Phil,
Check out Julia's article on getting started. I have it now on the main page of Gotmead. Also, if you'd like to look into contract 'meading', get the list of meaderies from the list here, and send them a letter. Word it carefully, and keep in mind that many of the meaderies are either small home-based operations (Smokehouse in VA is one of these) or wineries that do mead as a sideline.
Be respectful, ask nicely, and give them an incentive. Most of the meadery owners I've met have been great folks, and many were us just a few years ago.
Good luck, and all of you in this thread that are starting or thinking of starting, don't forget to let *ME* know what's going on, you could get a lot of good press on Gotmead in the form of 'trials and tribs' articles and startup announcements.
Vicky