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Meeting Minutes
May 12, 1999 at 4:55 p.m. on May 12, 1999 at May, Simpson, and Strote in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
In attendance were: J. Forrest, M. Boonstra, D. Miela, J. Deline, J. Swanson (ex officio), and R. Kalisher (by phone).
Approval of Minutes
The Minutes for the April 14, 1999 Council Meeting were approved without amendment.
Treasurer’s Report
Monthly income
$0.00
Monthly Expenses
$3,348.99
Monthly Net Income
($3,348.99)
Year to Date Income
$8,100.00
Year to Date Expenses
$6,008.44
Year-to-Date Net Section Income
$2,091.56
Net Section Balance
$14,030.72
It was noted that the monthly Section expenses were comprised of the expense
of $3,348.99 for the 1998 edition of the Michigan Antitrust Digest. Expenses
not yet reflected in the report include $95.00 for the last council meeting,
and costs of a plaque.
The report was approved.
Committee Reports
- Franchise Committee
Mr. Forrest reported that the planned spring franchising seminar has not happened, and that the January-February window of opportunity had passed. He suggested that the council attempt again to schedule the seminar in the fall of 1999, at which time there may be more information available on the subject matter of the seminar.
- Newsletter Committee
Mr. Forrest reported that he had forwarded to Mr. Deline information for inclusion in the next edition of the Section newsletter. Mr. Deline indicated that he had forwarded that information to the State Bar, and that the newsletter should be distributed around the time of the next council meeting. Discussion ensued concerning the inclusion in the newsletter of information on upcoming seminars, the identification of Section officers and council members, references to various web sites, and a summary of the Biomagnetic case. D. Miela indicated that she had spoken with D. Chardevoyne concerning the Section’s web site, and that she would speak to him again when he returns from sabbatical. Mr. Forrest and Mr. Raymond also provided updated email addresses for inclusion in the listing of council members.
- Legislative Committee
M. Boonstra reported on newly introduced bills in the Michigan legislature of possible interest to the Section. These bills included various proposed amendments to the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, a proposed plain English law, and various other legislative proposals. Ms. Miela indicated that she would consult with Kmart personnel concerning their position on the plain English bill.
- Education and Seminars Committee
Mr. Forrest indicated that H. Iwrey had raised certain ideas for a summer seminar, including advertising, contests, lease disclosures, etc. Mr. Forrest reported that he had not heard back from the chair of the Business Law Section concerning a joint seminar at the Annual Meeting, but that he would try to contact her again. Mr. Forrest noted, however, that the State Bar was already looking for information on any seminar to be put on by the Section, and that it may be too late to coordinate with the Business Law Section.
Mr. Iwrey suggested with regard to the summer seminar that the Section invite speakers from the Big 3 automotive companies, such as Al Huss of Daimler-Chrysler, and the general counsels of advertising agencies. He suggested topics including unfair and deceptive practices, substantiation, regulations on price advertising, such as item pricing, and contests. Ms. Miela suggested as a possible speaker Fred Hoffecker, formerly the head of the consumer protection division of the Attorney General’s office and currently the head of the Better Business Bureau in Southfield.
Mr. Forrest noted that it might be too late in the year for this seminar to take place in the summer, and that October would be a more likely target date. He suggested that by the next council meeting, the council should pin down the date more accurately.
Old Business
New Business
State Bar Communications
Mr. Forrest reported that the State Bar legislative briefing had been adjourned from May 18 to a date in June. A topic for that briefing would be House Joint Resolution F, to amend the State Constitution so as to abolish the probate court and to combine it with the circuit court. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Mr. Forrest.
Mr. Forrest also received a reminder of the State Bar’s annual meeting. Mr. Forrest will respond with the Section’s plan, which will consist of its annual business meeting.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the council is scheduled for 12:00 noon, Wednesday, June 16, 1999 at Kerr Russell, 500 Woodward Ave. #2500, Detroit, Michigan.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark T. Boonstra
Secretary
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