PRESENT: Deborah Reynolds, Bob Will, Chip Berquist, Bess Sprockett, 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 8:05 by President Deborah Reynolds.

Treasurer’s Report — Bob Will reported a balance of $2,116.67 from the last meeting. Income during the month totaled $1,838.73 with expenses of $468.54, leaving a current balance of $3,486.86. Bob also reported that most of the income came from membership renewals. There are currently 42 paid members.

Communications Report — Chip Berquist needs all newsletter articles submitted by February 27. The newsletter will go out on March 4. It was decided that each newsletter will contain a short article about the business featured at the previous general meeting.

Programs — Deborah asked that the corresponding secretary write thank you notes to invited speakers. She will contact Gail Jacobs regarding this issue.

After very little coaxing, Denise Cagle agreed to help set up the program for upcoming general meetings. Bess Sprockett will check on the availability of a representative from the Employers Resource Association to speak at the March 14 meeting. Suggestions for future speakers included Alicia Reece, the Vice-Mayor of Cincinnati, Courtis Fuller, past Mayoral candidate of Cincinnati and Judge Patrick Dinkelacher. Bess suggested possibly combining meetings with another business association if we wanted to bring in a paid speaker.

President Reynolds will attend the Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce meeting on February 21 and invited others to attend also.

Lunch meetings will be held at the May, July and November meetings.

Strategic Plan — Nothing new at this point. Bess to meet with Deanna Kuennen, Development Services Director for Springfield Township.

Membership — Board members have brought in a few new members so far this year. Denise Cagle has invited a possible new member to attend the next meeting. The company is Edwards-Jones Investment Company.

New Business — Melanie McNulty gave the dates of this summer’s Groovin’ at the Grove events: Friday, July 12 and Friday, August 16. The Township is planning to celebrate Ohio’s Bicentennial at one of the events in 2003. Melanie also mentioned that the date for the Great American Clean-up is Saturday, April 27, and plans are underway for Township participation.

The Springfield Township Citizens Police Academy Alumni sent a program from their dance in November. STBA purchased a quarter page ad at $60. CPA is asking to increase that amount for the next dance in November. They plan to bring a few fire-fighters from NYFD, and their spouses, to Cincinnati for the dance. Chip Berquist made the motion to increase our ad to a one-half page at a cost of $100. Bess Sprockett seconded and the motion passed by unanimous vote.

Deborah reported that she was approached by a woman from Winton Woods High School asking for a STBA membership mailing list to request money to sponsor students for a dinner. As was previously decided, STBA does not give out this mailing list except to current member of the association.

President’s Thoughts — President Reynolds would like to see the business association offer training, educational activities or workshops for small businesses. In her opinion, people will attend if you show them how to make a profit.

Next General Meeting — March 14, 2002 at Sunrise Assisted Living. Breakfast meeting beginning at 8:00 A.M. There was discussion on what to provide, and if STBA could pay or have those attending pay a nominal fee. It was decided to provide a hot breakfast buffet, but method of payment will be decided on prior to the newsletter going out.

It was also decided upon to open each meeting with The Pledge of Allegiance.

Meeting adjourned at 9:15.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie McNulty, Recording Secretary