MICHIGAN BEAN COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes – July 8, 2015
Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, East Lansing, MI 48824
Those Present:
· District #1 Terry Schindler
· District #2 John Densmore
· District #3 Greg Ackerman
· District #4 Clint Stoutenburg, Chair
· District #5 Allen Bischer
· District #6 Ross Voelker, Vice Chair
· District #7
· District #8 John Krick, Treasurer
· Shipper Representative Neil French
· Executive Secretary Joe Cramer
· Research Director Greg Varner
Others Present:
Nancy Nyquist MDARD
Neil Mosher Ackerman Marketing
The meeting was called to order at 4:17 PM by Chairman Stoutenburg.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: A motion was made by Voelker with support from Ackerman to accept the agenda as printed. Motion passed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Krick with support from Bischer to accept the meeting minutes dated May 21, 2015 as presented. Motion passed.
FINANCIAL REPORT: The financial reports for the month of May 2015 and June 2015 including monthly assessment reports, bank balances, year-to-date totals and budget comparison for both the Commission and PRAB were presented. A motion was made by Voelker with support by Ackerman to accept the financial report as presented and be placed on file. Motion passed.
FY 2015-2016 Draft Budget: Cramer presented draft budgets for the MBC and PRAB for the next fiscal year - for discussion purposes only. Revenue was discussed given the size and condition of this year’s crop. At Ackerman’s request, Cramer talked through the components included in the Dues and Subscriptions line item. Following discussion, it was clear that participation in the US Dry Bean Council, American Pulse Association and MABA continue to be priorities given their missions and focus relative to cost. Cramer also commented on International Promotion and Research line items in the MBC budget and Health Care in the PRAB budget. A budget will be presented for approval at the August Commission meeting.
MDARD REPORT
· Nancy Nyquist, MDARD, noted the addition of Peter Anistor who will lead the Office of Ad Development within MDARD. Peter comes to the Department with years of economic development experience.
· The Department is currently working with the Executive Office to update industry goals. These goals are to be attainable but include some “stretching”.
· Nancy commented on grants currently available noting that the Strategic Growth Initiative program is no more.
MICHIGAN BEAN SHIPPERS REPORT
· Commissioner French suggested that, given the abnormal planting season, harvest will include its share of challenges as well. Growers will have to be even more diligent this fall to protect our food. Using harvest aids within the confines of their labels, contamination, including allergens like soybeans, etc. will be more difficult to manage. It would be helpful if the Commission including Commissioners engage in these conversations/discussions, advising caution, throughout the growing season.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
· Cramer recommended participation in a trade mission to Cuba this September. Following discussion including suggestions as to how we might minimize cost, Voelker moved to have Cramer and Krick participate in the activity. Bischer supported the motion. Motion passed.
· After reviewing the legislative, production research and international promotional engagements that currently address MBC objectives, Cramer identified voids in the areas of domestic markets and new product development. Cramer went on to outline a plan to fund projects that advance the mission of the MBC. Cramer views the domestic market as having the greatest opportunity to advance our Michigan Industry and therefore outlined a concept designed to make monies available for projects that address these voids. These monies would be generated through an assessment increase which would require approval by the growers in Michigan. A lengthy discussion followed. This will continue to be part of future agendas.
· Cramer reminded the group that 4 Commissioners terms expire December 31. Nominations will be made during research plot meetings in August and September. All 4 are eligible for re-appointment. Election of officers, committee assignments, meeting dates, etc. for the 2015-2016 FY 15-16 will be dealt with at the August Commission meeting.
· Cramer reviewed briefly a Michigan Dry Bean Industry Economic Impact Study that Dr. Bill Knudson had recently completed for the MBC. This document is frequently referred to by legislatures, grantors, etc.
Grant Updates – Cramer, Nancy Nyquist and Research Director, Greg Varner updated the Commission on the status of our grants at various times throughout the meeting.
Research Director’s Report
· Varner updated the Commission on this year’s research plot locations, planting dates and conditions. Given some of the late season planting conditions two plot locations were changed. Plot tours will still begin in the UP on August 10th but plans haven’t been finalized for the later planted plots. www.michgianbean.org will have the most current information on plot tour information. Tentative dates are:
· August 10 – Kevin Klink – Delta County
· August 11 – Dan Smolinski - Alpena County
· August 24 – Brian Stratton – Montcalm County
· August 25 – Ackerman & Son Farms- Tuscola County (Nomination Meeting)
· August 26 – Field Day – SVREC
· August 27 – Schindler Farms – Bay County
· August 31 – Bebow Farms – Gratiot County
· September 1 – Claude Puvalowski – Huron County (Nomination Meeting)
· September 2 – Brian Aldrich – Sanilac County (Nomination Meeting)
There was a brief discussion about the herbicide Sharpen.
USDBC Report
· USDBC Executive Committee is expected to recommend a funding formula at the July 17th USDBC Board meeting. Cramer, Voelker and Stoutenburg will attend.
· Ackerman participated in a trade mission to Argentina and Brazil in May. He presented a very comprehensive report of the mission.
AMERICAN PULSE ASSOCIATION
· Cramer is working with APA to set a date for a GoToMeeting that will offer the Michigan Industry a good look at the activities planned around the globe celebrating the IYOP a full exposure to the branding project.
Ag Leaders of Michigan
· Cramer will be featured at next Monday’s Lunch and Learn at the Capital
· ALM organized a meeting for universities, hospitals and other institutions to highlight the opportunities for sourcing both highly nutritious and locally available foods like beans that help meet nutrition and sourcing mandates recently put in place at these various institutions. The session was well attended. Follow-up is being planned. The event was held at the Brody Complex on the MSU Campus.
· The ALM DC Fly-In is next week. The MBC will participate in the expense of the dinner and breakfast.
· Cramer has a date set for the second interview with WJR offering additional exposure to our industry.
PUBLIC COMMENT: there was none
With no further agenda items or discussion, Chairman Stoutenburg declared the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully,
Joe Cramer
Joe Cramer, MBC Executive Secretary
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