Opening Remarks: Welcomes attendees to the church venue.
New Officials:
- Treasurer: Rick will assume the treasurer role.
- Board Members Not Present: Jody Labresh (board member) and Emmanuel Pellion (incoming president-elect).
- Other Members: Norm Stryker and Dale Lydon present.
- Acknowledgment: Cindy Southwade and roles of all attendees in the community.
Importance of Work
Highlighting Community Impact:
- Each individual contributes to shaping safer drivers.
- Collective efforts are significant for families and communities.
- Appreciation expressed for the attendees' commitment to their professions.
Legislative Issues
Proposed Changes in Deputy Law:
- Issues with vague and outdated language complicating driver education.
- Problems noted: confusion, inconsistency, and unnecessary barriers for providers and instructors.
- Acknowledgment of the active involvement of Admitsia in discussions for legal changes.
Goals:
- Advocate for instructors and providers.
- Legislative committee to continue working beyond presidency to support effective education.
Annual Business Meeting of MITSIA
Call to Order: The annual meeting of MITSIA initiated.
Review of Meeting Minutes:
- Attendees asked to review 2025 meeting minutes in their conference folders.
- Motion for approval by Ryan; seconded by Rick.
Voting on Minutes:
- Motion details: approving the meeting minutes of 2025.
- Unanimous approval found among participants (AYE vote).
Treasurer's Report
Presented by Rick Johnson:
- Total Income (2025): 18,595.76
- Total Expenses (2025): 16,445.63
- Net Income (2025): 2,150.13
- 2026 Year-to-Date Income: 13,901.45
- Expenses (2026): Approximately 900 recorded, excluding April and current meeting.
- Financial Position: Organization remains positive financially.
Annual Election of Executive Board Members
Ballots Provided: Attendees provided with 2025 NYSIA officer ballot.
- Polling of unopposed candidates:
- Emmanuel for president-elect.
- Rick for treasurer.
- Secretary candidacy announced by the speaker.
- Voting Process: Attendees asked to submit their ballots through designated representatives.
- Encouragement to nominate peers for various awards in the coming year.
Awards Recognitions
Awards Categories: Eight different categories for nominations available through the MITSIA website.
Introduction of the MITZIYA Above and Beyond Award:
- Recognizes exceptional contributors to driver education and traffic safety.
Nominee: Michigan Traffic Safety represented by Robin Gordner:
- Established organization in early 2000s.
- Nominated by Buckle Inn Driving Academy for significant contributions to the industry, including service on various educational committees at the state and national levels.
Robin's Contributions:
- Long-term involvement: Joined MITSIA in 1982 and served multiple leadership roles.
- Extensive involvement in curriculum development with national organizations.
- Award acceptance acknowledged by Robin and team members.
Driver Educator of the Year Awards:
- Recipients acknowledged were Stacy Evanhoe, John Meredith, and John Robbins.
- Stacy Evanhoe from Buckle Inn Driving Academy:
- Recognized for outstanding teaching skills, mentorship, and advocacy.
- Background related to her own daughter’s experience in driver education.
- Attributes: natural connection with students, professionalism, patience, and humor.
- John Meredith from Ten Zero Two Driving Academy:
- Important contributions as a former truck driver.
- Methodology includes real-world experience in teaching.
- Notable for his personal character and interaction with students.
- John Robbins from Official Driving School:
- Quickly gained a strong reputation among students and families for effective teaching.
- Actively participated in community events related to driver education.
- Each recipient awarded for their commitment to fostering a safe driving environment.
Honorary Award
Dr. Robert Gustafson Memorial Award: Long-term contributions honored.
- Recipient: Marvin Freed acknowledged with invitation for acceptance on stage.
Conclusion
Appreciation: Congratulations expressed to all awardees and acknowledgment of contributions to the field of driver education and traffic safety.