New Board Members for MATBA

The Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association (MATBA) announces Board member assignments for 2014-2016 term and welcomes new president, Michael Raab.

The Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association (MATBA) held Board elections at their annual meeting and seminars on April 28, 2014.  Board member assignments for the 2014-2016 term are as follows:  Michael Raab (Tea-For-All) is serving as President.   Darlene Meyers-Perry (The Tea Enthusiast’s Scrapbook) is serving as Vice President and Membership Director.  Kathleen Rogers (Set to a Tea) is serving as Treasurer.  Gail Gastelu (The Tea House Times) is Chief Information Officer and Press Liaison. The unfilled position of Secretary and duties thereof will be taken on by the Chief Information Officer.

MATBA’s new president, Michael Raab, is married (wife Debbie) and has three sons and two grandsons. His hobbies include:  woodworking, music and cooking.  In 2013, in final preparations to move from a part time to a full time partner at Tea-For-All, he completed his Level III work to become a Certified Tea Specialist (STI – Level III).  Mike is responsible for new business development and general business management at Tea-For-All.  Raab stated, “I have great admiration of the Camellia sinensis plant and its meticulous processing, and how it brings people together to meet and share their dreams, concerns, and passions all over a warm cup of tea.” This passion for tea keeps him on the move and makes Raab a great member and new leader of the MATBA Board.

MATBA was founded in 2005.  A list of founding members and new Board Member assignments and duties are available for viewing at http://www.matba.org   The Board arranges quarterly business meetings and offers education and networking, membership drives/meet-ups, and support to member businesses and their expertise.  These efforts facilitate the Association’s mission to advance the knowledge of tea. Full membership privileges and website access are awarded to members inside the Mid-Atlantic region states including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.  The Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association invites all tea businesses within the Mid-Atlantic Region to register at the website to become In-Region business members with voting privileges among other benefits.  Tea businesses outside the Mid-Atlantic region are invited to join as Out-of-Region members with slightly reduced member privileges.  Membership levels and benefits may be viewed at www.matba.org. In addition to membership, MATBA is welcoming wholesale vendors of interest to tea business owners to request a paid sponsorship listing at the website along with the privilege to offer a special discount to members.  Sponsorship funding will increase MATBA’s reach for experienced tea industry educators to present at their quarterly meetings and annual seminars. Source: MATBA