SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Board of Directors Meeting – December 30, 2003

PRESENT: Deborah Reynolds, Andy Boettcher, Bob Will, Karen Burton, Nancy Phillips and Melanie McNulty.

The meeting was hosted by President Deborah Reynolds, CJ and Chessy at their home.

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

Balance as of last board meeting $2,940.25

Income 73.80

Expenses (mailings) 353.05

Balance as of 12-11-03 $2,661.00

Discussion followed regarding the dues structure of the Business Association. All board members were in agreement to keep the current amounts: $35.00: 1 – 5 employees; $50.00: 6 – 25 employees; $75.00: 26 or more employees. The dues schedule may be restructured when/if the Business Association becomes a Chamber of Commerce and can offer more benefits to its members.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Communications – No report. We still need someone to take this position. Chip Berquist will remain until another person is appointed.

Discussion took place concerning a new membership brochure and updating the website. Ed Lutz at Exodus Online Services handles the website.

Deborah would like to consolidate mailings in January. To current members – a letter about membership in the STBA, a letter about the Regional Commerce Partnership (RCP) and dues renewal notice. Bob will send these out when all letters are ready.

Also, a new informational brochure is being planned to promote the Business Association and to give or send out to prospective members.

Programs – President Reynolds asked Nancy Phillips to take over this committee. Nancy agreed and will line up speakers/presenters for each general meeting in 2004.

Land Use & Zoning – No “official” report. Deborah gave a short update on the situation concerning the vacant Cheap Beds and Furniture location. Legal negotiations have reopened between New Plan Realty and Bigg’s. Where is Kroger in all of this mess? We’ll have to wait for the outcome……………again! Melanie reported that the SCIP Grant that Hamilton County had hoped to receive to begin roadwork on the Winton Road corridor was not awarded to them. The county will apply for funding again next year.

OLD BUSINESS

There was no old business to discuss.

NEW BUSINESS

· Two requests were received asking for donations from the Business Association.

1. Request from three Finneytown High School cheerleaders who plan to attend “Cheer Hawaii.” Girls need to raise $8,000 for the event. Winton Savings and Loan, Sunrise Assisted Living and Powel Crosley YMCA will donate items for a “spirit basket” to be raffled off at an upcoming basketball game as part of the cheerleader’s fund raising plan. This will be offered as a donation from the three businesses and the Business Association.

2. Request from Mrs. Hug, Hug Jewelers (STBA member), for help with “scholarships” for eighth grade students at Finneytown Junior High School. Class trip is planned to Washington D.C. and some good students cannot afford to participate. The Business Association will donate $100 to this cause.

· Andy Boettcher reported that he and Bob Trenkamp had discussed and set up the following list of criteria regarding requests for donations from the Business Association.

1. The request for donation must benefit people in our community.
2. The request for donation must have an educational benefit.
3. The request for donation must benefit children/young adults in our community.

• Deborah Reynolds read a note from Deanna Kuennan, former Development Services Director for Springfield Township, thanking the Business Association for the going away gift of a pen and pencil set. Deanna left during Thanksgiving week.

The next general meeting is on Thursday, January 8 at 11:30 A.M. at Sunrise Assisted Living.

The meeting was adjourned by President Reynolds at 9:20 A.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie McNulty

Recording Secretary