ISBA NEWS AND EVENTS

 

CURRENT AND UPCOMING NEWS AND EVENTS

·        ISBA Announces Draft Legislation to Redefine Honey ~ February 1, 2010

Throughout 2009, the ISBA has been working on draft legislation that will be introduced to the Illinois House and Senate in 2010. As you may already know, Honey is presently defined by the Illinois Department of Public Health as a “processed” food and therefore its handling and ultimately it sale falls under significant regulation.

 

Click here to download (PDF) the Press Release announcing Senator Luechtefeld’s introduction of SB2959

Click here to download (PDF) the Draft Bill

Click here to see the Bill’s status in the Illinois General Assembly

 

What can you do? Please call the committee members below as well as your local Senator and Representative to show your support of the Bill:

To find your Senator, please click here

To find your representative, please click here

 

Agriculture and Conservation Committee Members:
Sen. Frerichs, Chair:                         (217) 782-2507

Sen. Wilhelmi, Vice-Chair:                (217) 782-8800
Sen. Demuzio:                                 (217) 782-8206
Sen. Holmes:                                   (217) 782-0422
Sen. Hutchinson:                              (217) 782-7419
Sen. Koehler:                                   (217) 782-8250

Sen. Jones, Minority Spokesman:     (217) 782-0471
Sen. Bivens:                                     (217) 782-0180
Sen. Dahl:                                        (217) 782-3840
Sen. McCarter:                                (217) 782-5755


 

PAST NEWS AND EVENTS ARCHIEVE

·        The ISBA Announces Date for 2009 Annual Fall Meeting ~ November 7, 2009

The ISBA Board of Directors has approved the date of Saturday, November 7 for its 2009 Annual Fall Meeting. Save the date on your calendar and plan on joining us for this informative, all day meeting. The meeting will once again be hosted at the Illinois Department of Agriculture headquarters building, located on the State Fair Grounds in Springfield, IL. The day will be full of presentations, raffles, fellowship and a catered lunch!

1.     The address of the Department of Agriculture facility is: 801 East Sangamon Avenue - Springfield, IL  62706

2.     For a map to the Department of Agriculture facility, click here

3.     Time: 8:30am until 4:00pm

4.     No pre-registration is needed – simply register upon your arrival!

5.     There will be a small registration fee.

6.     Lunch will be available for a small, additional fee or you may decide to visit a local restaurant during the lunch

7.     Once a meeting agenda is available, it will be posted here

8.     The keynote speaker for our November meeting will be Lawrence DuBose from Carol Stream, Illinois. Lawrence started beekeeping in 1933 with a two pound package he ordered from the Sears Roebuck store. Lawrence has a PhD in Civil Engineering and served as a Captain in the Army earning a Combat Infantry Badge as well as a Purple Heart. Currently Lawrence is following the recent research in Colony Collapse Disorder and he will present his findings at our November meeting.

9.     ISBA Annual Fall Meeting Agenda
8:00am      Registration and Coffee / Sign up for lunch
8:45           Opening Remarks  (President)
9:45           Steve Chard State Apiary inspectors report and updates
10:00         Break
10:15         Dr Lawrence DuBose Comments on CCD and other Bee Problems
11:00         North Area will host Spring Meeting and more  info to follow
                 Door prizes
12:00pm    Lunch
1:00           Illinois Queen Rearing Report David Burns Larry Krengel
1:30           Farmers market proposal Bill Buckley
                 Question and answer period
2:00           Jim and Karen Belli  Honey grading and showing
2:45           Beekeeper of the year award  Ray Chapman
3:00           Door prizes
3:30           Nomination and election of officers
3:45           Local club reports
4:00           Adjourn / ISBA BOD meeting

 

·       The Illinois State Beekeepers Association ~ Summer Meeting ~ Saturday July 18, 2009

Registration Begins @ 8:30am

Location: Madison County Farm Bureau ~ 900 Hillsboro Ave. (Hwy. 157N), Edwardsville, IL (20 minutes NE of St. Louis, MO)

Click here for a MapQuest Map of the location.

