf balls less Aaron Otts, 4th Hood covers handicap) Russell Conley, 5th Rain jacket Bill Ambrazevich, 6th Ball marker Ray Clark, 7th Golf ball Carlos Chapman, 8th Golf ball Torn Heermans, 9th Golf ball LOW PUTTS Neil Navarre and Don Crump FOR NINE tied with 13 putts. HOLES Neil won the draw. Score keeper BLIND HOLES Joe Lyons Hood covers Russ Bullis Hood covers Chuck McClune 3 golf balls Norm Symons 3 golf balls CHIPPING Bill Courtright, lst Ball retriever CONTEST Gene Rossbach, 2nd Rain jacket BLIND PUTTING Marvin Geiger 3 golf balls CONTEST SPECIAL Eugene Kline Golf meter ING CONTEST FOUR HOLE Joe Dobransky Golf meter PUTTING (There were six tied in the four-hole putCONTEST ting: Torn Spitier, Morrie Howe, George Calado, Roger Westphal, Don Kane, and Joe Dobransky.) HOLE-IN-ONE Joe Dobransky, lst $14. 75 CONTEST Dick Leggett, 2nd 10. 00 (closest to hole) Russ Bullis, 3rd 5. 00 BLIND BOGEY Kirk Fisher, Bill Courtright, SCORE Aaron Otts, Don Crump, Norm Symons, and Dick Leggett $2.35 each

Sports Review

Tuesday, 5:00 League

Wednesday, 3:30 League

Wednesday, 5:00 League

Softball Manager O'Donnell has shaped the Argus Softball Team into afineworking unit. To support this f act, they have won the first three games with one Mno hitter. " Pitcher Gayle Nelson pitched to only 21 batters with 15 strike outs. With such a fine showing, the team should have a larger following. Let's make it a point to go to the next game. Watch the poster in the main lobby for the nights of play. List of Players Catcher: M. Robinson Pitchers: Nelson Eskin Foor Infielders: Kalmbach Bock Yates Geiger Gregory Outfielders: Allen Haworth Nordman Zemke Swansey Fraser Schneider Scott

Argus Eyes

Published monthly for the employees of Argus Cameras, Inc. and their families. Editor - Millie Haynie REPORTERS: Machine Shop - DOROTHY LIXEY, Camera Assembly - RUTH O' HARE, Purchasing - DOLORES HELZERMAN, Lens Processing - BETTY SHATTUCK, Maintenance - EMIL JOHNSON, Optical Assembly-Inspection, JEAN FITZGERALD, Engineering - JIM MELDRUM, Standards - VIRGINIA BIRNEY, Production Planning - PATT DUCHARME, Tool Room - BILL FIKE, Shipping - HILDA WHITE, Accounting - BEULAH NEWMAN, Service - TOM KENTES, Suggestion Office - ART PARKER, Jr., Govt. Opt. Assembly - THRESSEL CONLEY, Sales - IRMA THIBODEAU, State Street Warehouse - BOB MILLER, Paint Shop - RON ARNST, Night Shift - ART SELENT and LEO WIEDERHOFT. Feature writers: Robert Lewis, Andy Argus, Don Crump Photoprinting: Jan Gala

Argus Cameras, Inc.

ANN ARBOR. MICHIGAN Return Postage Guaranteed Wil mot Gray 306 Maple Riige Ann Arborf Mich

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First Aid Building Erected

(Left) Lewis Belleau adds human interest to this shot of the new first aid building at Independence Lake. This looking building is equipped with a cot and first aid kit. All of the credit for this wonde rf ui addition to the lake area goes to Herman Bauer and Elmer Kalmbach (see photo below left), who constructed the entire building. A great big thank you is in order for Herm and Elmer for the time, energy, and talent which they so willingly contributed. You did a fine job, boys, and we all appreciate iU

Black and white prints of any photos published in Argus Eyes may be obtained for 7 cents each by filling out the coupon below and taking it to the Personnel Services Office. Photo Coupon Name Dept. No. of Prints

Lifeguard

(Above) On lifeguard duty at Independence Lake this summer is Dwayne Berner. Either Dwayne or Dick McClurg (whose picture appeared in last monthTs ARGUS EYES) is on duty at the lake every day during the week and both are present on week-ends.

The lifeguards would like to remind employees that swimmers under six must be personally supervised by an adult. Also, a great many pieces of broken glass andother sharp objects have been found on the beach and in the water in the bathing area. We all know how dangerous this situation can be and the Recreation Club would like to ask the cooperation of everyone who uses the lake facilities in keeping the bathing area clean and safe.