PRESENT: Larry Bush, Neil Kentner, Kathy Matusik, Steve Thelen, Linda Zabik
EXCUSED: John Carlos, Mark Chapman, Edward Deeb, Amanda Page
I. The Great Lakes Agricultural Fair board meeting was called to order by Linda Zabik, president, at 6:05 p.m. as a telephone conference call. She announced that a quorum was present and business could be conducted.
II. Larry Bush moved for approval of the August 19, 2014, board of directors minutes as emailed. Supported by Steve Thelen. Motion carried.
III. Treasurer’s Report
A. Steve Thelen moved to receive the Financial Reports as of August 31, 2014. Supported by Neil Kentner. Motion carried.
B. Approve invoice payments
1. Neil Kentner moved for approval to reimburse Linda Zabik $133.75 for the GLAF Youth Board lunch meeting. Supported by Steve Thelen. Motion carried.
2. Steve Thelen moved for approval to pay the invoice for $25.00 from Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce for Farm to Fork advertising. Supported by Larry Bush. Motion carried.
3. Steve Thelen moved for approval to purchase a laptop and printer for GLAF which will be in the possession of Neil Kentner. Supported by Larry Bush. Motion carried.
IV. Larry Bush moved to accept the resignations of Deb Chapman, Sue Grover, and Jenna Huskinson. Supported by Neil Kentner. Motion carried. Linda Zabik will try to contact Mark Chapman about his continued membership is light of his poor attendance.
V. Linda Zabik reported that there is no new information from the Youth Involvement Board. At this time all the students are getting settled at school.
VI. Review of Upcoming 2014 Events
A. Farm to Fork at Oakland County Farmers Market – Linda reported that all the restaurants have been confirmed including the dishes they will be preparing. The ingredients are also organized. Setup will be at noon on September 24th. Staci from Genisys will be there to help with check-in. Steve will send a summary sheet. Board members should wear their red GLAF shirts. We do not have an exact ticket count be we need at least 150 guests.
B. CORP Magazine’s Agricultural & Food Breakfast – Linda reported that Steve submitted candidates for recognition at the event and the youth board mom also submitted two candidates. Everything is good to go for that event.
C. Farmers Markets at the Capitol in Lansing – Steve announced that it will be on September 25th, the day after Farm to Fork, and he will attend. They put our banner on the street and another one in our tent. Steve will take pictures for us. The farmers market is at 9:00 a.m. in Lansing. Neil offered to assist Steve. Steve also reported that he got eight tote bags to be used as door prizes at Farm to Fork.
VII. Update on Events for 2015
A. Swartz Creek – There will be a planning meeting on Monday – September 22nd to brainstorm for next year’s event.
B. Metro Detroit Youth Day – Linda and Mr. Deeb met and agreed that we need to work more directly on getting our logo and name listed. This year Whispering Pines was advertised, but not GLAF. Linda will provide the necessary information to Michelle for next year. They got good comments about the animals; but, we need to make our activities more educational. Whispering Pines has penciled us in for 2015; but, cannot confirm because fair are still changing their dates for 2015. Whispering Pines will get back to us in January to confirm.
C. MIS/Big Mitten State Fair and Festival – Steve reported that he and Larry and Neil attended the walk-thru and reviewed the grounds and it is a larger footprint that originally anticipated. Water and electric are not easily accessible. There is no nearby waste removal. We will need generators. There are 55 vendor spaced in a large area. Parking lot arrangements will need to be made. MIS and Big Mitten are enthusiastic about the event. They are not pushing hard for an announcement because they are waiting for entertainment confirmation. MIS suggested we submit the draft contract to our attorney for review once we have raised all our questions. Steve will verify our changes and charges and give the draft to Linda to forward to Bob Delisi for his review. The contract should spell out that the $12,500 is a management fee.
VIII. Old Business
A. Trademark Information – Linda explained that our attorney indicated we have choices; however, we do not want to waste our money on court costs. The board agreed to take this up at a future meeting after the Farm to Fork event.
B. Larry reported that MAFE will not take a position on the issue of House Bill 5719 unless it involves appropriations. Recommendation is that we would wait for it to die in session.
C. Linda reported that the old state fair property is still in question. Citizens’ opinions are being requested and entertained. The Woodward Avenue Association is concerned about the future of the property. Questions are being raised about the decisions of the land bank.
IX. New Business – Guidelines for MAFE Conference Attendance were presented to the board as drafted by Neil Kentner. After discussion by board members, Neil Kentner moved for approval of the Guidelines for MAFE Conference Attendance. Supported by Steve Thelen. Motion carried.
X. Future meeting dates of the Great Lakes Agricultural Fair Board are tentatively scheduled for: October 21 at the Big Boy Restaurant on Dixie Highway in Clarkston, November 18, and December 16.
XI. With no further business to discuss, the Great Lakes Agricultural Fair board meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Matusik
Source: GLAF