PRESENT: Deborah Reynolds, Bob Will, Bob Trenkamp, Denise Cagle, Karen Burton and Melanie McNulty.

The meeting was called to order at 8:07 a.m. by President Reynolds.

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

Balance as of last meeting $2,219.03

Income (dues/ads) 2,149.08

Expenses 689.32

Current balance $3,678.79

To date there are 38 members. Bob has sent invoices to businesses that requested RCP ads. Ads must be in by February 28.

Programs: Denise Cagle reported that the next meeting is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. in Room A of the Senior Center. Elizabeth Nichols of New Plan Realty will be the guest speaker. The May general meeting will feature Michael Hinnenkamp and Deanna Kuennen as speakers. They will update STBA members on current plans and development in the township.

Denise hopes to schedule an informal STBA get together for this summer. She will ask others to help with its planning.

Land Use & Zoning: Bob Trenkamp reported that a great deal of activity is going on in the township with road improvements to the Winton Road corridor, new buildings and the streetscape plan. Mr. Bill Shroyer is interested in sitting on the Land Use and Zoning Committee. Bob Trenkamp will talk to him.

Membership: Karen Burton reported that seven new members have joined the Association this year. She contacted two of them about highlighting their business in the next newsletter. Sign Depot/Affordable Wireless will be the featured business.

Bob Will plans to send a second membership notice on March 1^st. Ms. Reynolds will send all membership information to Karen to keep her records updated.

Speakers: President Reynolds introduced Michael Hinnenkamp and Deanna Kuennen. The topic of discussion is what role township government should play in the business community.

• Mr. Hinnenkamp feels it was the township‘s place to help get the Association started, but once it got rolling, he felt it was proper to step back and let it develop on it’s own.
• Government should not be the governing body of the organization.
• Asked for input about what STBA feels the Township’s role should in the organization now.
• Bob Will feels the relationship has been good. He suggested that perhaps the Township could do more to attract new business to the area.

Deborah Reynolds spoke to the idea of making the business community more attractive for businesses.

• There area no companies located in Springfield Township, such as Staples or Kinko’s, where a small business can do necessary printing.
• There are no restaurants in which to take clients, except Applebee’s.
• There are no places to conduct business.
• How can the STBA be a part of bringing these types of businesses to Springfield Township?
• Deborah added that in other cities and municipalities, chambers of commerce host large events. For example, the Columbus Chamber holds a Ribs and Jazz Fest each year.

Denise Cagle and Bob Trenkamp feel the Township and Business Association should partner together to understand each others wants and needs. Mr. Hinnenkamp agreed, but added that the Township Trustees do not want to bring government to the business community.

Bob Will asked what the Township is doing to attract businesses. Mr. Hinnenkamp replied that they cannot give tax incentives except to the light industrial area on Hamilton Avenue. These businesses include Hilman Fasteners and Carr Tool Company.

Springfield Township hopes to create a TIF District to help generate more taxes for such plans as the streetscape improvements. Businesses want these improvements. If the "front door" is improved it will attract new businesses and shoppers to the area.

Discussion took place about empty businesses along Winton Road such as the car wash and Perkins. The owners do not want to sell and there is no zoning code to force the owners to keep the properties looking good.

Deanna Kuennen told the Board that the brochure developed last March by the Township may be sent to businesses wanting to relocate in the area. The Township will give these to STBA for distribution.

Mike Hinnenkamp said there are now multiple businesses competing for the Cheap Beds property. Walgreens is also looking for a location to build on Winton Road. He said the Township is available to help businesses get through the Hamilton County process of obtaining permits.

Mr. Hinnenkamp then invited the group to view the plans and model of the new Fire Station and Administration Building.

Ms. Reynolds reported that she has received information about the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance and will continue to look into what the requirements are to become a Chamber of Commerce. There are many benefits to becoming a chamber such as health insurance and dental and vision insurance plans.

Deborah showed the Board a copy of last year’s RCP Directory she received

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30.

The next general meeting is scheduled for March 13 at 8:00 a.m. in Room A of the Senior Center.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie McNulty

Recording Secretary