The breakfast meeting was held at Sunrise Assisted Living beginning at 8:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 14, 2002. There were 14 people in attendance.

Before officially opening the meeting, President Deborah Reynolds reported that she had attended a meeting held jointly by the Evendale Business Association and the Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce. Both are members of a regional group of business associations and chambers of commerce. She briefly stated benefits of a regional association: discounted services for members and the ability to join forces in lobbying efforts.

Deborah officially opened the meeting at 8:05 A.M. and welcomed all in attendance.

Treasurer’s Report — In the absence of Bob Will, Deborah emailed the complete treasurer’s report for these minutes. Balance from last meeting: $2,087.70. Income: $1,694.89. Expenses: $785.33. Current balance: $2,987.26.

Communications Report — Chip Berquist had no report. President Reynolds asked that everyone be sure Chip has email addresses so all correspondence is received.

Programs Report — Denise Cagle asked if any business would like to host the May lunch meeting. Vice President Andy Boecher offered to host it at the Powel Crosley, Jr. YMCA.

Strategic Plan — President Reynolds reported that she, Bess Sprockett and Deanna Kuennen have met to decide how to develop the best plan for the Township. They are asking for a volunteer group to meet for a couple of hours and decide what information should be included in the strategic plan and in order to give it some direction. Deborah hopes to have something concrete by the next meeting. Volunteers are needed for this important effort.

Township Update — Springfield Township Administrator, Michael Hinnenkamp, was asked to give an update of Township business.

• The Trustees adopted the Home Improvement Program (HIP) — The program will allow homeowners to borrow money for home improvements at 3% below the going interest rate. The HIP will go in effect by late April.
• The Trustees hired Human Nature, CDS, McKenna to develop a master streetscape plan for the Winton Road corridor from Galbraith to Fleming Roads. The Township will ask for members of STBA to participate on a steering committee during the plan’s development. They hope to have the plan complete by the fall of 2002 to give it to the county.
• Springfield Township has hired a new company to upgrade the newsletter. They are also working on a promotional brochure with information about the Township. The brochure will be a resource for homeowners and businesses.
• The Trustees are considering a Winton Road overlay to deal with the unique zoning issues presented along the business corridor. If that is successful, they will also look at doing the same for Hamilton Avenue.

• FYI — Deborah Reynolds and Chip Berquist are currently participating on the Township Vision Committee and updating that plan.

Development Services Director, Deanna Kuennen, was asked to speak on the meeting with New Plan Realty Trust, the owners of Brentwood Plaza.

• Deanna and Mike Hinnenkamp had a very positive meeting with the President and Vice Presidents of New Plan Realty. They wanted to let New Plan know the concerns about the plaza and that Brentwood is important to Springfield Township and its residents.
• All discussed the frustrations surrounding the Bigg’s delay. It is not a dead deal as of today.
• If Bigg’s pulls out, New Plan will continue to pursue another grocery chain.
• Cheap Beds and Furniture has 60 days to evacuate if asked to leave.
• New Plan has $5 million earmarked for plaza improvements if a large anchor moves in.
• New Plan is very supportive of the Winton Road streetscape plan.
• A demographic study done by the Township shows that people within a 1 mile radius of the shopping center spend 20% more than the rest of the greater Cincinnati area.
• This demographic study is available to any business for the asking.

Deborah voiced the opinions of current tenants of Brentwood Plaza who say they are disappointed with cost of maintenance there. They feel it is high and that New Plan Realty is just waiting for a large tenant, but keeps increasing costs to current small businesses.

Deanna said New Plan is not just sitting back. They have worked for 3 years on the Bigg’s deal and are as frustrated as anyone. Mike added that New Plan’s leadership has recently under gone change. They are looking at the strategic plan for the center and are more aggressively seeking new businesses. He added that Brentwood was designed as a regional center, but is now a neighborhood center. It may be too large for that use. Could possibly develop part of it for public use, such as a post office.

Today’s Speaker - Gary Peacock, Manager, Safety and Health Services, Employees Resource Association. Topic: General Workplace Safety and OSHA Review

Safety and health services is a new service offered by the association. It is a non-profit organization. All non-governmental businesses fall under OHSA guidelines and record keeping if the business employs at least 10 people during any month of the year. Mr. Peacock brought a hand out which highlights OHSA’s recording rules. If anyone would like a copy, please let me know and I will send you one. The Employees Resource Association telephone number is 679-4120.

Announcements — Vice President Andy Boecher reported that the YMCA’s annual campaign has $70,000 pledged so far. Last year the money raised helped 348 people with scholarships into YMCA programs, helped 60 special needs children attend Camp Sunshine and helped 80 families join the Y.

New Member Spotlight — AXA Financial Advisers — 762-7794

• AXA is the largest company on Wall Street.
• They are, first and foremost, financial planners for businesses and individuals.
• AXA manages investments.

Next Board Meeting — Thursday, April 11, 8:00 A.M. at the Springfield Township Administration Building.

Next Regular Meeting — Thursday, May 9, 12 noon at the Powel Crosley, Jr. YMCA.

President Deborah Reynolds adjourned the meeting at 9:25.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie McNulty

Corresponding Secretary