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Iowa Honey Producers Association |
The Buzz Newsletter November 2007 |
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LET ME SPEND
You may think this is a funny name for an article in the Buzz, but that’s what I’m doing! I’m spending the money we made at the state fair to try and help educate the beekeepers of Iowa. Last year, only about 50 to 60 families showed up to enjoy the meetings and to have an enjoyable time. I think we should have more people at the meetings, and thought that it might be my fault that we didn’t have more because of bad speakers or poor planning. So I had you all fill out an evaluation form to get some helpful ideas. Some of the things you wanted were less expensive meals, a more central location for the convention, and better banquet choices. So I started out by contacting the Des Moines and Ames Visitors and Convention Bureau. And guess what I found! We could easily have the convention in Des Moines I received a lot letters from prospective locations. The bad news is it’s not cheaper, not even close. We would have to pay 40 dollars more for your motel rooms, another 12-16 more for fewer choices for the banquet, and have the Iowa Honey Producers pay almost double for renting the rooms used. And unless we are willing to eat at a McDonalds, the price paid for the banquet (which includes seconds if you like) is more than a fair price. Our registration fee, meals, and all that we do, is actually a great deal. If you check out the costs of joining other associations in Iowa you will see that our fees are not that far off. As far as the speakers we get, if you look to Bee Culture and American Bee Journal, and at conventions through out the US, you will see that we are indeed getting good speakers. Some of the individuals I have spoken with think that it is too far of a drive to get there, or they can not afford it. I guess I look at this as a way to increase my knowledge of bees, associate with friends, and try to make new ones. And sometimes I just have to sell a little bit more honey to do this, either that or adjust my price to fluctuate with the market. I’ve heard a lot of people say that they would like to see new board members. But not many of them are willing to participate by volunteering to take on the positions. They are too busy or too far away, etc. to help out. All the members of the IHPA have jobs, lives, and families; but they still can find the time to help out when and where it is needed. So far, I have Pat Randol to run for District 5, Larry Boernsen to run for District 6, and Melanie Bower to run for Treasurer. Good luck! And Congratulations! For showing the willingness to help out. If you know anyone else or are willing to help yourself please let me know. I apologize if it sounds like I am complaining about the people, but the Iowa Honey Producers isn’t just 25 to 30 people. We need all five to six hundred beekeepers in the state to help any way possible. We have enough problems with CCD, chemical resistant pests, etc. We need to try and work together to make the bee industry work and bee able to enjoy what we love to do…keep honey bees! HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AT THE CONVENTION AND BEE HAPPY!! Pat Ennis IT’S NOT WHAT YOU DO, Design Contest
The IHPA officers and board members recently authorized a contest for the membership. The canopy area above the Iowa State Fair product booth is in need of a design to designate to the public what is in that area. The fair attendees that are downstairs in the Ag. Building can see the white canopy, but there is nothing to indicate what is in the booth. We do have signs that say Iowa Honey Producers Association in front of the exhibit area and signs that say the beehive on the sides of the canopy and banners that announce the honey lemonade, but nothing in front and visible from the lower floor. We are opening up a contest to help us find a design to display there. It could be a slogan, honey bees, words and graphics, artwork, etc. The creativity of the entry, the feasible of the board to implement the design and workmanship will be considered. The winner will receive a $75.00 cash prize. Please submit your ideas to Mike Brahms The entry deadline is January 15th. The area to be covered with a design is approximately 10 feet by 33 feet and is the large area above the sales counter at the Iowa State Fair booth located in the Ag Building.
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