 

Agenda:

Keynote Presentation By David Burns of Long Lane Honey Bee Farms

David Burns and his wife/beekeeping partner Sheri are from Champaign, Illinois. Like many beekeepers the hobby went wild and turned into a business. Currently they manufacture the woodenware hive equipment

and also sell beekeeping equipment as well as queens, nucs and packages. In 2009 they sold over 600 packages. Their passion is to help others become new beekeepers. They accomplish this goal by conducting regular beekeeping classes on basic beekeeping skills, advanced beekeeping, and courses on queen rearing. They also have over 50 beekeeping lessons on the internet. David is working with the Illinois Queen Initiative, and is the president of Central Illinois Beekeepers Association

Morning Session: The Art Of Queen Rearing: Better Queens Solves Most Problems

Afternoon Session: Sustainable Beekeeping: Changing The Dominant Model Of Beekeeping

 

Also speaking will be Ian Brown of Femme Osage Apiary Foristell, MO. Ian is a Missouri State Bee Inspector, operates the Femme Osage Apiaries, keeps approximately 200 hives of Russian Bees, sells nucs, and some beekeeping supplies. Mr. Brown and his wife, Pam, traveled to Uzbekistan to assist local beekeepers dealing with a sacbrood outbreak and will be sharing some of their travel experiences.

 

·       Letter from the President and Highlights from the 2008 ISBA Annual Fall Meeting (November 1, 2008)

Dear ISBA Members and Fellow Beekeepers,
I have been honored and humbled to serve you as President for the past 3 years. My involvement with the ISBA began eight years ago as Northern Region Director and I look back on these years as a true highlight in my life. First working under the leadership of John Hansen (your 2008 Beekeeper of the Year), I have been honored to work with fantastic teams of board members.

As I look back at the past eight years on the board and the past three years as President, I am amazed at the dedication and passion for the ISBA by Udell Myer and Rita Taylor. These two individuals have been volunteering their time to the ISBA for many years! Both provide an amazing level of service to the board and to the members of the ISBA. I am truly amazed at their dedication and selfless service to all of us.

Sixty of you joined us November 1 for the ISBA annual fall meeting in Springfield. Your board of directors put together another amazing program this year all within the confines of the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Conference Center. The center provided a suitable backdrop for a program full of information for both beginner and veteran Beekeeper. Karen and Jim Belli spoke of their key learning’s and observations at Honey competitions and Robin Mountain spoke of Beekeeping for the Hobbyist and Raising Queens. All three speakers were truly awe-inspiring! Additionally, we were proud to welcome our new Central Region Director, David Burns.

For the third year, I delivered a State of the Association presentation and have included some highlights below for your reference:

1.        2008 Continues to be a year of uncertainly with CCD. While there is still no CCD in Illinois, it has provided concern as well as a media frenzy

2.        The ISBA has benefitted greatly from this media attention. The ISBA has had the following media impressions over the past year:

·        April ~ Chicagoland Gardening Magazine Article

·        July ~ 90 Minute WCPT Radio Interview

·        July ~ Daily Herald Article

·        August ~ Midwest Living Magazine Article

·        October ~ 10 Minute WCPT CCD Update Interview

·        October ~ Department of Agriculture Video Interview for Children

·        October ~ Nationwide Broadcast of “Current TV” Report on the ISBA

·        October ~ Pumpkin Pollination Video News Release

·        October ~ Pumpkin Pollination Press Release and Radio Coverage

3.        We had an amazing presence at the IL State Fair, thanks to Rita Taylor for her leadership!

4.        The ISBA has seen 258 new members since 2006! We are now 678 strong!

5.        The ISBA will be hosting a booth at the 2009 Illinois Specialty Growers Association Expo in Springfield

6.        Our ISBA Yahoo Group now has 68 members

7.        Our summer meeting was a resounding success, thanks to Janet Hart and her team!

8.        The ISBA presented Steve Chard and the Illinois Department of Agriculture Director, Tom Jennings with a framed picture of a Honey Bee to display in the main hallway of the department headquarters

