SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GENERAL MEETING – NOVEMBER 10, 2005

The lunch meeting was held at Waycross Community Media.

After lunch, the meeting was called to order at 12:08 P.M. by president Rhys Reynolds. Ms. Reynolds asked all in attendance to introduce themselves, state what business they represented and tell something about the business. There were twelve members in attendance.

President’s Report –

Rhys informed the members that two (2) general meetings, one in May and one in November, will be held each year. At various times throughout the year the Chamber will offer informal networking opportunities and social activities.

She reminded members that the website address is www.springfieldtwpchamber.org Check the website for updates and information.

Treasurer’s Report – Bob Will gave the following report:

Balance as of last general meeting $2,225.44

Income $1,506.59

Expenses $1,066.81

Balance $2,665.22

Election of Officers and Trustees –

Gene Burton made the motion to accept the following slate of candidates for the Board. Bob Will seconded and the motion passed.

The new officers and trustees are:

• President – Rhys Reynolds (Howard Reynolds Associates)
• Vice President – Laura Kinney (Curves – Finneytown)
• Treasurer – Chip Berquist (Waycross Community Media)
• Recording Secretary – Melanie McNulty (Springfield Township)
• Corresponding Secretary – Scott Finke (Brentwood Printing)

Trustees:

• Chris Vogelsang (North Minster Presbyterian Church Family Life Center)
• Nancy Phillips (Sunrise Assisted Living – Finneytown)
• Jeff McKanna (Edward Jones)

New Business –

• (For discussion at December Board meeting) To get more interest from members to run for the Board, President Reynolds brought up the idea of offering a 50% discount on dues to a person who takes a position on the Board.
• (For discussion at December Board meeting) Another idea is to offer members a 5% discount on dues for each new member they get to join the Chamber.
• A business bulletin board will be set-up on the STCC website. This will allow members to sell unwanted business furniture, office machines and other items. Members could also advertise job openings on the site.
• A STCC membership drive will begin at the end of this month.

RCP (Regional Commerce Partnership) Update:

• Several Chamber of Commerce members attended the October 19^th RCP meeting. STCC was the host Chamber at the luncheon meeting.
• The Springfield Township Chamber of Commerce will join the RCP for 2006. Some advantages to being a member include quarterly meetings with dynamic speakers, networking opportunities and the RCP business guide published yearly.
• The next RCP event is the Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 14^th at Dave and Buster’s. Party begins at 11:30 A.M.

Speakers –

• Chris Gilbert, Springfield Township Development Services Director, gave the following township update:
• Winton Road corridor – Updated Brentwood Plaza, new Kroger, new Fire and Administration Building, Panera Bread, Grady Veterinary Hospital, Woody’s Express Car Wash. Township also has a new Service Facility on Compton Road.
• The old Kroger has been sold, but owners do not know what it will be yet. Possibly know by January.
• New Plan Realty, owners of Brentwood Plaza, is planning to purchase the old Fire Building. No definite plans as yet, but possibly will be a bank. Will not be a restaurant due to poor access.
• Hamilton Avenue and Waycross – working with Forest Park on a strategic plan for the area.
• Vine Street corridor study underway to determine what types of businesses would locate there. The old Hardee’s at the corner of Vine and Compton will be a barbecue restaurant to open in February or March of 2006.
• Valleydale street improvements are complete, as are those on Stella and Marie Avenues off of North Bend Road.
• Township property maintenance code in place as well as township zoning.
• Mr. Gilbert asked business owners to call or e-mail him with any concerns they may have. Telephone – 522-1410; E-mail – cgilbert@springfieldtwp.org

• Robert Leininger, Fire Chief, spoke about Springfield Township’s Emergency Operations Plan. The township has an in depth plan in place in the event of a disaster. Have learned form other disasters and continue to revise the plan as needed.
• Chief Leininger thanked residents and businesses for their support of the Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort. The township raised 3 tons of needed items that were sent to the hurricane victims.

• Gene Burton, Will Agency, spoke about insurance protection for businesses. Mr. Burton stressed the need for insurance to cover businesses from a variety of disasters: floods, tornadoes, sewer and drain backups, surface water damage, etc. Businesses must check with their agents to determine exactly what is protected.

Announcements –

• Springfield Township is hosting its Eighth Annual Holiday Winter Festival at the Grove on Saturday, December 3^rd beginning at 12:30 in the afternoon. Line-up of events include:

Madcap puppet theatre at 12:30 in the Grove Hall

Pictures with Santa at 1:30 in the Senior Center Room A

Kids Krafts (ages 4 to 12) in the Senior Center Crafts Room

Tina Marie Dancers at 2:45 in the Grove Hall

Hay Wagon rides in the parking lot from 12:30 until 3:15

The meeting was adjourned at 1:10 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie McNulty,

Recording Secretary