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

The meeting was held at Sunrise Assisted Living and called to order at 8:13 a.m. by President Deborah Reynolds.

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

Balance as of last board meeting - $3,678.79

Income (mostly RCP ads) - $1,506.31

Expenses - $826.93

Current balance $4,358.17

STBA has 48 members paid to date.

Glendale dropped out of the RCP.

There was some discussion about how to get new members into the Business Association. Bob Will wants to send invoices to past members, not just last year’s members.

Programs: Denise Cagle reported that a representative from New Plan Realty will be the speaker at the May general meeting. Denise will contact Bob Kramer with the Toast Masters Speakers Bureau about possible future speakers. He recently spoke to members of the RCP.

Deborah told board members that Paula Mohr, President of the Glencoe Civic Association, asked if the STBA would consider holding workshops for residents of the Township to learn how to write a resume and apply for jobs. Andy said the YMCA does this type of programming for teens and could partner with the Business Association to put these types workshops on. Bob Will suggested a mortgage workshop for first time homebuyers, saying many people do not understand how escrow works. Andy will present his proposal for these workshops at the general meeting in May. He will also ask STBA members what they can offer to these workshops or if they have any suggestions. The workshops will be offered in June, July and August.

RCP Directory Update: Deborah said the RCP Business Directories will be out later this month. She wants to send out notices to that fact and ask that dues be paid so two copies of the Directory can be sent to STBA members.

Chamber of Commerce: President Reynolds continues to look into becoming a Chamber of Commerce. She will talk to Joe Honerlaw about filling out the legal paperwork for the STBA to become a Chamber. Deborah will also ask that his legal services be an in-kind donation to the Business Association in exchange for a lifetime membership. Deborah stated the fact that there are benefits to becoming a Chamber of Commerce such as health insurance and other discounts to businesses. Also, being a member of the National Chamber of Commerce provides lobbying power in Congress that influences bills impacting business.

Business Expo: Date is Friday, July 18, with time to be determined. Leo Broerman suggested adding workshops to the Expo. Deborah has contacted Shroyer Nursery about a gardening workshop and Holistic Health about a health and wellness workshop. Other suggestions are: fitness (YMCA); gymnastics (YMCA); pet travel (Purrfect Place Cat Boarding). Workshops would be held at the mirrored end of The Grove Hall to bring people through the other exhibits. Cost for a table is $10 members and $35 non-members (will include membership to the Business Association).

Jazz in the Park: President Reynolds explained what Jazz in the Park is and about Project ArtReach, Inc., the non-profit organization raising money to put on the concert. Jazz in the Park will be held at Central Park in Forest Park from 5 — 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 2. The concert will feature four jazz artists throughout the evening. There will be vendor booths and free booths offered to non-profits. Sponsors are being solicited at this time. Springfield Township is looking at becoming a sponsor/partner in this endeavor and hosting the event every other year. Deborah asked if the STBA would become a sponsor at some level. The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce gave $200 in 2002 and has been contacted to donate this year. Melanie McNulty made the motion to donate $200 to Project ArtReach, Inc. Andy Boettcher seconded and the motion passed. Melanie also suggested having Joe Mallory of Project ArtReach be a speaker at our July meeting.

Other new business: Andy Boettcher plans to report each meeting about what is going in other local communities and with their Chambers of Commerce.

Woodlawn: The Village lost its city manager in December and is currently looking to replace him.

Wyoming: Will host four concerts this summer on Wednesday nights. They will now be called Improvin’ on the Groovin’ and Can You Dig It? Change of name due to construction on Wyoming Avenue through the business district. City is putting in sidewalk pavers, trees and making it much like Montgomery’s business district.

Forest Park: Hosting Concert on the Green again this summer at Union Central Life Insurance on Waycross Road. It is a Cincinnati Pops Concert.

Powel Crosley YMCA: Indoor water park should open in late summer.

Andy then talked about the "We Build Character Campaign" he heads up for the Y. Donations are lagging and asked if the Business Association could help out this year. Money goes for scholarships to the YMCA and its programs for children/families in need. Denise Cagle made a motion to donate $100 to the campaign. Karen Burton seconded and the motion passed.

Deborah asked everyone to mark their calendar for a golf scramble to benefit the Melrose YMCA on Saturday, September 13 at the Hartwell Golf Club.

Bob Will made the motion to adjourn, Melanie seconded and the motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30.

Nest general meeting: Lunch meeting at Powel Crosley, Jr. YMCA on Thursday, May 8.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie McNulty

Recording Secretary