WHPA Committees

No more than half of a standing committee’s membership shall be replaced in 1 year, except by the committee member’s own request. Verbal reports are to be given by the committee chair at the regularly scheduled meetings (Summer and Annual Meeting). A written report shall be submitted to the President prior to the annual meeting.

Awards Committee – Chair: Anna Kettlewell Email Anna

Function: To determine the yearly award winners and do so in a manner that will create and maintain membership interest in its continuation.

MEMBERS: Membership limited to previous recipients of the Beekeeper of the Year award.

Communications Committee – Chair: Kent Pegorsch Email Kent

Function: To monitor and communicate with WHPA members and public. Including, but not limited to, Badger Bee, WHPA website and social media (Facebook, Instagram).

Constitution & By-laws Committee– Chair: Mitchel Wayne Email Mitchel

Function: Revise the Constitution and By-Laws as needed.

Convention Committee– Co-Chairs: Karri Burzynski Email Karri, Liz Schroeder Email Liz

Function: Prepare programs and plans for Annual Convention of WHPA

Education Committee – Chair: Shelly Astle Email Shelly

Function: To promote WHPA and the industry though a variety of educational projects. Will consist of two subcommittees:

1. Youth Education 

   a. KIDS & BEE EXPO – Brenda Dowiasch Email Brenda

   b. Youth Mentoring – Stephanie Slater Email Youth Mentoring Program

2. Member Education – Dan Ziehli (Email) & Chris Hansen (Email) Labeling laws, BMPs, tax exemption laws, relevant issues to WHPA membership; develop and implement a speaker bureau

Finance and Audit/Budget Committee– Mary Kettlewell (Email) & Shelly Astle (Email)

Audit – VACANCY

Function: Study the financial need and status of WHPA. Prepare annual budget. The audit committee shall be a subcommittee of the Finance Committee.

Honey Queen Committee – Co-Chairs: Danielle Dale (Email) and Kim Kester (Email)

Function: Organize, promote, and implement the Honey Queen program

Legislative Committee – Chair: Doug Koltermann (Email)

Function: Keep membership informed on all legislative material pertaining to the beekeeping industry. Be responsible for the introduction of approved legislation. Serve as liaison to the state legislature and other organizations with similar interests. Keep records of all known or suspected pesticide damage incidents involving honey bees in Wisconsin. Act as liaison between WHPA and government agencies, organizations, and/or individuals associated with regulatory issues, including the honey bee-pesticide issue. Manage and submit Section18 applications on behalf of the WHPA.

Promotions Committee – Chair: VACANCY

Function: Organize promotional programs

Research Committee – Chair: Doug Hauke Email Doug

Function: To recommend the yearly distribution of monies designated for research. Takes written recommendations from membership to bring forth to the Executive Committee.

State Fair Committee – Chair: Matt LaForge (Email)  & Derald Kettlewell (Email)

Function: Make arrangements for and be responsible for State Fair function including negotiation of a contract with the State Fair manager to be approved by the Executive Committee.