Present: Faith Riegle, Jason Gill, Kris Lynch, Kim Les, Kari Speckman
Timing: Start at 6:59pm and End at 7:02pm
- Gabrielle Baker and Kathy Aksten have both voluntarily removed themselves from the board.
- According to association bylaws there needs to be a minimum of five members and a max of seven, not ending on an even number. Rebecca Gill agreed to fill the role as Treasurer and Kelsey Lupu agreed to serve as a Director at Large to keep the association in compliance.
- The association is reestablishing bank access and gathering past financial records from the accountant.
- The association is in good standing with the state of Michigan as a Nonprofit Corporation.
- The accountant is working to submit late 990 forms to the IRS to reinstate 501(c)(5) status.
- The grant application to The National Alpaca Foundation for $1,000 from the AAofM for the youth at the Michigan show was submitted. If approved, all money will be used for the youth portion of the show.
- June 13th is the set date for the Alpaca Fiber Exchange! We thought that last year’s event was a good start with small adjustments for this year needed. More scheduled times are needed to improve coordination. Unsure of the association’s contribution for this event currently.
- Alpaca Association of Michigan will not have a booth at the show this year’s Michigan show, however, Kari Speckman has offered to have the banner and brochures at her Northern Blessings stall while she shows.
- The board is working on ideas for more events to offer members and raise membership numbers. Possible ideas include a virtual Q&A with a vet (Pam Walker) next March or April or maybe a beginners birthing class (Cheryl Dewitt).
- The board has set a new meeting goal for 2026. Being on the second Monday of each month from 6-6:45 p. m. starting in February.