The following are three themes we are asking for you to consider. Please send us an email indicating which one you like the best. We will not be asking any group to abide by such a theme. Each group is open to tailor the event based on their desires. But we are hoping to get as many on the same theme to make the biggest impact. Marketing and promotional items will be much easier with a single national theme. Consider how you or your group may present such topics. The theme can be just a smaller part of the overall program.

#1) Yes we need bees... but we need you too! More beekeepers also means more people aware of bee industry issues and a greater voice in matters concerning policy issues, zoning issues, and other regulatory matters. We want every person to be connected by someone in their family who keeps bees. Beekeepers on average are aware of the environment. Chemical use, pesticide use, and other environmental damaging management practices, are better understood when more have a vested interest. More beekeepers means more conscientious stewards of the environment.

The winning theme for National Honey Bee Day 2010 -   #2) Local honey - Good for you, the bees, and the environment! About 50% of the honey we consume in the United States is imported. Just as drinking a bottle of water shipped from France, and which happens to be no better for you as the bottled water produced domestically or down the street, the same can be s Close aid about foreign honey. A huge carbon footprint is created by shipping products half way around the world that could be produced and purchased locally. If more consumers demand local products like honey from the neighborhood beekeeper, that carbon footprint is much smaller. It is about time that beekeepers get “green” with their products and promotion. Locally produced honey is the best “green” sweetener you can buy.

#3) Homeowner pesticides... A perfect lawn is not worth it! Ever walk down the chemical isle of the local hardware store? There are thousands of products to kill every weed, pest, insect and anything else you may not want around our home. How about some practical tips for alternatives treatments around the home, and a lesson on what your pet and grandkids are walking in! What goes on the lawn, ends up in the streams, lakes, and waterways. Some chemicals have been shown to kill bees at 4 parts per billion. Bees are effected by the chemicals used for miles around as they forage. Help the bees and the environment.

So there you have it. Three choices. Please think about which may be worthwhile, how you could tailor a presentation, and the impacts or rewards of a program. Once a selection is made, we plan on working with any and all who want to help structure an outline and a plan for the theme, so information can be passed along.

Email your vote. And please add any comments or suggestions. We want to hear from you.

Thank you.