The Vegetable Growers Supply Co held a directors meeting on December 16, 1918 at the Odd Fellows Hall, 7001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, but starting late at 9:00 PM after President J. P. Smith called the the group to order. The board appointed two board members to make a trip to Wisconsin to “see the mill owners” and find out of the company could procure box lumber and at what prices. Nic Schmidt and J. P. Molitor were appointed and provided with $3 per day ($55 in 2021 dollars) plus traveling expenses.

In anticipation of upcoming contracts to get the business started, the directors voted to direct the treasurer to get a surety bond for $10,000 ($183,000 in 2021 dollars). Also, the board directed to pay legal fees to Luther W. Benson for services to date as part of incorporation.

The board also appointed a committee of three, including the president J. P. Smith to look for a place to open business. J. P. Smith selected Michael Leider and Anthony Kremer to assist him in this search.

All minutes from here on out are handwritten, as only the incorporation minutes and typed.