9.        The ISBA Newsletter and the Yahoo Group are the ISBA’s communication pathways within its membership while the website is our entry point and window to both members and the general public

10.     Our internet home www.isba.us continues to gain momentum and is arguably one of the best state association websites in the country

11.     In 2008 we had the following major additions to our website:

o        Illinois Honey processing rules and regulations

o        State Fair Honey competition winners listing

o        A section focusing on Honey Bees and Pesticide danger, including downloadable brochures for distribution to Beekeepers and Farmers

12.     As of June of 2008, our website is now registered and verified with Google, allowing for a dramatic increase in traffic to the site:

o        In July 334 people visited our site viewing 1,180 pages

o        In August 603 people visited our site viewing 1,789 pages

o        In September 1,029 people visited our site viewing 3,270 pages

o        In October 1,043 people visited our site viewing 3,197 pages

13.     When visitors viewed our site they primarily focused on:

o        30% Static pages

o        30% PDF/Instructional Documents

o        40% Photos, Videos and Audio Files (interviews and media coverage)

14.     The ISBA is underway with the following initiatives for 2009:

o        Developing a model Beekeeping ordinance for reference by cities in Illinois

o        A new website section detailing Organic Beekeeping guidelines

o        A listing of Beekeeping classes within the state

o        An introduction to Honey Bees and Beekeeping brochure for download and use by Illinois Beekeepers at meetings and events

o        A web-based mapping initiative to highlight Apiary locations to pesticide applicators

 

I am very proud of our association history and the legacy we are creating daily for our members and the State of Illinois! If you would like to participate and be a part of this legacy, please do not hesitate to contact me. We could use your talents!

 

Have an amazing Holiday season and see you in the Apiary!

 

Ken Haller

President, Illinois State Beekeepers Association

vikinghoneyfarm@comcast.net

 

·             ISBA Announces Date for 2008 Annual Fall Meeting ~ November 1, 2008

The ISBA Board of Directors has approved the date of Saturday, November 1, 2008 for its 2008 Annual Fall Meeting. Please save the date on your calendar and plan on joining us for this informative, all day, meeting. The meeting will once again be located at the Department of Agriculture headquarters building, located on the State Fair grounds in Springfield, IL. This year, we will be featuring Keynote Speaker, Robin Mountain. Robin Mountain (originally from South Africa) is Apiculture Extension Associate at Kentucky State University.

§        The address of the Department of Agriculture facility is: 801 East Sangamon Avenue - Springfield, IL  62706

§        For a map to the Department of Agriculture facility, click here

§        To download the latest PDF agenda, click here

§        Registration will be $5 and will run from 8-9am with the meeting in session from 9am-4pm

§        Lunch will be available for approximately $8 or you may decide to visit a local restaurant

§        No pre-registration is needed – simply register upon your arrival!

·       Midwest Beekeeping Symposium and ISBA Annual Spring Meeting ~ June 9, 2007

     The Illinois State Beekeepers Association and McHenry County College proudly present the 2007 Midwest Beekeeping Symposium.

     The Symposium is designed to provide the latest, relevant information to all new and veteran Beekeepers as well as those simply interested in Honey Bees and Beekeeping.

 

     The full-day agenda will contain a Keynote Presentation, General Sessions, a Panel Discussion, multiple Breakout Sessions, a featured “Beginner’s Track” of sessions, Lunch, Raffle, Beekeeping Magazines, Catalogs and a Beekeeping Supply Marketplace.

