| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4a, Description of Program Service: | MICA offers a range of benefits to its members, including: Crisis Management: MICA provides crisis management capabilities that can be mobilized on short notice when necessary. Legislative Monitoring: Maintaining a presence in Washington, D.C., MICA monitors legislative developments related to imported meat, ensuring the industry's voice is heard. Regulatory Forum: MICA offers a platform for importers and overseas suppliers to discuss regulatory and commercial issues impacting U.S. meat imports. Representation: The organization represents both domestic and international commercial interests before key decision-makers on regulatory issues affecting meat imports. Agency Liaison: MICA collaborates with the USDA and other federal agencies, providing input on proposed procedures and regulations affecting the imported meat sector before they are finalized. Trading Guidelines: The council facilitates discussions to establish and publish trading rules and guidelines that promote the orderly flow of meat through commercial channels, including resolving fat claims. Market Information: Members receive bi-monthly newsletters featuring the latest industry updates, comprehensive monthly market overviews, fat claim adjustments, and key developments within the sector. Member Support: MICA provides information and expertise on imported meat issues in response to member inquiries via phone and email. Annual Conference: The organization sponsors a premier industry-wide annual conference, offering a platform for U.S. and international commercial and government contacts to network and discuss current issues. Industry Advocacy: With a reputation for credibility and integrity, MICA effectively presents the interests of the imported meat community to key decision-makers, achieving what individual companies might not accomplish alone. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 3 | The Organization maintained a management agreement with the Meat Institute (formerly the North American Meat Institute), originally entered into on September 1, 2015, and amended effective January 1, 2024. Under the amended agreement, the Meat Institute assisted in managing the Organization's operations and provided office space, support staff to assist the Executive Director and Secretary, internet and other information technology, copying services, and other administrative support as mutually agreed to conduct the Organization's business. In consideration of these services, the Organization paid the Meat Institute $108,666 during the year ended December 31, 2024. The amended agreement concluded on December 31, 2024, and the Organization no longer utilizes the services of the Meat Institute beginning in 2025. The Organization entered into a consulting agreement with William Westman beginning November 1, 2023 through November 30, 2024. The Organization retained the consultant to provide general association management and leadership as the Executive Director of MICA. In consideration for these services, the Organization paid William Westman and Associates LLC $110,933 during the year ended December 31, 2024. The total amount paid to for all management services provided in 2024 was $219,599. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 6 | The organization has one membership class with six membership dues categories. All members have voting rights. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 7a | The members elect the board of directors which is the governing body of the organization. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 7b | At each meeting of the membership, each member in good standing at the time of the meeting shall be entitled to vote on every issue upon which a vote is taken, and may vote in person, by its designated representative or alternate or by proxy. All matters, except as otherwise provided in the By-laws, shall be decided by a majority of the votes cast. The By-laws may be revised and amended by vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the entire voting membership. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 8b | No committee has the authority to act on behalf of the governing body. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 11b | The Form 990 was prepared by the outside accountants and reviewed and approved by the Executive Director prior to filing the return. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section C, line 19 | The Organization's bylaws are available on its website. Other governing documents, policies and financial statements are not available to the public. |
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