Michigan Maple Syrup Association
General Membership Meeting September 28, 2002

The Fall General Membership Meeting was held on September 28, 2002 in Charlevoix at the Community Reformed Church. Larry Haigh said grace before the meal. The lunch was provided by church members. The business meeting opened at 1:05 PM. President Haigh welcomed everyone and thanked Craig Arnold and the host sites, Korthase Brothers; the Stanek's; Tim Matters; the Luchenbill's and Wagbo Peace Center, for an excellent program. He thanked the church members for an excellent meal.

The Secretary's report was approved. The Treasurer's report was distributed, reviewed and approved. Steve asked for volunteers for the syrup judging contest in January. Cathi Bates was thanked for the newsletter and it was indicated that she and sales items with her. Debbi Thomas reviewed the trip to the NAMSC meeting in New Hampshire and indicated that there was still space for more people.

Mary Douglass plugged the national meeting and IMSI and described several agenda items. She spoke of the death of Dr. Mariafranca Morselli. She was la leader in the maple research industry and will be greatly missed. Mary indicated that IMSI is still reviewing adulterated syrup and some producers have been fined or imprisoned Syrup in Michigan is under-priced but it has proven to be pure.

Larry indicated that the IMSI/NAMSC meeting rotates the states and was in Michigan in 1996. At the New Hampshire meeting he will request that it return to Michigan in 2008.

Roger VandeBunte indicated that the Web-site was up. There are areas still in the planning stage. The hot line and members area are not available. Roger invited responses and suggestion. Larry described a phone call that he had received from London, England. The person was inquiring about the extinction of maple trees due to global warming. She was referred to NAMSC.

The winter meeting in Clare is January 18, 2003, at the Doherty Hotel. The guest speaker will be George Cook from the University of Vermont. He will speak about safety and health in the bush. We will also have elections for three vacant positions. Tim Boonstra is chair of nominations and elections. There will also be an Honorary Member announced and nominations should be sent to Jean Maday. The location being considered for the 2003 Fall Tour is the western U.P. It will probably be a two day trip. the Board is open to suggestions and volunteers to organize this event.

The license fee increase was reviewed. It appears there are problems with inspectors as they do not appear to be consistent. If MMSA pursues consistency, it can work against us, especially for the older producers with older equipment. One issue is whether producers replace now rather than when necessary. Vermont inspections are in the store, not on the farm.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Jean Maday, Secretary