BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
MAY 2, 1998

The meeting was called to order at 1:02 PM by President John Anton. Present: John Anton, Ron Kistler, Terry DeLoughary, Marvin Besteman, Earl Girard, Brian Vissers, Larry Haigh, Mary Douglass, Cathi Bates. Excused: Paul Williams.

After opening remarks John Anton introduced Cathi Bates as the new editor of the MMSA Newsletter.

The Secretary presented minutes from the two Board Meetings and General Membership Meeting on the weekend of January 17, 1998. Marv Besteman and Larry Haigh moved to accept the report and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.

The Treasurer presented the finance report. Mary Douglass and Ron Kistler moved to accept the report and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion. The bills were presented by the Treasurer and Mary Douglass and Terry DeLoughary moved to approve payment of the bills. The motion passed unanimously.

There followed a discussion of production throughout the state and nation.

Committee Reports were presented.

LEGISLATIVE: Mary Douglass reported on the maple cream controversy.
She recommended that we not take further action until we receive a reply from MDA to her letter. Earl Girard reported on how difficult it was in Michigan to obtain crop disaster relief money for maple syrup. He strongly recommended that producers keep accurate records in case the situation changes in the future.

NEWSLETTER: Cathi Bates indicated how glad she was to be the new editor and how important the Newsletter is. There was discussion on reviving the "meet the member" column. She also provided her E-mail address; 1066cb52@inet.westshore.cc.mi.us

FALL TOUR: Larry Haigh reported the schedule for the Fall Tour as the following farms; Brodbeck, Pennock, Larry Haigh, Amos Haigh. He also reported that he was attempting to secure a river boat cruise for the evening. Prices were discussed and tabled for future determination. Larry then recommended we ask Craig and Sandra Arnold, in Lapeer County, to host the 1999 Fall Tour.

MAPLE SYRUP CONTEST: Terry DeLoughary proposed new rules for the contest and they were approved by unanimous vote. The rules will be printed in the Newsletter.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS: Brian Vissers had a negative report. Larry Haigh requested suggestions on how to bring the membership application form into compliance with the new Constitution.

NOMINATION/ELECTION: Ron Kistler reported that the seats occupied by Terry Deloughary, Earl Girard, and Paul Williams would be open in January 1999. He asked each of us to look for willing candidates.

ANNUAL MEETING: John Anton recommended that, due to a potential conflict, we change the date for the 1999 General Membership Meeting to January 23 or 30. The 23rd was approved.

MEMBERSHIP AND HONORARIUM: Marv Besteman and Brian Vissers were asked to develop a Distinguished Service Award Program.

GRANTS: Though no report was given there was a discussion of grant ideas and the funding of same.

BUDGET AND AUDIT: Larry Haigh discussed a new line item for meeting expenses which would include meal expenses incurred at Board Meetings. John Anton reported that a draft budget would be presented at the June meeting.

PROMOTION: Brian Vissers reported that Bill Waterman had taken a considerable amount of video during the 1998 season; however, it had not yet been catalogued.

NAMSC/IMSI: Mary Douglass was appointed to continue as the delegate to the NAMSC/IMSI. This was followed by a discussion of travel expense reimbursements. Mary then reported that based on initial reports the U.S. maple crop was about 75% of normal and that Quebec was having a "good" season.

There was no old business.

Under new business the June meeting was confirmed and there was a discussion of the supply of MMSA and Michigan Maple Syrup stickers which was referred to the Promotion Committee.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Brian Vissers, Secretary