The meeting was held at 8:00 a.m. at the Springfield Township Senior Center in Room A. There were 13 people in attendance.

President Deborah Reynolds called the meeting to order at 8:10. She then asked everyone 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 - $2,187.89

Income (mostly dues and ads) - $3,299.73

Expenses - $1,388.14

Current balance $4,099.48

• Communications — Chip Berquist was not in attendance.
• Programs — Denise Cagle reported that today’s speakers are Michael Hinnenkamp, Township Administrator and Deanna Kuennen, Township Development Services Director. They will discuss capital improvements and future plans for Springfield Township. The May speaker will discuss plans for Brentwood Plaza.
• Membership — Maggie Wesley reported that Karen Burton is creating a database of STBA members. Maggie also displayed a membership certificate that will go to all STBA members. She is working on the idea of creating a traveling, monthly award that will go to a new STBA member or a business that did something special that month.
• Land Use & Zoning — Bob Trenkamp was not in attendance.

Michael Hinnenkamp and Deanna Kuennen were introduced and Mike opened with a power point presentation titled "Springfield Township — Poised to Meet the Demands & Challenges of the Future." The presentation discussed the services offered by the township and the need for new facilities to meet the demands for these services. The Winton Road corridor and streetscape plan was illustrated, noting that construction will likely begin in 2005.

President Reynolds passed around copies of last year’s RCP Business Directory for all to view. The directory is a compilation of all businesses in which their chambers of commerce or business associations are members of the RCP. These include: Forest Park, Glendale, Springdale, Woodlawn, Sharonville, Evendale and Springfield Township. Deborah noted that seven STBA members took out ads at the $150 level. Each business will receive two directories and more may be purchased at $10 each.

• Groovin’ at the Grove — This year’s dates: Friday, July 18 and Friday, August 15. Ms. Reynolds asked members if they want to continue hosting the Business Expo. The members said yes. Karen Burton will organize it again this year. Paul Berning suggested the Expo be better publicized for better attendance, and suggestions were made for locating Groovin’ at the Grove banners in more visible positions. Maggie Wesley requested more volunteers to help work the food booth.
• Chamber of Commerce — Deborah is still pursuing the idea of becoming a Chamber of Commerce. By doing so, we could join SOCA or Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance, and receive insurance care plans, cell phone plans and many other benefits. Much paper work is involved with becoming a chamber and Ms. Reynolds asked for suggestions on hiring an attorney.
• Great American Cleanup — The date for the cleanup is Saturday, April 26. Anyone may attend the organizational meeting on Wednesday, March 26 at the Township Administration Building. One meeting is scheduled for 10:00 and the other at 3:30. The main registration location for the cleanup is the Fire Station at 8375 Winton Road.
• Alzheimer’s Association Gala — Denise Cagle asked for donations of gifts from businesses to be used for prizes at the Gala, a major fund-raiser for the Alzheimer’s Association of Cincinnati.
• Newsletter — Contact Chip Berquist if you would like your business highlighted in the next newsletter.
• May meeting — Andy Boettcher volunteered to host the May luncheon meeting at the Powel Crosley YMCA Lodge on Thursday, May 8 at 11:30. A tour of the facilities will be available following the general meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie McNulty

Recording Secretary