Vice President Deborah Reynolds called the meeting to order at 11:50 A.M., after all members had gone through the buffet line. Schmidt’s Catering supplied the lunch at a cost of $5.00 per person. Lunch consisted of mini croissants (turkey, ham and chicken salad), baked potato casserole, fruit try with dip, vegetable tray with dip and cookie tray. Waycross supplied the soft drinks.

Deborah asked all 22 attendees to introduce themselves and what business they represent. She then gave a quick overview of what the day’s meeting would include.

V.P. Reynolds introduced Maggie Wesley to present the slate of nominees up for election. They are as follows:

President — Deborah Reynolds (automatic appointment to two year term)

Vice President — Andy Boecher (nominated by Don Huff)

Recording Secretary — Melanie McNulty (nominated by Don Huff)

Treasurer — Bob Will (nominated by Don Huff)

Corresponding Secretary — Gail Jacobs (nominated by Gene Burton)

** All nominees were voted to their positions unanimously.

Slate of Trustees as follows:

Don Huff

Bob Trenkamp

Chip Berquist

Bess Sprockett

Denise Cagle — Barry Whitt made the motion to accept Denise for position of Trustee.

Maggie Wesley (withdrew from her position as Trustee but will help with membership)

**All won by unanimous vote.

President Reynolds thanked all for volunteering their time as a Board member or Trustee, and for accepting their positions.

Treasurer’s Report — Bob Will reported that he is selling STBA golf shirts at $5.00 each and encouraged everyone to purchase one. The Citizen’s Police Academy asked the Business Association to take out an ad in their program for the November 17 Dinner/Dance. The members voted and approved the ad.

• Balance as of last meeting - $3,108.82
• Income - $127.10
• Expenses - $684.69
• Current Balance - $2,631.23

Deborah introduced Mike Hinnenkamp, Township Administrator, to give a Township update. Mr. Hinnenkamp reported the following:

• Police and Fire Levies passed. Levies will provide needed funds to keep up the level of service residents demand, and will allow the township the opportunity to devote other funds to projects such as the Winton Road corridor and Warder Park.
• The Finneytown Schools operating levy also passed.
• Brentwood Plaza owner is working to get a large anchor store into the center. Cheap Beds and Furniture is a short term lease to get some cash flow. Township is involved with the Plaza owner and negotiations.
• Joe Gorman asked what role the STBA can play in helping the township with the negotiations.
• Mr. Hinnenkamp said increasing membership in the association by businesses in the Brentwood area is a start. The township will also write a letter to the large business interested in moving to the shopping center to let them know they are welcomed by the community.
• There is a need to educate local business owners as to the access management plan for the Winton Road corridor. Joe suggested the STBA help get the word out about a meeting outlining the access plan. Maggie Wesley suggested the meeting could possibly include a question and answer panel.
• Mr. Gorman brought up the issue of higher taxes with the approval of the new levies. Mr. Hinnenkamp pointed out that Springfield Township has no earnings tax as in other communities and that only 20% of our taxes actually go to township funds.

President Reynolds next introduced three panel members here to discuss issues facing businesses and individuals after the September 11 tragedy.

Barry Whitt, financial advisor, American Express Financial:

• Financial world has suffered, but things will be okay.
• Will see a recession.
• Good time to borrow money.
• Our Economy is fundamentally sound.
• Take advantage of the new tax law changes
• Plan a well diversified portfolio with a financial advisor.

Donald Sams, CEO, Christian Benevolent Corporation (Mt. Healthy Christian Home)

• Employees concerned that they will loose their jobs.
• Residents concerned for what will happen to our country.
• Residents concerned for their children and grandchildren.

Rob Leininger, Springfield Township Fire Chief:

• Business of the fire department has not changed since 9-11.
• Heightened state of awareness in businesses and individuals. Department has been called to check out suspicious envelopes and packages. All negative.
• Springfield Township has an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) in place to deal with local disasters. Plan also involves many township employees as well as local, state and federal agencies.
• Township is looking at ways to increase on line services to make it a 24/7 government. E-Gov is a service being looked into .
• Currently working on a link to take nuisance complaints on line.
• Deanna Kuennen reported that the township is currently looking into providing links to individual businesses. Problem is updating the web site daily.
• Chief Leininger asked businesses to stay alert to possible dangers, ask employees to work with safety in mind and to keep a positive attitude through this disaster.

Holiday Party — Deborah Reynolds reported that the party will be held at Sunrise Assisted Living on Tuesday, December 11 from 4:30 until 6:30 P.M. There is no cost to STBA members and provides a good opportunity to interact with others on an informal basis.

Holiday Winter Festival at the Grove — Melanie McNulty reported that the township sponsored winter festival will be on Sunday, December 2 from 12:30 until 6:00 P.M. The business association will work the drink booth. Maggie Wesley is chairing the booth and asked people willing to work to call her.

Out Going President’s Presentation — Gene Burton presented a plaque to Joseph Gorman to thank him for his two plus years of dedicated service to the Business Association. Joe thanked everyone for the honor and hoped that membership will increase as the business association becomes more known in the township. He then encouraged all members to help newly elected president, Deborah Reynolds, in her efforts to keep the Springfield Township Business Association moving in a positive direction.

The next Board meeting will be held at the Springfield Township Administration Building at 8:00 A.M. on Thursday, December 13.

The next General Meeting will be held at the Springfield Township Senior Center at 8:00 A.M. on Thursday, January 10.

President Reynolds adjourned the meeting at 1:00.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie McNulty, Recording Secretary