NEWTOWN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

LUNCHEON MEETING AT GOODNOE FARM DAIRY BAR

APPROVAL OF THE APRIL MINUTES: Mr. Harwood moved to approve the minutes of April 3, 2003 as presented. Ms. Frederick seconded; the motion carried.

Present: Richard Weaver, Thomas Harwood, Judy Setar, Paul Salvatore, Paul Lewis, Hal Roberts, David Callahan, Don Harris, Jim Worthington, Linda Mitchell, Evan Lambros, Lisa Kruse, Marge Frederick, Jaime Weaver, George Stockburger IV, George Stockburger V, Miguel Sison, Rita Cummins Sappenfield, Michael O’Connor, Glenn Beasley, Stephen Schreiber, Belinda Buras

CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Weaver called the meeting to order.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Dunleavy noted that flyers were available near the registration area highlighting the JDNC website including the calendar of events: www.newtowncalendar.com. She said that businesses and organizations could submit event information to be posted on the website.

Mr. Salvatore said that Newtown Rotary would be holding a raffle, with a total of 300 tickets available. The grand prize would be $10,000 worth of travel anywhere in the world; other prizes include $3500 and $1500 in cash. Contact him for additional information.

CODES DEPARTMENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT REPORT

Mr. Harwood distributed and reviewed the report for March 2003.

APPROVAL OF THE MARCH MINUTES: Mr. Salvatore moved to approve the minutes of March 6, 2003 as presented. Mr. Roberts seconded; the motion carried.

LOWER BUCKS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - Lisa Kruse.

Ms. Kruse distributed a list of upcoming meetings and events, noting:

Percolator Program & General Membership Meetings 2^nd Thursday

April 10 @ Salvation Army, Levittown

Business Card Exchange 4:30 – 6:30 PM

Wednesday, April 23 @ Nextel Communications, Bensalem

Sharpen Your Edge Business Technology Seminars Tuesday, May 6

Get Acquainted With Your Chamber Presented by the Member Recruitment & Retention Committee

Wednesday, March 26 3:30 pm @ Kings Caterers

Trip to Harrisburg Tuesday, April 29

Presented by the Legislative Action Committee

Career Women on the Move Wednesday, May 14 8:30 am - 1:30 pm @ Sheraton Bucks County Hotel

Presented by the Small Business Committee

Golf Outing Monday, June 2 @ Northampton Valley Country Club

Presented by the Golf Outing Committee

Night at the Trenton Thunder Thursday, June 26 @ Waterfront Park, Trenton

JOINT DOWNTOWN NEWTOWN CORPORATION - Paul Salvatore

He noted that the committee from JDNC responsible for the website would like to meet and coordinate efforts with other Newtown business groups, including the newly formed Economic Development Task Force.

NEWTOWN BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION - Linda Mitchell

Ms. Mitchell reported that the April Business Education Forum was scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2003, at Holy Family College, and would feature speakers from Bucks County Community College, Holy Family College and LaSalle University. The annual Welcome Day celebration is scheduled for May 17^th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; the Car Show will be held on June 7^th.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE - Dick Weaver

Mr. Weaver, Chairman of the Task Force, said that the group was wonderful, and that they had met for the first time last week. He reported that discussion included a suggested name change from Industrial Park to something like “Business” Park, to eliminate the connotation of industry only and “reinvent” the image of the Park. Mr. Weaver said that the Governor has said that he wants to bring more business into this part of the state and that perhaps there would be some funding available. Mr. Weaver noted that water management was an issue that would be addressed by the Task Force.

A key leader breakfast was discussed by the Task Force, as a better means to dialogue and exchange information than a written survey. Mr. Weaver said that he is drafting a letter to key leaders to inform them that the breakfast would benefit them and to encourage them to attend. It was suggested that the school board be involved, as many issues affected taxes. Mr. Salvatore said that the Pennsbury School District had abated some taxes to help business development.

Mr. Weaver said that the Task Force meets the third Thursday of each month, 8:00-9:00 AM at the Newtown Township Building. Meetings are open to all. He said their next meeting would be organizational.

OLD BUSINESS

Mr. Weaver said that the Board of Supervisors saw no problem with the Business Development Council developing a community map, but noted that if the Township and Borough seals were going to be used final calendar approval would be needed from both municipalities.

NEW BUSINESS - None.

NEXT MEETING

The next luncheon meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 1, 2003 at the Goodnoe Farm Dairy Bar at 12:00 PM. Ms. Dunleavy said that Michael Bannon, new director of the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection/Weights & Measures will be the speaker. The cost is $10; please RSVP by April 28^th, 2003 to the recording secretary (contact information is included on the attached agenda.

ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, the meeting was adjourned at 1:00 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

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Leslie P. Dunleavy, Recording Secretary