Update from Dave Buck: I received a call around 8:15 am this morning from Greg Gunderson. He is in the United States and did not make the trip overseas with Stroble and Schuster. He was appreciative of my email and that "we have reviewed it". But then he stressed several times that he is legally not at liberty to discuss any potential confidential business issues, negotiations or deals with me.

I told him that I obviously totally respect and understand that and that such conversations and information are strictly and confidentially between Gary Hampel and Greg. He would not share or say what his plans are, if any, to contact Gary Hampel. I simply encouraged him to please do so and to "give peace a chance", as you never know until you try and it's not over 'til it's over.

Gary is extremely open and wants to meet and Greg knows that from my email. The ball is in Greg's and Webster University's court. To my knowledge, Greg has not reached out to Gary. Personally, I think we will soon see a side of Webster University that's either compassionate, positive and solutions-oriented or the "Mr. Potter" of Webster Groves. In that regard, Webster University has the power to choose and control the destiny of this situation. They can be a hero or a goat. May they choose wisely.

Just to further embellish on the previous comment: Think of these well-known and memorable images. I think we will soon see a side of Webster University that's 1) either "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" and compassionate, positive and solutions-oriented, or 2) the cold, hard and money miser, the "Mr. Potter" of Webster Groves, from "It's A Wonderful Life".

Webster University is already facing a significant PR challenge among our community with the passage of Ordinance #8753 and its pursuit of its proposed master plan. Ben Franklin is a beloved and cherished Webster Groves institution. Put two and two together. If Webster University sits back, does nothing, and doesn't even try to find common ground to save Ben Franklin, Webster U may, in my opinion, suffer significant perceptual damage and backlash to its image and reputation. Net, Webster University and Greg Gunderson have the power to choose and control the destiny of this situation. It's all in their hands. They can be a hero to our community or a goat. Does Greg Gunderson and Webster U really want to be the guy and university viewed responsible for forcing Ben Franklin out of business? What will it be: Mr. Smith or Mr. Potter? May they choose wisely.

We would love to have the Ben Franklin store in Affton. Maybe where Hanneke's and the pet store were located at Gravois & Tesson Ferry Rds. or where the Auto Zone was and Fashion Bug is now, but will be closing that store soon. There is lots of space and parking ata both places and that is still close for their Webster Groves customers and maybe find a lot of new customers with the demographics along Gravois Road.

Joan, thank you for your great thoughts and options where Ben Franklin could move. I have not talked with Ben Franklin owner, Gary Hampel, about your ideas, but I'm sure he is extremely touched and appreciative. The first and biggest issue is, if Ben Franklin in Webster Groves closes its doors, does Gary Hampel wish to open another store in another location. I have no clue what Gary's decision would be. Please stay tuned for updates in that regard. Thanks again for your input.

Update from Dave Buck: Yesterday, September 8, Gary Hampel of Ben Franklin sent me an email. Greg Gunderson of Webster University both emailed and called Gary saying that he would be happy to meet or have lunch with Gary, but Greg stated that the offer on the table is non-negotiable, take it or leave it, with no interest, openness or room to discuss, negotiate or compromise. Greg is certainly establishing a reputation as the "Mr. Potter" of Webster Groves.

I promised Gary I would not share the specifics of Greg's offer, but suffice to say that any fair and reasonable person would view it as an obscene and excessive increase in Gary's rent.

What ever happened to giving a dedicated hard working man a chance and treating people fairly with kindness and compassion? Greg's actions suggest he only care about the cold, hard, almighty dollar. I hope this is not the case and, as such, I feel optimistic that Greg will sit down with Gary to seriously talk through and openly negotiate a mutually-beneficial deal that both sides can support and keep Ben Franklin in Webster Groves.

Dave Buck

Greg Gunderson of Webster University and Gary Hampel of Ben Franklin,

Is it too much for loyal customers to request one last, fair chance to save Ben Franklin? There's nothing to lose, but everything to gain for our community, Ben Franklin and meding Webster University's reputation. Last Friday, Gary learned again that Greg's offer on the table is non-negotiable - take it or leave it, with absolutely no chance to negotiate or compromise.

It would seem that the nail is in the coffin. There is no hope. Well, think again, Webster Groves. For Ben Franklin customers, it's not over 'til its over and until Ben Franklin closes, miracles can happen and we'll never stop trying.

So Greg, we ask you: whatever happened to giving a dedicated hard working man a chance by treating him fairly with kindness and compassion - versus loving the hard, cold almighty dollar? Greg, I do not know you well but you seem like a good, decent guy that understands the importance of giving your fellow man an even break and a fair chance.

Net, all we are requesting is that you meet, listen, negotiate and give Gary a fair chance to create a mutually beneficial offer that's a win-win-win for Webster Groves customers, Ben Franklin and Webster University, which can be a hero to our community.

Greg, please give Gary and Ben Franklin a chance. Nothing may come of it. But you never know until you try. It's all we ask. Thank you.

Dave Buck
952-0910

Sad and outraged are two of my emerging emotions. Clearly it appears that Webster University has gotten too big and impersonal. It is a shame The University spokespeople don't care about the community in which they reside. Shaping the community with a positive impact. Instead seeing what they can do to rape it. Gobbling up the landscape.
It's also a shame the City of Webster Groves doesn't have any clout with the University. This closing will take away from the city's charm.
I would be lovely (albeit wonderful) to have Ben Franklin remain an active part in the Webster Community. Remaining to shaping lives and shaping memories.