From Your President

The 2007 crop report was not the best this year. Southern Michigan was below average with the Thumb area about half a crop. Mid Michigan did one half to five eighths crop. Northern area did five eights to three quarters crop and the UP was about average.

Some members have asked about having the winter meeting somewhere else in the future. If you are interested in this – get some prices for your area. Things to consider when looking for locations: Large meeting room seating 200 to 225 people, room for equipment dealers – approx. 10 booths, two or three breakout rooms for smaller groups, luncheon for 200 to 225 people, drinks for breaks during the day and continental breakfast in the morning.

The board is willing to consider different locations but we need your help in determining if it is possible. Gather the estimates and bring them to the fall tour. We will set time aside for discussion and vote on possible locations at the January meeting.

The Ohio Maple Producers have the information out on the International meeting being held in Akron, Ohio this October. The dates are October 21 thru October 24, 2007. We won’t be arranging a bus for this one as it a short drive for most of us. I would like to see a large group from the Michigan Association at the meeting. Every one I have attended in the past has provided me new information and ideas. If you can’t find the info on Ohio’s website, contact me and I will get it to you.

The information for our Fall tour is in this newsletter. It sounds like it will be an informative and enjoyable meeting for all. Mark your calendars and be sure to get your reservations sent in as soon as possible. The organizers work hard to set this up and need their meal counts ahead of time.

Hope to see you all at the fall tour.

Ron Thomas, President, MMSA