Background of the Ben Franklin Electric Club.

 The business depression of the early 1930s left Northern California's electrical supply industry in a regrettably unprincipled condition.  Some manufacturers totally ignored their own published price sheets. Erratic pricing was the norm. Concerned distributors, hoping to restore rhyme and reason to inconsistent costs of goods, urged manufacturers and representatives to organize "Get Together Clubs", socialize on a person-to-person basis and ultimately regain a basis of integrity. Not to restrain trade, but to bring about stability in a needlessly chaotic market.

 At the February 1936 NAED meeting at the old Del Monte Hotel inMonterey, a group of four manufacturer field representatives heeded the urging of these distributors.  They prepared a list of potential charter members, issued invitations to join, and began holding meetings.  This resulted in the formation the Ben Franklin Electric Club of Northern California, an organization having no outside affiliations. Membership was limited to manufacturers whose policy was to sell through distributors - their local and regional marketing managers and the independent professionals representing them.  The object of the Club was stated as "the promotion of friendly relations and social activities between its members and the dissemination of knowledge concerning electrical materials".

 Luncheon meetings were held on the first Wednesday of each month: From 1936 to 1962 at the Bellevue Hotel in San Francisco, and between 1963 and 1970 at DiMaggio's, opposite Fishermans' Wharf.  In 1971 the meeting place was moved to the South San Francisco Inn for freeway access and ease of parking.  From 1974 to 2000 the meetings were held at the Elk's Club in South San Francisco.  The monthly meetings are currently held on the first Monday of the month at the Elk's Club in Alameda.   Meeting Address & Directions

If you enjoy making friends in the electrical industry and want to meet monthly in a social setting, then the Ben Franklin Electric Club of Northern California could be for you.  If you qualify and are interested in joining and participating in this dynamic organization, please request an  application form and fax/mail it to the Membership Committee Chairman.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any member or call the Membership Committee Chairman.  We look forward to your participation in this Club.

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Ben Franklin Electric Club

of Northern California

The Ben Franklin Electric Club of Northern California was established in 1936 and is a thriving community of professional salespeople, executives, and Manufacturer Representatives from reputable Electrical and Telecommunications Manufacturers.  Membership also includes Trade Publications' Representatives and Advertising Agencies' Representatives, as well as Honorary Members.

 Some of the activities of the Club are:

·         Monthly industry luncheon meetings in Alameda

·         Annual Summer Golf Tournament

·         Annual Industry Christmas Luncheon (annually since 1938!)

·         Family activities including picnics, Horseracing, Theme Parks, Ballgames, etc.

·         Fund raising activities for Charitable Organizations

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Rosters UPDATED
Nov. 6, 2009