MMSA Board of Directors Meeting
October 1, 2005
Neal Sweets Sugarhouse ● Glennie, Michigan

President Tom Cook called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Members present included Terry Coleman, Arnold Hammel, Tim Boonstra, Dale Forester, Fred Bates, Mark Battel, Newsletter Editor Betsy Carls, MSU Extension Russ Kidd as well as Cathi Bates our Sales item contact person.

The Secretary and Treasurer Reports were approved earlier in the day at the membership meeting.

The 2006 Fall Tour Host will be Terry Coleman and we will be visiting the Ludington area.

In the area of Legislation, Farm Bureau does support the MMSA resolution recognizing Maple Sugaring as an agricultural operation. State Representative Joel Sheltrown of the 103rd District is lending his support and influence to help change the direction some township assessors are classifying maple farms.

Our annual winter meeting will bring to us Randy Heiligmann and possibly Gary Graham from Ohio State University. The topic will be The Tasting and Detecting of Off Flavor Syrup. This session was conducted about 10 plus years ago and was very well received. Other topics will be addressed as well.

Betsy Carls requested more articles of interest for Newsletter readers to enjoy and learn from.

We will no longer be contracting with R & J Screen Printing for the sale of MMSA Logo shirts and hats. Discussion was held on the feasibility of adding these items to our own store or the possibility of RMG marketing them through their sales catalog.

Mark Battel has had some leads on members who are willing to seek Board positions. He will continue to solicit interested persons for the winter ballot.

An Honorary Member has been selected for the year. Dale Forrester will take care of the certificate, framing, and presentation of the award.

The NAMSC/IMSI Board is continuing to look at the possibility of establishing International Grading Standards for the maple industry. They are also considering the production of a video (DVD) in conjunction with PBS. It would be generic in nature for usage by all states and provinces within the maple producing region.

The International Meeting will be held in Michigan in 2011 rather than in 2010. Frankenmuth will be the likely location. To help ease the workload upon one person, the Newsletter will be jointly put together by both Cathi Bates and Betsy Carls starting in 2006.

No further business. Adjourned at 5:10pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Tim Boonstra