MHHA Annual Meeting Minutes
January 28, 2023
I.      Meeting is called to order by MHHA President Michael Cushing at 4:15 pm.
II.     Filing of proof of notice.
III.    Roll call of members entitled to vote. All members were handed a green piece of paper to vote with. 
IV.   MHHA Officers and Board of Directors present:
       Michael Cushing, President
       David Crochere, Vice President
       Bethany Graffam, Secretary
       Aaron Hall, Treasurer
       Directors: Michael McGee, William Phipps, Don Marean & MaryAnn        Tompkins. 
       Also Present: Deb Patterson, Executive Director
V.     Reports of Officers
       A. Secretary's Report:
         Bethany Graffam reviewed the 2022 annual meeting minutes. 
       B. Treasurer's Report:
         Aaron Hall reviewed the beginning balances for 2022, 
Opening balance $76,378 Income: $21,950 Memberships(multiple years), Racetrack Sire Stakes Funding $260,862. Sire Stakes portion $57,130, Total Income for 2021 $282,812. Expenses: Admin Salary $ 45,000, Lobbyist $15,000, Rent $10,200.00 & HHI 3rd Party Liability $14,576. Total Expenses for 2022 $225,482. Ending Balance: $133,708 -$25,ooo cash in bank = $107,500 starting balance for 2023. 
VI.    Committee Reports
          A. Budget: 
Aaron Hall presented budget for 2023. Don and Aaron worked on budget. Aaron discussed the large amount of carry over and that this is not typical. He stated that MHHA was working with Shane Bacon and the current AG to remedy the situation so we don’t continue to carry over such a large amount. He mentioned a few of the line items that would see some increase in expenditures. He stated that because of the large carry over they funding rate would be dropped from 2.98% to 2.022%. 
          C. Legislative:
Don Marean said that Sen. Ingersal has submitted a bill to repeal 281-A. At this time there was no LD #. 
          D. Scholarship:
Bethany Graffam reported on the 2022 scholarship fund.  
1/1/22 Opening balance of $35,038.12. Donations on the membership applications equaled $511. 50/50’s at Windsor Fair totaled $1,513. On 12/6/22 WNEHHA generously donated another$5,000. Ending balance on 12/31/22 is 37,415.12. 5 scholarships will be awarded for $1,200. 1/28/2023 MADC donated$2,000. So, each recipient will also be awarded an extra $400 from the MADC. 
          E. Sulky Reimbursement: 
David Crochere reported the balance beginning of $35,851.26. In 2022,15 sulkies were insured for total of $2,050, with 2 claim being filed for $1150.00. Also, 1 expense of $110.91 for 3 years worth of insurance stickers. 2022 ending balance $36,640.35. 
           F. Regulatory:
           Deb Patterson reported that the dept is doing a better job at getting violations taken care of in a more timely fashion. Rule Making will is currently taking place on ch 1&3. Ch. 7 should be done and submitted to Sec of State soon. Commissioner Varnum spoke up and encouraged the horsemen to attend in person or join on teams so they could be active in their industry.  
VII. Old Business
No old business was discussed. 
            VIII. New Business
President, Mike Cushing did let William Childs add new business. He spoke on the repeal of 281-A and that if it happened that it would bring attention to the industry at the state house and we do not need that. He felt the pandemic was the cause of the numbers being down. It ended up being an open discussion for the breeders to state to the MHHA membership that they do not want change. 

Voting: 38 members present to vote. 
A.	Approval of minutes, motion David Crochere, second Bill Phipps. 
No discussion, approved.
B.	Approval of MHHA 2022 Budget, motion Bill Phipps, second Patty Sumner.
 No discussion, approved. 
C.	Approval of 2022 Funding Rate of 2.022%, motion Bill Phipps, second Mike McGee. 
No other discussion. 
IX.    Election of Directors
         MHHA By-law states: To run for MHHA Director, the interested party must submit a letter of intention to the Executive Director/Secretary (or President) by registered mail, return receipt requested, postmarked at least 60 days prior to the annual meeting . The incumbent director is automatically a candidate unless a written declination is filed with the Executive Director/Secretary (or President) at least 60 days prior to the election. 
There were 2 incumbent candidates, Mike McGee & Mary Ann Tompkins. Candidates interested in at-large seats – Martha Holden
Mike & Mary Ann were both re-elected. 
District 1 had incumbent Don Marean running against Jason Vafiades. 
Don won. 
Mike thanked all those interested in serving on the BOD and encouraged them to be active even if they weren’t elected. 
X.     Election of Officers
         The following slate of officers was presented to the membership:
President - Michael Cushing 
Vice President - David Crochere
Secretary – Bethany Graffam
Treasurer – Aaron Hall 
All approved with no discussion. 
XI.   MHHA Annual Meeting adjourned at 5:20 pm.