MMSA Board of Directors Meeting
November 5, 2005
Doherty Hotel ● Clare, Michigan

President Tom Cook called the meeting to order at 12:00 pm. Members present included Terry Coleman, Arnold Hammel, Fred Bates, Joyce Ross, Ron and Debbi Thomas, Mark Battel and Family, Newsletter Editor Betsy Carls, MSU Extension Russ Kidd.

Due to Tim Boonstra’s absence the Secretary’s Report was read by Betsy Carls. Arnie Hammel gave the Treasurers Report. Both Reports were approved by the board.

A discussion of the Fall Tour concluded that participation was very good with a large attendance of 107 members and non-members. Many comments were made as to the excellent food prepared by the Comins Mennonite Church and how the participants enjoyed the diversion of the AuSable Valley Miniature Train Ride. Tim Boonstra and Terry Coleman did an excellent job of putting the Tour together. The 2006 Fall Tour will be in the Ludington area and our host will be Terry Coleman.

Joyce Ross will be sending out the billing for the Web Site Descriptive Listings in December. In addition, Arnie Hammel will be sending out invoices to advertisers for the 2006 Newsletter.

The promotion committee presented that Lake Magazine will be doing an article on Maple Syrup to be published in February or March. The Lake Magazine is a up scale publication based out of Southwest Michigan Area.

Ron Thomas presented on the issue of Tax Assessment. He and Mary Douglass have met with Joel Sheltrown, our State Representative, who is in support of changing the current tax classification of maple operations. Farm Bureau is also supporting us in this endeavor.

Betsy Carls reminded everyone of the Newsletter deadlines and requested articles from the board that they felt would be of interest to the members.

Fred Bates mentioned that we were out of License Plates and the board requested that Cathi Bates purchase more.

As we haven’t had a very good showing from our Logo Clothing Supplier at the last few MMSA functions the board decided to purchase the balance of their inventory and offer it at the winter meeting and also through our Sale Items. The board also agreed to purchase some logo patches to have available for the winter meeting. The inventory consists of some Sweatshirts, Golf Shirts, Coffee Mugs and Hats. We are looking to purchase some Stainless Tumbler Mugs and Stylish Ball Caps.

Mark Battel indicated that he has at least one person interested in running as a Board Member in 2006. The Board Members' terms that are due to expire at the Winter Meeting are Fred Bates, Tom Cook and Joyce Ross. All three indicated that they would run for another term.

The Honorary Member has been chosen and Dale Forrester is responsible for getting the award and presenting it at the Winter Meeting.

Ron Thomas’s report on the NAMSC/IMSI Meeting is included in another section of this newsletter. The highlights are the need for liability insurance at all functions, NAMSC is working on a strategic plan and the Maple Syrup Producers Manual will be revised by April 1st, 2006 and available. The 2006 National Meeting will be October 19–22 in Green Bay, WI. Ron will check with Farm Bureau on the costs for insuring our functions.

The annual meeting 2006 was discussed. Russ Kidd confirmed Randall B. Heiligmann, Ph.D. and Dr. Gary Graham will be the featured speakers. Break out sessions have been dropped for this year due to the time they will need for their presentations. Ron Thomas will be handling the vendor displays. Steve Youdes will again be handling the syrup, cream and candy contest. Terry Coleman and Joyce Ross will be handling the registration.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:15pm

Respectfully Submitted,
Betsy Carls