January 12, 1999 at Kerr, Russell in Detroit

In attendance were: J. Forrest, H. Iwrey, M. Boonstra, S. Raymond, J. Deline, G. Wittrock, and D. Miela (by phone).

Approval of Minutes

The minutes for the December 8, 1998, Council Meeting were approved without amendment.

Treasurer’s Report

Monthly Income
$1,875.00

Monthly Expenses
$0.00

Monthly Net Income
$1,875.00

Year to Date Income
$7,625.00

Year to Date Expenses
$1.12

Year-to-Date Net Section Income
$11,939.16

Net Section Balance
$19,563.04

The report was approved.

Committee Reports

• Franchise Committee
  Mr. Forrest reported that the February 9, 1998, selected date for the franchise law mini-seminar was not doable, and proposed one of the following dates: March 11, 16, 23, or 25, 1999. He indicated that he would check on the availability of the Troy Marriott and of Paul Novak for those dates. Mr. Iwrey suggested that a Thursday might be preferable. Mr. Forrest indicated that he is questioning whether the change in Illinois franchise law is sufficiently important to merit inclusion as a seminar topic. Similarly, he indicated that he wished to look more closely into whether the passage of Canadian legislation was sufficiently likely, so as to merit inclusion as a seminar topic. He indicated, however, that the seminar would provide a general update on franchise law, and on the Small Business Franchise Act. He also would like to present a representative of the FTC and of NASA. Other topics are welcome. Mr. Forrest indicted that notice of the seminar would be provided to all section members, and by advertising in Crain’s. Mr. Iwrey indicated that he would supply Mr. Forrest with Crain’s list of top 20 franchisors. Discussion also ensued regarding contacting national franchisee organizations for lists of Michigan members, and by publicizing the seminar via the Section web page and the State Bar’s daily e-mail newsletter.
• Newsletter Committee
  Mr. Forrest suggested that someone was needed to head up the newsletter committee. Mr. Deline indicated that he had spoken with J. Swanson, and that she had indicated that she was willing to continue to help out with the newsletter. Mr. Deline agreed to assist in that endeavor. Mr. Forrest indicated that the State Bar was available to perform formatting functions for the section newsletter. Mr. Forrest stated that he would contribute and article for the next newsletter, and Mr. Iwrey indicated that he was in the process of preparing two articles, including one on the new trade secret statute. Other articles are welcome.
• Legislative Committee
  No report. Mr. Forrest reiterated that everyone keep an eye out for new legislation of interest to the section. Mr. Iwrey indicated that Governor Engler had signed the Michigan version of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act in December, 1998, and that it was effective immediately.
• Education and Seminars Committee
  In addition to the discussion concerning the February franchise mini-seminar, Mr. Forrest noted that Mr. Iwrey and Mr. Deline had volunteered to head up a committee to consider another mini-seminar. Mr. Iwrey and Mr. Deline indicated that they had nothing yet to report in that regard, although Mr. Iwrey has left messages for Jennifer Granholm regarding the possible of her speaking at a section seminar. Mr. Forrest also indicated that he would follow up with D. Gravelyn regarding another joint seminar with the Business Law Section at the annual meeting.

Old Business

Mr. Forrest noted that the Access to Justice donation had not yet been made, and that he would provide to D. Gravelyn the name of a contact person for that donation.

Mr. Forrest having distributed in advance of the meeting current council membership information, Mr. Boonstra offered and agreed to supply council members with updated information, including all available e-mail addresses.

Mr. Forrest also indicated that he would arrange for all council members to receive the State Bar daily e-mail newsletter

New Business

None.

State Bar Communications

Mr. Forrest indicated that in response to a request from the Section’s State Bar liaison, L. Buffington, he had forwarded to Mr. Buffington a letter concerning the Section’s activities. Mr. Forrest also had received a follow up letter from Thomas Kavanaugh concerning Access to Justice. Finally, Mr. Forrest had received a letter regarding the January 23, 1999, legislation committee meeting, and a booklet concerning the State Bar’s legislative program.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the council is scheduled for February 4, 1999, at K Mart Corp., 3100 Big Beaver Road, Troy.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Mark T. Boonstra
Secretary