Michigan Maple Syrup Association
43 Annual General Membership Meeting
January 17, 2004
Doherty Hotel - Clare, Michigan

Snow weather welcomed us as we met at the Doherty Hotel in Clare for our annual meeting. This meeting, comprised of 189 attendees, was called to order by Russell Kidd of MSU Extension at 9:30 am. After a few opening remarks and a review of the agenda, he turned the meeting over to President Jean Maday. She introduced guests, including a group from the Indiana Association. She also honored and recognized our association’s life time members. Introduction of Betsy Carls was also made as our new Newsletter Editor.

Tim Boonstra reviewed the Secretary’s Report, which was printed in the winter issue of the Newsletter. These minutes stood approved as written.

The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed by President Maday, and notice was made of a transfer of $1,500.00 from savings to general checking. This was carried out to offset additional yearly expenses. The report was approved as presented.

The election of new board members was presented by Fred Bates. Ron Thomas and Tim Boonstra were re-elected, and Dale Forrester was newly elected to the board.

Ron Kistler introduced Terry DeLoughary as this years Lifetime Honorary member. He acknowledged Terry’s hard work efforts in promoting maple as a previous Board Member and Presenter of talks on value added maple products.

Ross Kidd then updated us on the FDA Registration required under the new Bio-Terrorism Act. The original signup deadline was Dec. 16, but has since been extended to April l2 2004. Many questions remain as to whether we as Maple Producers even need to register. It was generally felt that if a producer retails at least 50% of his product, no registration would be necessary, more information will be published as it is made known. The Maple News did include a “How To” article on this registration.

The NAMSC meeting was held in Nova Scotia with a group of our members attending. A group was organized by Debbi Thomas and arrived in Nova Scotia by train. President Maday reviewed the 2003 syrup production and program highlights of this annual International Meeting. George Fogle was also inducted into the Maple Hall of Fame at the Maple Museum in Croghan, New York. Jean made mention that the research projects funding is dropping in income levels due to the rise in popularity of glass container; many of which are produced by companies that are not connected to the maple industry or are imported from foreign countries. It is very difficult or next to impossible to collect the $01 cent per container for maple research from these people.

Mary Douglass reviewed this year’s IMSI Meeting, which was held in conjunction with the NAMSC Meeting in Nova Scotia. The 2004 NAMSC Meeting will be held in the Lake George area of New York on October 17-20. Michigan will host the 2010 assembly.

The 2003 Fall Tour was reviewed, and participants from the Central and Eastern U.P. were recognized for their hospitality in opening their sugar houses to us. They included visits to the following sugar bushes: DeLoughary’s, Jasper’s, Draze’s, Scott’s, Majszak’s, Strom’s, Blahnik’s and Ross’s.

The 2004 Fall Tour will visit operations in the Central Lower Peninsula on September 25. Steve and Lynette Henson will be our hosts for this year’s occasion.

Russell Kidd introduced the speaker for our first educational session. He was Tom Kalchik from MSU in Lansing. He is currently the Associate Director of the MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources. He talked to us about marketing value added products and of possible funding available to maple producers.

Following the presentation, Jean introduced us to Glenn Goodrich from Cabot, Vermont. Glenn is a tubing installation expert who shares his knowledge on this subject with various maple interests around the maple belt. He dealt primarily with the economics of vacuum systems, the detriment of tap hole micro organisms and the potential of the health spout and feasibility of the new micro spout.

Following our lunch hour, we assembled in the pool room for the distribution of door prizes made available by our vendor’s generosity. Also, recognition was given to the participants of the syrup and candy contest. Awards were given as follows:

Dark Amber Winner — Richard & Loraine Enos
Medium Amber Winner — Keith Dick
Light Amber Winner — Fred Bates

GRAND PRIZE AWARD - KEITH DICK

Best of Show — Candy — Terry Coleman
Best of Show — Crème — Bob & Bill Britt

The afternoon breakout sessions were varied, and topics of interest appealed to all attendees. The meeting adjourned at 3:15pm at the completion of these concurrent educational sessions.

Respectfully Submitted,
Tim BoonstraMichigan Maple Syrup Association