MTF Executive Director Report - June 29, 2007

Fundraising:
LaFontaine Fundraising Committee meeting was held on June 4, 2007 (information packet and committee roster attached).  The LaFontaine brochure is being printed and 100 copies will be mailed out to each committee member.  We also sent 5 additional information packets to Don Benham.

The courtyard discussions continue with MSU.  An estimate of the materials cost of this project for just the courtyard (gravel, sand, pavers and wall stone) is: $7,500.00 

Membership:
As a result of the MTESP Steering Committee as well as some previous discussions, Kay and I would like to consider a combined membership option: for $375.00 per year, you receive MTF membership, MTESP membership, and an MTESP site visit once every 3 years (this saves approximately $56.00).  We could also include a Field Day registration and an MTESP program workshop for an even $400.00 (approximate savings of $81.00 total).  

MTESP:
● Steering Committee meeting was held on June 6, 2007 (minutes will be sent to full
   board).
● Next workshop is September 10, 2007 at Greywalls with a special golf rate of $50.00
  (regularly $125.00).
● We received another grant payment of $12,500 in June.
● Three cost share practices have been approved by MDA (letter attached).
● We finally have MDA clarification and an agreement for MDA pesticide recertification credits for workshops and site visits (letter attached).
● MTESP dues waiver – what if any circumstances?

Grant Activity Summary:
EPA GLNPO Grant: $73,315 ($9,165 indirect cost to MTF; $3,055 to Shanna Draheim).
Status: Start date July 15, 2007 – July 1, 2009.

DLEG Biomass Energy Grant: $24,121 ($3,146.25 indirect cost to MTF).  Status: Start date May 25, 2007 – May 24, 2008.

DLEG Bio-based Products & Biofuels Grant: $50,400 ($42,000 in incentives for golf courses; no indirect costs, $8,400 in admin costs; profits less admin fee for GLTE Bio-based Products Fair to MTF). 
Status: Revisions sent to DLEG, revised start date of mid-August 2007 – mid August 2008.

GLTE:
● Committee meeting held on June 14, 2007 – sales are slightly down compared to last year
● Executive Director meeting on June 11, 2007 to discuss adding Greenhouse Growers
● MDA credit meeting on July 13, 2007

Other Items:

• Career Clusters Curriculum presentation at Lochmoor Club June 29, 2007 for Agri-science teacher Summer Professional Development; kickoff held on May 10, 2007 at Comerica Park
• Syngenta letter for Green Partner points has been sent to Scott Trbovich that outlines our proposed partnership
• New Hancock Center weather station is installed (need to formerly approve Founder’s transfer); weather stations for SE Michigan are still being offered
• SEMCOG meeting on fertilizer – June 22, 2007 (see attached)
• Michigan Farm & Garden Sponsorship (recommend none)
• National Governor’s Association Conference Sponsorship (recommend out of 2008 budget)
• Review meeting with MiSTMA and Scott Little from Michigan School Business Officials
• MiSTMA Fundraiser – July 13, 2007 at Oldsmobile Park
• IPM Alliance (recommend joining and paying through MTESP budget lines)