 

     The Symposium will feature a keynote presentation by University of Montana, Research Professor Dr. Jerry Bromenshenk, who will be presenting the latest research findings surrounding the epidemic Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). His recent research is focused on the causes and potential solutions to this devastating condition facing Honey Bee colonies nation wide.

 

     Content leaders from Illinois and across the United States will be presenting a variety of topics. The varied and diverse Breakout sessions will include:

§        Status of and Living with Small Hive Beetle in Illinois

§        The State of Pollination in The USA

§        Introduction to Mead ~ The Nectar of the Gods

§        The Nutriceutical Properties of Honey

§        Save the Pollinators, Save the Planet!

§        The Secrets to Winning Honey Competitions

§        A Day in the Life of an Apiary Inspector

§        Introduction to Graft-Free Queen Rearing

§        Long Distance Colony Management – Emerging Beekeeping Technology

§        Bees in the War on Terror – Smelling Out Danger

§        The Sideliner and Hobbyist’s Guide to Marketing Honey

§        “The Honey Bee Whisperer” Reading Your Bees (Beginner Track)

§        Introduction to Beekeeping (Beginner Track)

    

Below is a list of resources to assist in your Symposium planning. We look forward to seeing you there!

Click on the following items for more information:

MCC Conference Center Website

Campus Map and Driving Directions Website

Symposium Agenda (PDF)

 

Pre-Registration by May 31:

Individual: $40 – Course Code: NCCS04001

Additional Family Members: $20 – Course Code: NCCS04002

 

On-Site Registration:

Individual: $45

Additional Family Members: $25

 

To Pre-Register by May 31:

Credit Card Payment: 815.455.8588

Monday – Thursday 8am-7:30pm

Friday 8am-4pm

Saturday 8am-1pm

 

Payment by Check:

(Payable to McHenry County College)

Send Name(s), Address, Phone and Check to:

McHenry County College ~ Attn. Molly Walsh

8900 Us Hwy 14 ~ Crystal Lake, IL 60012

 

The 2007 Midwest Beekeeping Symposium is sponsored by:

§       Illinois State Beekeepers Association

§       Stateline Beekeepers Association

§       Lake County Beekeepers Association

§       Northern Illinois Beekeepers Association

§       Cook-DuPage Beekeepers Association

§       McHenry County College

 

Questions can be directed to ISBA President, Ken Haller via e-mail.

 

·             November 18, 2006 ~ ISBA Annual Fall Meeting a Success

The 2006 Annual Fall meeting of the ISBA was a success with 80 attendees enjoying a wide variety of topics. Keynote speaker, Dr. Roger Hoopingarner spoke of Wintering Honey Bees with Varroa Mites as well as Beekeeping with Two Queen Colonies. Devon Howald spoke about the basics of pollination and allowed us to virtually tour his commercial Beekeeping and pollination operation. Finally, Stu Jacobsen spoke to the reality of Illinois Beekeepers “living with Small Hive Beetle”. ISBA President, Ken Haller spoke to the State of the Association and announced that the ISBA 2006 Beekeeper of the Year was Ron Fischer. To download the meeting agenda and view full biographies of our presenters, click here (PDF). To see photos of the meeting, go to our photo and video gallery.

 

·             October 9, 2006 ~ Evanston’s Effort to Ban Beekeeping Fails – Minor Regulations Prevail

In early spring of 2006, 14 year old Gabriel Jacobs decided he wanted to keep Honey Bees in the backyard of his mother’s Evanston Illinois home. Since there was no Evanston ordinance or regulation preventing Gabriel from becoming a Beekeeper, he made his immediate neighbors aware of his intentions and purchased his equipment and ordered his Honey Bees. Word of Gabriel’s plans traveled around the neighborhood ward and soon a controversy developed, instigated by those who did not like the idea. These concerned neighbors contacted city hall and soon the Beekeeping issue was scheduled for discussion at the upcoming committee meeting of the Human Services Sub-Committee.

