MMSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
MAY 10, 2001

The Board meeting was called to order at 6:55 p.m. at the Doherty Hotel, Clare, MI.

A round table of this years' crop resulted in reports from the worst crop to a normal crop. Most syrup was good quality and light to light amber. The national standard was one-half to three-quarters of a crop. Quebec had 30 to 40 M less crop and lots of dark syrup.

The Secretary's minutes of the January meeting were distributed and approved. The Treasurer's report was distributed and reviewed. We lost money at the winter meetings of 1999 and 2000. The Board was not concerned as they felt that paying for good guest speakers was important to the membership. T-shirts and sweatshirts are no longer available as Jeri sold their business. An Updated version of Quicken (bookkeeping software) was purchased. The IMSI had discussed their dues as only five groups/states had paid for 2000. The Board agreed that even though our dues had just been paid, they would apply to 2000 and the 2001 dues would also be paid this year. The treasurer's duties will be turned over to Steve Youdes. The Treasurer's report was approved.

There was no NAMSC report, as they are inactive in the summer. Mary Douglass reported that IMSI has identified a wide use of paraformaldehyde use in Canada. Fifty sugar bushes were tested and 21 had pellets. Adulterations testing is also continuing.

The Fall Tour for 2001 had been set for September 29. Don Dodd had pointed out a conflict in his schedule. The Board approved a change in the date to September 22. MMSA members will be notified by post card of the change in date.

Roger VandeBunte gave an update of the status of the web site. The person setting up our data is behind schedule so Roger will try to prod him along. Our web site gets a lot of hits.

Debbi Thomas gave a report regarding the bus trip to the NAMSC meeting in Minnesota in October. The bus seats 40 people. The bus will probably start in the Mt. Pleasant area and go thru the UP to pick up more people. The boat trip across the lake did not work due to the limited boat schedule. An early announcement will be sent to the membership.
Russ Kidd reported on an event at Hartwick Pines in March. There was discussion regarding numerous nature centers that present programs regarding maple syrup. Unfortunately, many presentations give out inaccurate information but this is a difficult situation to police. Our promotional literature was discussed. There is a tabletop display that is rarely used. There are still placemats that can be distributed for free. Membership stickers need to be reordered.

The winter meeting has been set for January 19, 2002 at the Doherty Hotel in Clare. Larry has signed the contract with the Hotel. There will be more meeting rooms and sleeping rooms available. After discussion regarding registration fees, it was moved and seconded that registration be $20.00 in advance and $25.00 the day of the meeting. Motion carried. Possible guest speakers were discussed. Board members will present final suggestions at the September meeting.

MMSA has a video library but it has not been publicized in several years. Suggestions for additional videos was presented -such as 'Making Maple Cream and Candy' from Mass. And several from Cornell. Mary Douglass and Larry Haigh will pursue obtaining these videos. Jean Maday will update the video rental procedures and handle the membership rentals. The next newsletter will carry an article regarding the video rental program.

Larry Haigh has received several calls inviting MMSA to participate in events. A call from the Michigan Historical Museum will be declined, as it was felt there was not enough benefit to the organization. The Dept. of Agriculture executive meeting will be held in June, and Larry will try to attend. The Potterville VFW was looking for handout information.

It was previously determined that Larry and Mary should meet with the Dept. of Agriculture to discuss standards for inspection. Extensive discussion followed regarding the involvement of producers in this endeavor. It was suggested that we attempt to revise the law to reduce the licensing fee. Several Board members offered to contact their local State Representative for support to exempt the "cottage industries", i.e. Honey and Maple Syrup, from the food manufacturing laws and licensing. We should encourage inspection with industry-approved standards. The BeeKeepers Association will also be contacted to obtain their assistance. The Farm Bureau may also be a helpful source.

Next Board meeting is September 22, at the Fall Tour.

Members present: All Board members were present.

Guests included Russ Kidd and Debbi Thomas.

Respectfully submitted,
Jean Maday, Secretary