Minutes of meeting of the ETBA December 13, 2007:

In the absence of President Joe Moench, Dick Counts opened the dinner meeting by offering the blessing of the meal and led the group in the pledge to the flag.  It was reported that Joe and Jesse Adams had been involved in accidents, which kept them from the meeting.

Dick advised that Mr. Knight and Mr. Johnson had enjoyed recent birthdays,and cake was served to all present.

Dick introduced Ted Vance, President of the Texas Beekeepers Association, and Rachael Seida, Texas Honey Queen.  Ted reported that $57,000 had been raised for the research facility and that the full $60,000 should be raised by the end of the year.  He advised that some reports have been received of CCD in Texas, but a definite reason for the failures has not been determined.  Rachael reported that she has been traveling widely for the State Association, and has enjoyed visiting with various associations.  She is attending a junior college at Gainesville and will complete her studies there in the spring.

John Talbert, past president of the State Association, also visited the meeting.  He encouraged the ETBA to become involved in the honey queen program.  It is very helpful for the local association to be involved with other groups throughout the State.

The following winners were announced for the honey tasting contest:

    First place -- Jason LaPeyre

    Second place - three way tie -- Stanford Brantley, Karen Anderson, Gloria Harmon

    Third place - two way tie -- Gene Bennett, Royce Pelham

It was announced that Linda Pelham was elected as BEEKEEPER OF THE YEAR.

It was announced that Eddie Collins will again be selling hives in 2008 at $55 .

Jim Latham discussed a Program Vision Statement for the Association.  He is interested in improving the programs in 2008.  A survey form was distributed to those persons attending the dinner meeting.  If you were not at the meeting and would like to complete a survey form, see Mr. Latham.

Report was received after the meeting that Dick's brother-in-law and Jimmie Lanham's brother were involved in accidents.  Please keep them in your thoughts.

Respectfully submitted,