Minutes March 10, 2016


Attendees: Darla Hamlin, Liz Langham, Thaddeus Day, Alan and Karen Morrison, Rob and Leslie Taisey, Marilyn Matthews, Michael Babin, Margie Hansel.

Guest Speaker:  Elaine Corrow, Officer, Maine Revenue Services

Meeting was called to order by President, Darla Hamlin, at 7:08 AM

Thaddeus Day introduced speaker Elaine Corrow, CPA, Maine Revenue Services.  Since 1992 Elaine has been with MRS serving in capacities of audit oversight, Federal & State Tax Disclosure, and as State Tax Assessor.  She currently is in the Portland Audit office for Corporate housing of data.  Her office audits tax filing errors, and works to stop fraudulent filings.   The office houses a large amount of data exchanged from the IRS, which helps them seek out federal filers who neglect to file a Maine return.  The coordination of this data is a monumental task.  The workload sometimes makes it hard for them to attract and retain auditors.   Each year MRS hosts schools to train new auditors.   Maine receives all resident federal returns for tracking and reference.   Maine Revenue Services is also working to approve their portal to streamline the process for payment with filing.  Some discussion was raised about Amnesty plans for penalties and assessments.  Elaine can be reached with further questions at 592-7543, or Elaine.L.Corrow@maine.gov.

February 11, 2016 minutes reviewed and accepted.

Treasurer Reports account balance of $3,006.42.

Thaddeus Day and Turner Hansel will submit their recommendations regarding the by laws by the next business meeting in April.  If changes are recommended, there will be a vote taken at the annual meeting which is postpone to 5/19/16 at Toddy Brook at 5:30. More details to come by email.

As of 3/10/16 Trade Show Exhibitors numbered 29

Darla had a new banner printed with our logo and is working on letterhead design as well.

47% of membership has responded to the “tell me about your business” survey, Darla would appreciate responses on that as she plans to have full info migrated on website around April 1st.

Moving our checking account to TDBank was approved. Thad provided Leslie with the necessary legal document.

Association Year End is May 31st, invoices for renewal to be sent in April.  No change in $25. membership annual fee.

Member News:   The Morrisons just returned from a trip to the Galapigos Islands !!!   Rob Taisey has been monitoring a compromise bill in the legislature that introduces a better policy for solar energy of net metering.  Both CMP and Amera are behind the bill, which needs 2/3 majority to pass, and the average impact to rate payers will be savings.

Next Meetings:  Social Hour, 3/17, 5:30 pm, Toddy Brook;Business Meeting, 4/14, 7:00 AM, Stones Cafe