 

Susan Dickman, Gabriel’s mother, contacted the ISBA (John Hansen and Ken Haller) for help as the pending meeting neared. Over the course of three Human Services meetings and three city council meetings the issues was debated by both sides. No less than three times was a total ban of Beekeeping within Evanston put to vote and each time the ban failed. Meanwhile, the Health Department was conducting its own research, benchmarking other Illinois communities that had instituted regulation of Beekeeping within various city limits. For no less than three meetings, a highly restrictive regulatory ordinance was debated. This restrictive ordinance was finally approved in sub-committee and was scheduled for a final vote by the City Council.

 

At the 10.9.06 City Council meeting, an amazing debate among citizens as well as City Council members took place. By the end of the night, the highly restrictive ordinance had been watered down to a very agreeable colony registration and care ordinance. Needless to say, this amazing, last minute turn of events was a huge victory for friends of Honey Bees, Beekeeping and Nature and a strong defeat to the opponents. The courage and leadership generated by most of the City Council members was admirable.

 

The links below provide access to a sampling of the considerable amount of media generated as well as the actual minutes to the various sub-committee and city council meetings. In these minutes you will see the remarks made by representatives on both sides of the debate. Additionally, you will find the final Ordinance available for download and review below.

 

Print Media Coverage

Blogs From EvanstonNow Website

May 3, 2006 ~ Daily Northwestern (PDF)

May 12, 2006 ~ Chicago Tribune (PDF)

May 28, 2006 ~ Chicago Tribune (PDF)

June 6, 2006 ~ Chicago Tribune (PDF)

September 21, 2006 ~ Chicago Tribune (PDF)

October 10, 2006 ~ Chicago Tribune (PDF)

October 10, 2006 ~ EvanstonNow (PDF)

October 12, 2006 ~ Pioneer Press (PDF)

 

Television Media Coverage

May 13, 2006 ~ WLS ABC 7 (WMV) 2.05MB

September 27, 2007 ~ WTTW PBS (WMV) 14.1MB – High Speed

September 27, 2007 ~ WTTW PBS (WMV) 1.99MB – Dial-Up

 

                 Evanston Meeting Minutes

                 May 1, 2006 ~ Human Services Committee Meeting Minutes (PDF)

                 June 5, 2006 ~ Human Services Committee Meeting Minutes (PDF)

                 June 26, 2006 ~ City Council Meeting Minutes (PDF)

                 July 17, 2006 ~ Human Services Committee Meeting Minutes (PDF)

                 September 25, 2006 ~ City Council Meeting Minutes (PDF)

                 October 9, 2006 ~ City Council Meeting Minutes (PDF)

 

                 Final Ordinance

                 Final Evanston Beekeeping Ordinance ~ Adopted October 9, 2006 (PDF)

 

·             June 10, 2006 ~ ISBA Annual Spring Meeting, Hosted by the ISBA’s Southern Region

The ISBA celebrated Spring at its annual Spring meeting in Edwardsville, IL. Each year the Spring meeting rotates between its North, Central and Southern regions. This year the Southern region hosted a jam packed meeting! Click here to download and view the PDF program agenda. A huge thanks to program organizers: Udell Myer, Ken Kloepper, Chuck Fugate, Nathan Sasse and Raymond Chapman!

 

·             August 12-21, 2006 ~ Illinois State Fair, Springfield Fairgrounds

The ISBA will once again be exhibiting Honey Bee and Beekeeping information at the annual Illinois State Fair in Springfield. Additionally the ISBA will be selling its famous Honey Ice Cream as well as other Honey related items. If you would like to volunteer to assist with the booth, please contact Rita Taylor. Otherwise, please stop-by the booth and say hello to your fellow Beekeepers.

 

If you are interested in showcasing your honey for competition at the Illinois State Fair, you can review the rules and competition classes by clicking here and downloading the “General Premium Book”. You can then search this PDF for all the Honey and Wax categories.


 

Copyright Illinois State Beekeepers Association