MMSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
January 20, 2001

The Board met on Saturday, January 20 at 4:00 PM, following the Annual Meeting at the Doherty Hotel in Clare. Russ Kidd opened the first order of business for election of officers. The 2001 officers are President, Larry Haigh; Vice President, Roger VandeBunte; Secretary, Jean Maday; Treasurer, Steve Youdes.

Larry reviewed the Promotion and By-laws committee assignments. Not much on the agenda except to complete the web site. There was considerable discussion regarding a budget to construct the web site. It was moved and seconded to allow up to $2000 to completely design the web site. When it is completed, another discussion would be necessary to establish the budget for web-site maintenance.

The Board was able to review the initial web site on the Hotel computer. Categories and topics on the web site were reviewed and the following assignments were made:
History of the Maple industry/origins/technological changes –Brian Vissers
Modem Techniques/How to Make Maple Syrup -Jean Maday & Mary Douglass
Product Care and Storage -Craig Arnold
Grades of Syrup -Mary Douglass
Nutrition and Recipes -Cathi Bates
Making Your Own Maple Products -already available from MSU Extension Unit Study and School Curriculum -Ron Thomas
Maple Statistics & Trivia -Ron Kistler
"Classified" -area producers -Roger VandeBunte
News and Events -Craig Arnold & Mary Douglass
MMSA History -Jean Maday
World Wide Maple -Mary Douglass
Membership and Benefits -Roger VandeBunte

A MMSA members only page would include minutes of meetings, newsletter deadlines, treasurer's reports, bulletin board, etc. -info to be provided by officers and Board members. Compilation of information listed above will be sent to Roger for adding to the web site.

A discussion regarding the hotel facilities for the 2002 Meeting included concerns regarding how much of the expansion would be completed. Pres. Larry Haigh will verify the meeting room space and special room rates for guests. Dealer space at the hotel was also reviewed. Suggestions were to charge dealers about $50 or request door prizes of equal value. Another alternative is to have dealers receive one booth free and charge for additional space. This will probably only be available when the expansion is completed. It was proposed and approved that guest speakers for the conference be reimbursed 35 cents per mile.

Deb Thomas is looking into the bus trip to St. Cloud MN for the October NAMSC meeting. Depending on interest, the bus could go through the U.P. to pick up passengers or take the Ferry from Ludington. Info will appear in the Newsletter to attempt to determine the number of interested members.

Discussion regarding the MDA rules followed. It was decided that Larry Haigh and Mary Douglass should sit down with Michael Yuhusz and establish consistent standards for inspections.

There was considerable discussion regarding the Board monitoring information that was in the Newsletter. Advertising was particularly discussed. Cathi Bates was given the assignment of notifying anyone who the Board felt had information that was not appropriate.

Items needing attention for the membership are:
a) license plates needed to be ordered
b) updated receipts need to be printed so the new merchandise is included
c) the membership application needs revisions

Future Board Meetings for 2001 will be:
May 10th -Doherty Hotel in Clare -6:00 PM September 22 -at the Fall Tour
November 8 -Doherty Hotel in Clare -6:00 PM January 19, 2002 -Annual Meeting

Members Present: All Board Members were present and Russ Kidd

Meeting adjourned at 5:45 PM

Respectfully submitted,
Jean Maday, Secretary

Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain.     -Anon.