PRESENT: Deborah Reynolds, Andy Boettcher, Bob Trenkamp, Chip Berquist, Karen Burton, Paul Berning and Melanie McNulty.

The meeting was held at the Springfield Township Administration Building and called to order at 8:15 A.M. by President Deborah Reynolds.

Treasurer’s Report — Treasurer Bob Will, could not attend due to son’s illness. No report given.

Communications — Chip Berquist reported that the deadline for articles for the November newsletter must be sent to him by Friday, October 31.

Programs — Deborah reported that Denise Cagle no longer works in the Springfield Township area and has left as Trustee for STBA. She has, however, asked up Judge Dinkelaker to swear in the new Board and Officers at the November meeting. President Reynolds may ask the Judge to speak at the meeting, also.

Another possible speaker for next year is Sam Martin, Superintendent of the Finneytown School District. She recently attended a meeting organized by Mr. Martin that involved representatives of many organizations within the school district and Springfield Township area. The purpose of the meeting was to get input on how the schools and community can work together to support each other.

Another idea proposed by Ms. Reynolds is to have joint general meetings with other Business Associations to get better attendance at the meetings and to have a better audience for guest speakers.

Membership — In Maggie Wesley’s absence, Deborah said that STBA must make more of an effort to get members to our meetings. Those at the Board meeting felt that lunch meetings have higher attendance. All general meetings in 2004 will be lunch meetings to see if that helps with attendance.

Currently, newsletters are sent to all township businesses, about 700. President Reynolds suggested sending invitations inviting all businesses to attend a meeting to see what the Association is about. She also suggested giving the newsletter a more professional look (different format) and have it printed on higher quality paper. She feels the content is good as is.

Land Use & Zoning — Bob Trenkamp said plans for the new Kroger store are moving forward, although no definite date is set to begin demolition of the Cheap Beds site.

Springfield Township’s new Fire Station and Administration Building is under construction, as is the Police Department addition. Winton Road corridor and streetscape plans are moving forward. Bob’s new office building on Compton Road will be open in a month.

There was no old business to discuss.

Regional Commerce Partnership (RCP) — Changes are proposed for the 2004 RCP directory. It will cost STBA approximately $750 to participate in the directory. That includes receiving 100 books for members and the printing costs. It is estimated that by selling 5 base adds, the Association’s costs will be recouped. Andy Boettcher made the motion that STBA be a part of the RCP 2004 Directory as stated in the proposal. Bob Trenkamp seconded and the motion passed.

Deborah mentioned that two members are planning to attend the RCP Luncheon on October 15.

Wednesday, December 10 is the RCP Holiday Party hosted by the Springdale Chamber of Commerce at the Best Western Hotel. Cost is yet to be determined. RCP is asking each Association to donate at least one door prize worth $25.

Elections — Elections of Officers and Trustees will take place at the November 13 general meeting. We will take nominations for the following positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary and four Trustees. The following people have shown an interest in running: Deborah Reynolds, Andy Boettcher, Bob Will, Karen Burton, Leo Broerman, Bill Shroyer, Paul Berning and Melanie McNulty. Bob Trenkamp and Chip Berquist offered to serve again, however, both would prefer not to due to work demands.

Chamber of Commerce — Deborah continues to pursue the idea of the STBA becoming a Chamber of Commerce. She has contacted Laura Abrams, Springfield Township legal council, to help with the legal issues.

Holiday Winter Festival at the Grove — The date is Sunday, December 7 from 12:30 — 5:30. Melanie asked if the Business Association would work the beverage booth this year. A sign-up sheet will be passed around at the November meeting for workers.

For Groovin’ at the Grove, sign up sheets will be circulated so the booth has definite times for people to work.

City of Wyoming — Andy Boettcher reported that Wyoming’s Cityscape project recently opened. It has created a definite business district complete with off street parking.

Next Meeting — The next general meeting is at 11:30 A.M. on Thursday, November 13 at Waycross studios. Karen Burton will organize the food and Waycross will provide the drinks. Cost is $7.00 per person.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:20.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie McNutly

Recording Secretary