Michigan Maple Syrup Association General Membership Meeting January 19, 2002

The annual Michigan Maple Syrup Association's meeting was called to order by Russ Kidd at 9:35 a.m. He welcomed the attendees and gave general remarks about the agenda for the day then turned the meeting over to President Haigh. Larry welcomed new members and introduced groups and organizations attending the meeting. He introduced the Life-Time members and the MSU Extension staff. A guest in attendance was Matt Thomas from the University of Wisconsin. He is doing a research project on maple production and history; he will be visiting with many of the older members during the meeting. The Newsletter staff and Board of Directors were introduced. Jean Maday gave the Secretary's report which was approved. Larry reviewed the Treasurer's report which was approved. Jean Maday presented the Honorary Life-Time Membership Award to Sophy Carpenter. Sophy extended her special thanks and appreciation.
Tim Boonstra presented the slate of candidates for the Board vacancies. Ballots were in the packets. The results of voting will be announced later in the meeting. Mary' Douglass reported on IMSI activities. She described their goals, their actions on random testing of Syrup, their role in promotion and grading of syrup IMSI plans to hire and pay a part-time Director to accomplish their goals and activities.
President Haigh reviewed the activities of the NAMSC. He described their research fund and projects under study at Cornell University'. Larry then reviewed some items in the packet. The coloring books were available for purchase at the meeting at Cathi Bates' table. Craig Arnold reviewed last years' fall tour and presented the Thank You gifts to those who hosted the tour. He is working on the tour for fall of 2002 and expects it will be in the Boyne City area. Larry discussed the fall tour in October to the NAMSC meeting in Conroy, New Hampshire. We are trying to get enough people to sign up for the bus trip. Debbi Thomas is organizing the bus tour.

Tim Boonstra announced the results of the Board elections: Craig Arnold, Jean Maday and Steve Youdes were re-elected.
Dr. Randy Heilegmann was introduced as our guest speaker. His topic was "You've Got to Understand the Importance of Maple Finish Point." The presentation dealt with properly determining finished syrup and use of hydrometers, hydrotherms and dial thermometers. He was well received by the attendees.
Russ Kidd reviewed the remainder of the program and explained locations of the breakout sessions after lunch. Steve Youdes gave the results of the syrup and candy contest. Winners: Kistler's won Light Syrup and Overall; Peters won for Dark Syrup; Fogle's won Medium Syrup and Cream, and Joyce Haigh won for Candy. The drawing for door prizes followed. Larry Haigh said the prayer for lunch and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Jean Maday, Secretary