IN THE BOARD ROOM Minutes from recent meetings

July, August 2022 – Summer Recess September 2022

President Matt Watts called the meeting to order in Helena, MT. All Board members were present. Financial statements were reviewed, noting that production cost for the Leaflet have gone up, while advertising income is down. Frank Etzler with the MT Dept of Ag reported that the brown marmorated stink bug has been found in the Billings area. The emerald ash borer is present in Oregon, with Montana maintaining a quarantine on all ash tree importation. Gina reported that membership renewals have been slow to come in. The location for next year’s Fall Tour was discussed, with Great Falls as the final decision. Greenius joined for a web presentation on their training platform. A partnership was discussed that would allow MNLA members to sign up with no initiation fee. Discussion followed, with a unanimous vote to proceed with the Greenius partnership. Kristi reported that 6 people registered for the Certified Plant Professional exam at Fall Tour, and reported that the Specialty Crop Block Grant intern had been progressing on the consumer plant catalog design. Tim gave an update on the Billings Chapter; the annual golf tournament was a great success, and 140 people attended the Family Fun Baseball Night. Darin covered Montana Green Expo progress. Patrick Chadwick will be the keynote speaker. There are still sponsorship spaces available, and open booth spaces. Steve gave an overview of upcoming Board elections; positions will be open for the Member-at-Large, 3rd Vice President, and Secretary. Serving on the Board is a rewarding experience that helps you understand our association much better. Bozeman is considering starting a Chapter; contact Darin if you are interested. In new business, the future of the Rocky Mountain Tree school was discussed, with ideas on integrating this into the MNLA to support the future of the Tree School. Meeting adjourned. October 2022

The video conference wall called to order by President Matt Watts. Department changes were reviewed by Frank Etzler of the MT Dept of Ag, with contacts for licensing and education announced. A draft of the consumer plant catalog that we are producing with the Specialty Crop Block Grant was reviewed, and decided that a committee will meet to review in detail before the next meeting. Scheduled distribution is at the 2024 MT Green Expo. James lead conversation on the Fall Tour next year, and will begin forming a planning committee. Darin reported that Expo plans are progressing well. Deadline for the Best of Montana Landscaping and Container Planting Contests is November 15th. Matt gave an overview of his meeting with the Rocky Mountain Tree School, and discussed ways to bring the school under the MNLA umbrella to continue offering this conference in the state. Candidate applications for the Board of Directors were reviewed by Steve. Application deadline for the open positions is December 1st. No new business. Meeting adjourned.