FALL MMSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
September 23, 2000

The MMSA Board of Directors met on September 23, at the fall tour 2000 in Lapeer at the Nelson's Sugar Bush.

The first topic of discussion was the cookbooks. As a bonus for ordering 1,000 of the spiral bound cookbooks, the company sent about 150 copies of a cookie recipe cookbook. The company suggests that they be sold as a fundraiser. After discussing alternatives, the Board decided to include one of the cookbooks in each of the registration packets at the January meeting. If any cookbooks are left over, they will be sold for $3.00 each.

The agenda for the January meeting was discussed. Topics included Keynote Speaker, Insurance, general and limited liability, new state food laws, beginner’s session, candy and cream. It was suggested that the candy and cream judging be extended to other products, but after discussion it was agreed to limit the judging to candy and cream. Roger VandeBunte will arrange the speaker for the insurance session. Since quite a few MMSA members are attending the NAMSC meeting, we will try to identify a Keynote Speaker through topics discussed at the meeting. The insurance topic and the food laws will be presented at the general session and also at the breakout session in the afternoon. Due to the prior cumbersome arrangement of setting up the breakout sessions while people are standing around waiting, it was decided that the general session would go as late as necessary up to lunch so that the breakout rooms can be set up during lunch. The afternoon would only be breakout sessions. This may mean that lunch would not begin before 12:30 PM.

Ron Kistler will be in charge of registering and assigning exhibitors space. There was discussion about the sound system at the Doherty. The contract does not address a sound system. Larry Haigh is scheduled to go to Clare and will discuss the sound equipment requirements. He will also check on group rates for the hotel and free hotel room based upon registrations.
Association jugs were brought up for discussion. Due to Kress problems, it was suggested that another jug besides Sugarhill might be considered. There was no support to adding another Association jug.

Suggestions for location of the fall 2001 tour were reviewed. Comments included moving to the northwest part of the state perhaps Charlevoix, Indian River, East Jordan areas. We have an offer to the southwestern part of the state for 2002

Two letters from children have been received, and needed to be answered. The letters were referred to the Board Secretary, Brian Vissers for response.

Roger VandeBunte and Brian Vissers are still looking for help to maintain the web site. Please call either of them if you know of someone who can work with them.

Cathi Bates requested clarification about the cover of the Newsletter. Should the Association logo continue to be used? She is currently using the Select Michigan logo. There was a consensus that either logo be used. In addition, pictures from tours could be added. Cathi is to use her discretion.
The new large cookbook price was discussed. Since dealers typically maintain a large supply and sell to both MMSA members and stores, a quantity discount was proposed. It was decided that if MMSA members purchased 20 or more of the large cookbooks at one time, the price would be $6.00 each. Members purchasing less than 20 copies at one time would pat the $8.00 each.

While touring the Nelson's sawmill, prior to the Board meeting, it was noted that there were switch plate covers with a maple leaf. The Board approved spending up to $5.00 for each plate. Mary Douglass will pursue the purchase of these switch plates so they can be available for sale at the January meeting.

The next meeting of the Board of Directors is November 6, 2000, at the Corner Landing Restaurant in Ionia at 5:00 PM.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:06 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Jean Maday