MMSA Board of Directors Meeting
Doherty Hotel, Clare, MI
1-19-07

President Tom Cook called the meeting to order at 7:12 PM
Members Present: Mark Battel, Tom Cook, Dale Forrester, Ron Thomas, Terry Coleman, Fred Bates, Joyce Ross, Tim Boonstra and Arnold Hammel.
Guests Present: Cathi Bates, Julie Forrester and Heather Coleman.

The Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Report will be given at Saturday’s Annual Meeting.

Joyce Ross informed us that seven new members have joined MMSA as a result of the Annual Meeting Registration.

Tom Cook has been continuing to promote MMSA thru newspapers and web-site information.

Ron Thomas informed us that no action is currently being considered from a legislative standpoint in regards to maple syrup being listed as an Agricultural product. Due to recent state elections committee assignments have not yet been made. When Rep. Joel Sheltrowd introduces legislation on the House floor, MMSA membership will be notified in order to make contact with your local State Reps to ask them to show support for the proposal.

Cathi Bates stated that with the Fall Newsletter, member phone numbers will appear alongside their current addresses. In regards to Sale Items it was noted that more license plates have been ordered and will continue to be sold at $10 each. Twelve more cases of coloring books have been ordered to restock the current supply. Newsletter Editor, Cathi Bates, apologized for forgetting to include the maple syrup contest rules in the Winter Edition.

Ron Thomas noted that the Maple Digest subscription rates were increased due to a loss of advertising within the publication. This has been reflected in our annual dues increase because a part of that money goes to support the Digest.
Tomorrow’s Annual Meeting Agenda was reviewed and Board Member Responsibilities were acknowledged.

It was stated that an effort will be made to encourage the payment of web-site dues (both the Directory Listing and Descriptive Listing) and Newsletter ads by February 1st of each year. Payment at the time of Annual Meeting Registration will be offered as an option which would encourage more order for our Treasurer and eliminate extra billings.

The Association has several unsold polo and sweatshirts purchased from a previous vendor. It was agreed that any of those items not sold at the Annual Meeting would be donated as door prizes for give away.

Discussion was held regarding the responsibilities of vendors that comes with The Association’s providing space for display at the Annual Meeting. A motion
was made by Dale Forrester and seconded by Fred Bates to require vendors to pay the registration fee applicable to all participants as well as provide a door prize item (in lieu of a space rental fee). Motion passed. It was also agreed that lunch money will not be returned to non-partakers of the noon meal. This is due to our cost associated with the Doherty Hotel Agreement.

Terry Coleman informed us that the new rules regarding syrup judging will take effect at tomorrow’s Annual Meeting. The new score sheet is based upon accurate density, clarity of product, flavor of the syrup and color grading. It is a graded system based on various numerical values for each category.

With no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 8:32 PM. Motion made by Mark Battel and supported by Dale Forrester.

Respectfully Submitted, Tim Boonstra, Secretary