MMSA 45th Annual Winter Meeting
January 21, 2006
Doherty Hotel, Clare, MI

Once again, in what seems to have become a weather tradition, snow welcomed us to Clare in a major way. Regardless, attendance was good and spirits high as we got reacquainted with friends and learned more information about the maple industry.

Russel Kidd of MSUE presented opening remarks and turned the meeting over to President Tom Cook. Tom took care of some housekeeping chores regarding the meeting, then introduced guests, lifetime members and the association Board.

Tim Boonstra presented the secretary’s report, which was approved.

Arnold Hammel then reviewed the treasurer's report which was also approved.

Mark Battel presented the slate of nominees available to fill the Board positions. Voting took place and Fred Bates, Joyce Ross and Tom Cook were re-elected to their current positions.

The NAMSC report was given by Ron Thomas, who attended the International Meeting in Quebec. He updated us on that meetings activities and informed us that next year's meeting would be in Green Bay, WI.

Our delegate to the IMSI, Jean Maday, gave her report, highlighting maple research projects such as: syrup grading standards and the wheel of flavors, air injection systems, tap hole size, company tubing trials and equipment demonstrations. She also spoke of the Syrup Federation in Canada and the surplus of syrup there.

Mary Douglas spoke about taxation classification vs. zoning classifications. Though similar, these are separate entities. Some assessors are calling maple operations commercial enterprises rather than agricultural. That is because qualifications defining agricultural products excludes maple. They see us as a processing center for maple on the same level as timber production rather than a food crop. This is an isolated problem now, but may become more prevalent as assessors seek other avenues of revenue by classifying properties according to their highest or best use. Already some producers are being levied a personal property tax on equipment. Farm Bureau has offered its support, and state representatives have also been contacted.

Our Honorary Member Award was presented to Jean Maday this year for her ongoing support of the maple industry. She has owned Maple Syrup Supplies for 30 years and has been an active member of the Association, and past president, for many years. Thank you, Jean!

The idea of having producers man a booth at the Ionia Free Fair was presented. A sign up sheet was initiated and circulated. It was thought that a producer's current food license would suffice for selling products for that occasion.

An introduction was made by Russel Kidd to MSU’s new staff member—Pascal Nzokov. He is training as a Christmas tree and maple syrup specialist.

With all business concerns covered, this portion of the program was adjourned at 10:50 AM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Tim Boonstra