We are all part of an intricate machine called the Economic System. In this respect, Roebling is typical of industry in our free economy. Every time we make and sell a length of wire rope, a coil of wire, a reel of power cable, supply wire and strand for prestressing concrete or build a ski lift, not only are Roebling people affected, but a host of others-- from the miner who digs the coal that fires our furnaces to the mail man who delivers a check to our door."


Each of the folowing numbers corresponds to a number on the blackboard. Select them to learn about the impact each portion of Roebling's spending has on the intricate economic machine.


Salaries and Wages
Roebling directly employs thousands of people, whose wages and salaries are essential to the personal well-being, as well as to the community's welfare. This is the money that pays for the numerous items of every day living...homes, cars, heat and light, clothing, bicycles, food, vacations. In turn, this money provides a livliehood for the man who runs the record shop, the reporter, the butcher, the baker and ice cream maker.

Production Materials
Others are affected financially when we buy the materials that are needed to manufacture our products. Money spent in this way helps to pay the gas man, miners, railroaders, truckers, salesmen.

Taxes
Then there is the money that Roebling pays to the various branches of government in taxes. This is the money that provides postal service, schools, highways, water departments--that gives us the protection of our military men, our policemen and fire fighters.

Pensions and Social Benefits
The money set aside for pensions is an industry's share in the protection of men and women, who, after being on the job for many years, retire to enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Social benefits include life insurance payments, participation in hospital and temporary disability plans and similar services.
Of course, in turn, this money is paid out of doctor's fees, fishing tackle, legal advice, and the usual, daily expenses of a family.

Wear and Tear on Equipment
Now we come to an item marked wear and tear on equipment. This means that old father time takes a toll of machinery and motors, typewriters and furniture, so funds must be set aside to replace them. Back into circulation goes the money--to manufacturers of filing cabinets, cement, trucks, brick, to name a few.

Bond Interest and Expense
It is the custom in business to borrow money for plant expansion, the development of new and more products, and other products that are necessary to maintain a competitive position in its field. Interest paid on such loans helps to support banks and other financial institutions.

All Other Supplies
The firm's contributions to the United fund, Red Cross, the war against polio and other diseases, and a long list of other humanitarian efforts are included here.
This figure also includes the purchases of paper, telephone services, printing, all forms of advertising, promotion and marketing, paint, lumber, freightage, soap, and the thousands of other materials and services that are essential to the processing, fabricating and sales of our products--to good housekeeping--and to the maintenance of our plants and offices.
Profit
Making wire and wire products is our business. It's the way we get our income and pay our bills, and make a profit--or suffer a loss.
To run a successful business, a profit must be realized. It's the incentive that keeps our free enterprise system going. Without profits business becomes stagnant; our prosperity, our hopes for better living, and even our security are placed in jeopardy.