MMSA 44th Annual General Membership Meeting
January 22, 2005
Doherty Hotel ● Clare, Michigan

Very snowy, cold weather accompanied us to this year's Annual Meeting. Some intended attendees and program participants, primarily from the Southern Region, were not able to be with us due to weather related problems .

Russell Kidd of MSU Extension opened the meeting at 9:20 am with a welcome to all. After some opening remarks and a review of the Program Agenda, he turned the Business Meeting over to President Jean Maday. She introduced the Lifetime Members that were present, various associations represented, and the Board Members along with the committees and offices they serve on.

Tim Boonstra reviewed the Secretary’s Report, which was printed in the Winter Issue of the Newsletter. The minutes were approved at this time.

The Treasurer’s Report was also reviewed. Each handout packet contained a copy for the General Membership's information. This report was approved as presented.

Fred Bates conducted the election of new Board Members. Three new Board Members were selected - Terry Coleman, Arnold Hammel and Mark Battel.

Dale Forrester updated us on the FDA required registration of Maple Producers. Essentially, nearly everyone will be required to participate.

Mary Douglass represented the IMSI and talked primarily about the proposed International Grades and Quality Standards for Maple Syrup. These proposals are not law, but may become so in order to standardize grades throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Jean Maday informed the membership of events surrounding this past year's NAMSC Annual Meeting in New York.

This year's Lifetime Honorary Member, Floyd Moore, was introduced by Tim Boonstra. Floyd was this association's First President and a charter member from back in the mid 1960’s.

We had a great fall tour this year, with good weather and several members who willingly opened their sugarhouses to us. Craig Arnold thanked everyone for their participation.

Ron Thomas gave us an update on the 2005 NAMSC/IMSI Fall Tour. Debbi Thomas will once again coordinate travel details for those interested in taking a train/bus trip to Quebec.

With the completion of the association's business meeting, Russ Kidd introduced our speakers for the first educational session. Substitute presenters to discuss the TODS Program (Tourist Oriented Directional Signs) were Terry DeLoughary and Dan Tassier. Both of these people are utilizing this avenue of business advertising. The cost per year/per sign is $360. These signs show both open dates and mileage to the business location. They are maintained by the Michigan Logos Company.

Russell Kidd spoke concerning the fertilization of your Sugarbush. Soil testing is necessary first, and then the recommendations for bringing the sugar maple component up to its optimum growing levels can be established. Fertilizing is not a substitute for proper forest management.

Prior to our lunch recess, recognition was given to the participants of the syrup, candy and cream contest. Awards were given as follows:

The afternoon breakout sessions were varied; and topics of interest appealed to all attendees. The meeting adjourned at the completion of these concurrent education sessions.

Respectfully Submitted,
Tim Boonstra