SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEETING — JANUARY 9, 2003
The breakfast meeting was held at 8:00 a.m. at the Springfield Township Senior Center in Room A. There were 15 people in attendance.
President Deborah Reynolds called the meeting to order at 8:10, welcomed all and wished everyone a Happy New Year. Deborah asked all in attendance to introduce themselves and tell what business they represent.
Treasurer’s Report — Bob Will gave the following financial report:
Balance as of last general meeting - $2,465.82
Income - 307.36
Expenses - 585.29
Current balance - $2,187.89
Mr. Will also reported that invoices for 2003 dues will be sent out on January 10. Ms. Reynolds stated that although some by-laws had been changed at the November General Meeting, the dues structure did not.
Committee Reports:
- Communications — Chip Berquist had no report.
- Programs — Denise Cagle reported that today’s speaker is Leo Broerman, Investment Representative with Edward Jones. The speaker planned for the March meeting is Elizabeth Nichols from New Plan Realty. She will talk about Brentwood Plaza development. Another speaker Denise is looking into would talk about tax credits for businesses that employ persons with disabilities. The November speaker, Judge Dinkelaker was asked to swear in the new STBA officers. He also spoke about how changes made in the Ohio Supreme Court this year will have a positive effect on businesses. Ms. Cagle asked that if anyone has a suggestion for a guest speaker, to call her at 729-5233.
- Membership — Maggie Wesley showed members a sample of a certificate of membership that will go to all businesses who join the Business Association. Ms. Wesley also suggested starting a business of the month travelling award. This award would go to a business voted upon at each General Meeting. She said that a plaque would be given to the winning business for display, then moved to the next winning business, and so on. In an effort to promote the STBA, Maggie suggested that members keep brochures on hand to give to other businesses. She also said businesses could add, "Your business name is a proud member of the Springfield Township Business Association," to their websites. Another idea is that STBA members could invite prospective members to attend a General Meeting to see what the Association is about.
Maggie feels getting current members to become more active in the Association is more important than obtaining new members. Others in attendance agreed. If anyone has other ideas to help promote membership, contact Maggie Wesley, Andy Boettcher or Karen Burton.
At this point it was suggested that the newsletter spotlight two businesses each time it is published. A reminder to all, advertising in the newsletter is only $20 per ad, and is distributed to all Springfield Township businesses on the mailing list.
- Land Use and Zoning — Bob Trenkamp reported that there is a lot of activity going on in Springfield Township. 1) New Plan Realty is working to improve Brentwood Plaza. 2) Springfield Township will be starting construction on the Police Department renovation and expansion. Bids to go out soon. 3) Construction of a new Fire House and expansion of Administration offices will begin this spring. 4) A new Service Department facility is planned for construction at 950 Compton Road. 5) The Winton Road corridor improvements and streetscape plans are also moving forward.
Deanna Kuennen, Development Services Director for Springfield Township, then spoke in more depth on the construction projects. She stated that $12,000,000 in bonds was sold to generate money for the Township construction plans. To keep the high standards of service residents expect from Springfield Township, these facility changes need to occur. In the near future, improvements will be made to the Grove Banquet Hall. Work is on updating the Township zoning code continues. New zoning codes will in turn be good for local businesses.
Today’s Speaker — Denise Cagle introduced Leo Broerman, Investment Representative with Edward Jones, as the day’s guest speaker. Mr. Broerman gave an overview of the company and what types of services they offer clients. He will be giving a presentation at Sunrise Assisted Living on Monday, January 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Old Business:
- A lawyer is being sought to look into the Springfield Township Business Association becoming a non-profit organization. It was suggested to talk to Trustee Joe Honerlaw for help in this area.
New Business:
- The Regional Commerce Partnership (RCP) Holiday Luncheon at Dave and Buster’s, was attended by several members of the STBA. The RCP is planning a business expo in March at a cost of $200 per booth. No location was given at this time.
- The RCP Business Directory is being compiled and STBA is asked to contribute $816 our share of publishing expenses. Every member of the STBA would receive a copy of the directory. The directory would include all businesses that are members of the following Chambers of Commerce or Business Associations: Evendale, Glendale, Sharonville, Forest Park, Woodlawn, Springdale and Springfield Township. Each group must contribute the $816 share, but may recoup their investment by selling ads to members. Cost of ads are: 1/8 page = $150; _ page = $250; _ page = $450; full page = $800. All covers have been sold.
Andy Boettcher has been a member of RCP through other organizations and feels the directory is a useful business tool. It lists the business name, address, phone and fax numbers, as well as a short statement about services and the name of a contact person. Members are listed by business category and alphabetically. He also said that each member receives two copies of the directory.
- Discussion was held concerning the justification of the $816 expense to the Association for the directory. Two members said they would purchase ads. Others felt we should wait another year before committing money to the project. Ads are due by February 1, which is three weeks away. Some expressed the opinion that three weeks is not enough time to inform our 55 members about the RCP directory. After much discussion a vote was held to decide whether to commit or decline. Votes to join the directory and pay the $816 to RCP = 7. No votes totaled 4. The directory will be distributed to 750 businesses.
- Etta McComas, District Business and Community Coordinator with Winton Woods School District, was in attendance. Because Lakeside Elementary School is in Springfield Township, Ms. McComas will send the school district newsletter to all businesses located in the Township. Winton Woods Schools have several business partners that participate in projects at the schools several times a year. For example, businesses sponsor a Career Day for 7th and 8th graders.
To wrap things up, President Reynolds offered to contact Cathy Walters with the RCP to discuss extending the ad deadline for the directory and also to see if STBA can become a participant in the directory for 2004 if 2003 does not work out.
The next STBA Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 13 at 8:00 a.m. in the Springfield Township Administration Building.
Ms. Reynolds adjourned the meeting at 9:30.
Respectfully submitted,
Melanie McNulty
Recording Secretary