EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Midwest Chestnut Producers Council (formerly the Midwest Nut Producers Council) board of directors and Michigan State University Extension are pleased to invite you to the 29th annual Midwest Chestnut Producers Council Membership Meeting on March 8-9, 2019. This meeting is open to the public and a great opportunity for those considering chestnut production or just getting started. The meeting also offers dynamic and advanced topics for experienced growers.
The meeting will again include two days of excellent, grower-curated programming and will be held at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, 3700 E Gull Lake Dr Hickory Corners, MI 49060. The extended program will allow for more in-depth educational and networking opportunities for chestnut producers, including a social mixer and silent auction at the historic Caretaker’s Cottage on site. Topics of interest include an update on crop estimate, Asian chestnut gall wasp, brown rot and ongoing research by MSU specialists. The program also features several innovative grower presentations. See the draft agenda for details.
The Midwest Chestnut Producers Council board will use this opportunity to hold a business meeting and asks that attendees consider serving on the board. As the current treasurer Bill Nash steps down, they are looking for members interested in considering the treasurer position, but there are multiple roles available to interested members. Thank you, Bill, for your many years of service to the industry. The Midwest Chestnut Producers Council serves a critical role for the industry and represents a great group of professional commercial chestnut producers and is a great opportunity for everyone involved.
Corey Allen is chairing the silent auction fundraiser and is soliciting donations. Proceeds from the silent auction benefit ongoing research and outreach. If you have an item to donate, please contact Corey Allen at cra625@gmail.com or 231-881-8889. Your support is appreciated!
Registration
Registration for the meeting is $95 for members and $145 for nonmembers. Registration is required and can be completed at Midwest Chestnut Producers Council Membership Meeting. Registration includes conference materials, snacks and meals as well a mixer at the historic Caretaker’s Cottage.
Lodging
Affordable on-site lodging is available but must be secured separately and is limited. Rooms must be secured in advance. To make a reservation, email conference@kbs.msu.edu or call 269-671-2400 and let them know you are with our group. On-site lodging is adequate, but comparable to dorms-style lodging and not hotel lodging.
Accommodations and contacts
For information about the Michigan Chestnut Producers Council, contact President Josh Springer at cryphonectria@gmail.com. For more information about the program or registration, contact Erin Lizotte at taylo548@msu.edu. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Erin Lizotte at 231-944-6504 or taylo548@msu.edu.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement No. 2015-09785. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
— Erin Lizotte, Michigan State University Extension
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