PRESENT: Deborah Reynolds, Bob Will, Chip Berquist, Bob Trenkamp, Don Huff, Denise Cagle and Melanie McNulty.

The Board of Directors met at 8:00 A.M. in the Springfield Township Administration Building.

The meeting was called to order at 8:10 by President Deborah Reynolds. She thanked all for coming and for their efforts with the STBA.

Treasurer’s Report — Bob Will reported a previous balance of $3,233.20, with income of $244.91 and expenditures of $1,361.44. The current balance now stands at $2,116.67. He also reported 68 members to date. Profit from the drink booth at the Winter Festival had not been calculated as of this date.

Chip Berquist asked for an updated membership list for 2002. Deborah will speak to Maggie Wesley about updating the current membership spreadsheet as new applications are received and renewals made.

There was discussion about whether businesses located outside of Springfield Township are permitted to join the STBA and, if so, are they permitted to vote on issues? The by-laws show no requirements of being located in the Township. Ms. Reynolds will consult with past President, Joseph Gorman, about the interpretation and intention of the by-laws.

Zoning and Land Use — Bob Trenkamp reported about a recent meeting of the Finneytown Civic Association Land Use and Zoning Committee with Township Administrator Michael Hinnenkamp and Development Services Director Deanna Kuennan. Indications are that Springfield Township is becoming more involved in plans at Brentwood Plaza and with Nu-Plan Realty, the company that runs the plaza. Nu-Plan runs 26 other plazas and has not shown Brentwood to be a top priority. Another company has interest in purchasing the property from Nu-Plan. Brentwood Plaza is in a good location for businesses due to its proximity to Cross County Highway.

Another topic discussed at the Finneytown Civic meeting was whether the entire Township should be under its own zoning department, or should just adopt a property maintenance code to enforce laws about property upkeep. This is something currently being studied by Springfield Township.

Communications Report — Chip Berquist said articles for the next newsletter are due by December 28. The newsletter will be sent on December 31, 2001.

Deborah asked Chip to make note on anything sent via e-mail, that people should not reply to the list serve address, as everyone on the list receives the message. This is annoying for people not meant to get the mail.

Holiday Winter Festival at the Grove — Melanie McNulty reported that the Winter Festival went well. Maggie Wesley ran the drink booth for the STBA and had other Business Association members volunteer to work throughout the day.

New Business - Deborah Reynolds began discussion on how the Business Association could help publicize its member businesses. She brought up the idea of a having a video tape produced about member businesses, which would then be distributed to new residents of the Township. Don Huff will discuss the possibilities of this idea with Deborah. Another idea was to put together a booklet of Township businesses, with an asterisk next to the name of STBA members.

Chip Berquist brought up the fact that Waycross will be producing a monthly program, beginning in 2002, which will highlight businesses in Springfield Township. Barry Whitt will host the show. He also said that a business of the month could be highlighted.

Bob Will suggested we choose a business’ name out of a hat to be featured at each general meeting of the STBA. The owner would talk about their business at the meeting. They could also write a few lines about their business, to be included in the newsletter.

Meetings and Social Events - Discussion came up about attendance at the general meetings. It was decided to hold three breakfast meetings and three lunch meetings throughout the year. Hopefully, this will give more members an opportunity to attend.

In 2002 the STBA will host another picnic and a holiday party.

Next Meeting — The next general meeting will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2002 at 8:00 A.M. in Room A of the Senior Center. The topic will be "How to Market Your Business." Denise Cagle will ask Peggy Cravens, the Regional Marketing Director for Sunrise Assisted Living, to speak.

Melanie McNulty will speak to Deanna Kuennan about the Township’s plans for an informational packet, with a business directory included, which will be made available to Springfield Township residents. She will report on this at the January meeting.

Ms. Reynolds asked each Board member to make an effort to visit one business and ask them to become a member of the Springfield Township Business Association. Increasing membership for 2002 is our goal.

President Deborah Reynolds adjourned the meeting at 9:15.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie McNulty, Recording Secretary