MICHIGAN MAPLE SYRUP ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Saturday, January 18, 2003

The meeting opened at 9:30 AM with a welcome and housekeeping items from Russ Kidd. George Cook showed a short video from the NAMSC meeting in New Hampshire. Larry Haigh gave his welcome and introductions about syrup and candy contest and gave recognition to Associations and Honorary members in attendance. Roger VandeBunte introduced Todd Baribeau who has designed our Web-site. Todd will be available all day to demonstrate the web-site. Additional development will occur so links to other producers web-sites will be available. The guest speakers were introduced: George Cook from the University of Vermont Extension Keith Ruble, Indiana Maple Syrup Association and a representative from the MAPLE NEWS.

The 2003 NAMSC meeting in Nova Scotia was reviewed. Deb Thomas is organizing a train ride to the meeting. At least 20 people are needed to commit to travel arrangements. Literature was available describing the tour arrangements. Deb Thomas may be contacted at 1-989-685-2807 for details and registration.

The Board members were introduced. Jean Maday presented the Secretary’s report which was approved. Since Steve Youdes was judging syrup, Larry Haigh gave the Treasurer’s report which was approved. Jean Maday introduced our Honorary Members - Mary and Bob Gibbs. A certificate from the Board was presented to them. Bob extended his thanks and appreciation. Mary was unable to attend the meeting.

The IIMSI report was given by Mary Douglass. She thanked the membership for their support to IMSI. IMSI will maintain random testing of syrup and work on a Web-site. Grading standards are different in most states so a report will be compiled to identify the various standards. They are looking at the dynamics of organic syrup as you can’t sell as organic unless you are certified. Larry Haigh reviewed the NAMSC agenda. The research finding of 1 cent per jug is holding it’s own. George Fogle has been named to the Maple Hall of Fame and will be inducted in May. Craig Arnold made presentations to the producers who hosted the 2002 Fall Tours. Tim Boonstra introduced the candidates for the Board vacancies; Fred Bates, Terry Coleman, Tom Cook and Joyce Ross. Members were requested to vote.

Larry showed the new MMSA plastic bags and encouraged producers to use them when selling maple products. A case of 500 is $100. Cathi Bates is selling them at the registration table. Larry indicated that Ag census for 2002 was very important and he encouraged members to complete the survey. The statistics are very important as they are used for determining disaster payments.

George Cook presented the main educational session on “Safety Concerns in Your Maple Sugaring Operation”.

The results of the candy and cream contest were announced:

1st place Cream-Bill Britt
1St place Candy-Sue Kistler
Light Amber Syrup-Fred Bates
Medium Amber Syrup-Dan Tassier
Dark Amber Syrup-Richard Enos
Grand Prize-Dan Tassier

The Board election results were announced. The new Board members are Tom Cook, Fred Bates and Joyce Ross. Door prizes from vendors were drawn. Larry Haigh then said the lunch prayer and the meeting was adjourned. Lunch Followed.

Respectfully Submitted
Jean Maday, Secretary.