MMSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
SEPTEMBER 22, 2001

The board meeting was called to order at 4: 15 p.m. at Tom Cook's Sugarbush during the fall tour.

Most of the meeting revolved around the agenda for the January 2002 meeting in Clare. Larry received an E-mail from Russ Kidd explaining that he had been in contact with Randy Heiligmann to be our guest speaker for the winter meeting. We will also take advantage of Randy's attendance by requesting that he also do a breakout session. Discussion about the breakout sessions resulted in the following topics;
1) Beginner's session; 2) Boiling efficiencies; 3) Blending and repacking;
 4) Tubing installation; 5) Candy and Cream; 6) Tubing maintenance.
Board members will be contacting suggested speakers for these sessions and will report at the November board meeting. Steve Youdes indicated that he was looking for judges for the syrup contest.

Deb Thomas indicated that the bus trip to the NAMSC meeting in Minnesota was cancelled. Not enough people signed up. About 15 people are planning to go but will provide their own transportation. Larry reported that the State Fair lost money so it is all up in the air if the fair continues. The Massachusetts video on making candy and cream will be added to our video library.

Maple Leaf switch plates were discussed. It was moved and seconded that several would be purchased to be sold at the January meeting and based upon interest, a larger quantity could be obtained.

Many members have had changes in their area codes. We will need to be sure that members put correct numbers on the renewal membership forms so the membership directory can be updated.

Discussion about the cost of the newsletter and postage was reviewed. Larry mentioned that Farm Bureau provides a service for printing and postage. Cathi Bates will contact them to see if their service is less expensive. Ron Thomas will also be checking for someone to stitch the MMSA logo on shirts since Jeri Miller is no longer available.

Members present: Craig Arnold, Mary Douglass, Larry Haigh, Ron Thomas, Jean Maday, Steve Youdes, Cathi Bates and guest Deb Thomas.

Members absent: Tim Boonstra, Ron Kistler, Roger VandeBunte

The next board meeting is Nov 8 at 6:00 p.m. at the Doherty Hotel in Clare.
Meeting adjourned 5:20 PM

Respectfully submitted,
Jean Maday