Source attachment: MSBA DRAFT Meeting Minutes Sept 11 2026.docx

MSBA DRAFT Meeting Minutes
Friday, September 11 MSBA Board Meeting summary
Meeting Began by David Schultz: 5:02PM
Meeting Ended by David Schultz: 6:32PM
Quick recap
The Maryland State Beekeepers Association (MSBA) held its September board meeting to review financials, plan upcoming events, and discuss organizational updates. Lisa presented the financial report, noting a balance of $67,900 and explaining changes in revenue reporting. The board accepted the minutes from the March meeting and discussed the June meeting, which was well-attended and featured Dewey Caron. Clyde reported on the EAS conference (380 attendees with MD 2nd largest state representing), and Valerie was tasked with creating a plaque for Dewey's Lifetime Achievement Award. Valerie to send MD EAS picture to Phil Frank for posting on MSBA web site.
Elaine detailed plans for the November meeting, including the agenda, lunch arrangements (Pizza that Elaine will order 20 and David to meet delivery), and the Honey Show. Honey Show check-in is 8am.
Discussion on pros/cons for Electronic Voting for Board Positions. The board approved a motion to investigate and allow electronic voting for future elections. If this moves forward, Bylaws will need to be amended which requires a vote by MSBA Membership, 10% of Membership, min 30 members. Current Bylaws are in person during the November meeting. This will stand for November 2026 and be investigated via committee (Phil and Regina) for future implementation.
The Board discussed potential new venues for the February meeting and the need to engage second vice presidents more effectively. Action items are below with potentials being Montgomery and Howard County Fair Grounds.
Lisa provided an update on the Sentinel Apiary Program, and Phil shared membership growth statistics. The board voted to renew its platinum membership with the American Beekeeping Federation.
Next steps
Elaine
• Order pizza and salads for the November meeting Lunch and Learn, coordinating with Dave Schultz on quantities and timing.
• Follow up with the Mehalicks regarding the MSBA paper products (cups, plates, napkins) for the November meeting.
• Adjust the agenda for the November meeting to include a 5–10-minute membership drive segment.
Jim
• Send an email to the board outlining proposed additions/changes to the Honey Show categories (e.g., propolis) for review and comment.
• Check with Montgomery County Ag Center regarding availability for the February 2027 state meeting and Beeswax workshop.
Lisa
• Renew MSBA's Platinum ($1,000) membership with the American Beekeeping Federation (ABF).
Michael Mehalick
• Confirm the start and end times for the November meeting at Montgomery College and communicate with Jim and Valerie.
• Confirm who currently has the MSBA paper products and communicate with Elaine.
Phil
• Provide a list of Second Vice Presidents associated with counties that had the highest membership growth, for a prize drawing at the November meeting.
Valerie
• Work with Advantage Trophy and Engraving to create a nice plaque for Dewey Caron's Lifetime Achievement Award, coordinating with Elaine and Diane for review and proofing.
• Provide the Maryland contingent photo from EAS to Phil for posting on the MSBA website.
• Work with Fred Smith and Toni Burnham to write the letter for the state apiary mailings, including the president's message.
• Reach out to Allen Hayes regarding organizing a honey judging seminar, and then work with education chair, Kim Mehalick.
• Send an email to solicit nominations for the Nominating Committee for open board positions.
• Reach out to Howard County Fairgrounds regarding availability for the February 2027 state meeting.
• Check with local libraries (e.g., Westminster) for a venue for the beeswax rendering class.
Attendees: Elaine (Organizer), Regina Andrew (External), Robert Yochem (External), Michael Mehalick (External), Jim’s iPhone (External), Dschultz@specializedengineering.com (External), Phillip Frank (External), Thomas (External), V Wampler (External), Jan Day (DCBA) (External), Clyde's iPhone (External), Scott Edie (External), Lisa Marie Ghezzi, Maryland (External)