MSU’s Russ Kidd called the meeting to order at 4:12 pm at the Doherty Hotel in Clare. An election was conducted for President of the Association. Jean Maday was re-elected to this position. The members elected to officer positions are as follows:

Discussion was held regarding the web site billing procedures. It was decided that these fees would be renewable on an annual basis after the first of each calendar year.

Again this year, we will host an ongoing update of “Sugarbush Happenings” throughout the maple season. Tom Cook will contact last years web site participants for a continuation of this current event update.

With an emphasis on membership renewal, Jean will draft a letter to be sent as a reminder to delinquent past members. This reminder will hopefully bring a reinstatement of forgetful maple enthusiasts.

The date for the 2005 Annual Meeting has been set for January 22. It will once again be located at the Doherty at Clare. Hopefully we’ll have Randy Heiligmann from Ohio State University as our primary guest speaker, presenting his “Off Flavored Syrup” Seminar.

Board meetings for the 2004 year will be held as follows:

Saturday, May 15 at noon — Doherty Hotel in Clare
Saturday, October 30 at noon — Doherty Hotel in Clare
Saturday, September 25 — Fall Tour

The table top display featuring our association will be housed by Ron Thomas. It was agreed that the shipping cost for member usage would be split, with the association paying to get the display to the member’s address, and the return cost being paid by the user.

Betsy Carls was named as Field Editor to the Maple Digest. Additional copies of the MMSA Recipe Book (small) and coloring books will be reordered. Meeting adjourned at 5:10pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Tim Boonstra