Michigan Maple Syrup Association
Board of Directors Meeting
May 5, 2007
Doherty Hotel - Clare, Michigan

The MMSA Board Meeting was called to order by President Ron Thomas at 12:11 pm.

Members Present: Tom Cook, Ron Thomas, Arnold Hammel, Terry Coleman, Fred Bates, Mark Battel and Joyce Ross.
Members Absent: Tim Boonstra and Dale Forrester.

Board members presented the production reports from around the State and the final conclusion for the 2007 Michigan crop report was figured that around an 80 percent of normal crop was produced with good flavor and mostly Medium Amber syrup produced.

Arnold Hammel gave the Treasure’s Report and mentioned that our Winter Meeting speaker, Bradley Gillilan, needs to be notified so that he can send us his expense bill to be reimbursed. Hammel also mentioned that Russ Kidd was not paid, board members figured that because Russ was not present Friday evening and Hammel was not present Saturday was the reason for not connecting with Russ Kidd to pay him. Arnold Hammel requested from Joyce Ross the number of attendees that paid at the door for the Winter Meeting. Hammel also needs a current membership list so that he can pay the Maple Digest $4.00 per member. It was noted that our liability insurance policy will be renewing soon and will have to be paid. Joyce Ross made a motion to approve the Treasure’s Report and Terry Coleman seconded the motion, it was approved.

Joss Ross gave the Membership Report and stated we had sixteen new members and that reminder letters were sent out to past members to hopefully spark new enthusiasm with prior members to renew their membership. It was also noted that Dr. Pascal Nzokou of MSU became a member.

Fred Bates stated that Cathi Bates needs any info that is going into the next Newsletter to be submitted by July 1, 2007

Ron Thomas gave our Legislation update and reported that Joel Sheltron’s office has the initial draft drawn up, but will not be submitting it until Fall. Ron also stated he has been working with a group that is working on obtaining a grant that will involve the MMSA and if the grant is approved the MMSA will receive $1,500.00

Nominations Chairperson Fred Bates believes that he has a few good Nominees for the 2008 Board. The Board had discussion on an Honorary Member this year and a person was nominated. Terry Coleman made a motion and Tom Cook seconded the motion with the Board approving the new Honorary Member. The Honorary Member’s name will be recognized at the 2008 Winter Meeting.

Tom Cook handed out an itinerary for the Fall Tour prepared by Ken & Darren Flagel, our tour hosts. The Board was excited about the tour destinations this year.

Some discussion was presented about the upcoming national meeting in Ohio this year and Ron Thomas made a motion that we should send Terry Coleman to the National Maple Syrup Grading School because he heads up our Maple Syrup Contest. Tom Cook seconded the motion and the board approved it.

The Winter Meeting 2008 speaker has been chosen. Daniel LaLanne from CDL Maple Equipment will give a talk probably on Reverse Osmosis and Vacuum Systems.

Terry Coleman has located a portable public address (PA) system for use at functions requiring it. The cost to purchase the (PA) system is around $100.00

The next Board meeting will be September 22, 2007 after the Fall tour on the last stop.

Mark Battel made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 1:44pm and Joyce Ross seconded the motion, it was approved.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tom Cook