BENEFITS OF ISBA MEMBERSHIP
- Networking: You are among over 1,000 other beekeepers in the ISBA, many with decades of beekeeping experience. You may interact with these members at our annual meetings as well as at the meetings of our local, affiliate associations. Since the ISBA works closely with the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDoA), you have access to state agricultural news that may impact your beekeeping activities.
- Meetings: Two ISBA meetings each year offer the opportunity to learn from leading researchers and apiculturists, all while renewing old friendships and discussing local, state, and national news with your peers.
- ISBA Bulletin: Members receive a newsletter semi-monthly that features original articles, monthly columns, notices of upcoming events and minutes of the ISBA annual meetings.
- ISBA Website and Yahoo Group: We maintain this website as well as our Yahoo Group to disseminate information among our membership, stimulate interest in beekeeping and provide an information resource for the experienced and beginners alike. You must be a member of the ISBA in order to join our Yahoo Group, see more information below.
- Heartland Apiculture Society: The ISBA is a charter member of the Heartland Apiculture Society (HAS), a regional conference of eight, state Beekeeping associations in the U.S. Midwest. Each year, HAS calls together leading research scientists, apiculturists and expert beekeepers to conduct educational lectures and workshop sessions where you can learn the latest bee research results and techniques to advance the art of beekeeping.
- American Beekeeping Federation: The ISBA maintains affiliate membership with the American Beekeeping Federation (ABF), a nationwide beekeeping organization. The ABF is on the forefront of representing U.S. beekeepers at the national level and maintains a number of research grants and programs. Each year the ISBA sends two delegates to the ABF convention to represent Illinois beekeepers. The delegates then report their convention observations to the ISBA membership via the ISBA Bulletin.
- Illinois Specialty Growers Association: The ISBA maintains affiliate membership in the Illinois Specialty Growers Association (ISGA). Through this affiliation, beekeepers can easily expand their knowledge of specialty crops and build relationships with growers who may need pollination services.
- Liability Insurance: As an ISBA member, you are covered by a substantial liability policy while attending all ISBA meetings and the regular meetings and events of your local association (when officially affiliated with the ISBA). For more information regarding this policy, please contact ISBA Treasurer, Mike Mason or download a detailed information sheet on the documents page
- Collaboration Opportunities: ISBA members are provided many opportunities to improve Illinois Beekeeping by educating others about the importance of honeybees and their keepers. The ISBA is well represented at the Illinois State Fair and, through its affiliates, at many county and local fairs. Volunteers are always needed at fairs, to set up exhibits, speak to school groups and represent ISBA at universities and agricultural expositions. Your contributions are limited only by your imagination.
- Association Journal Rates: Members receive 25% discounts on the American Bee Journal, Bee Culture, and The Speedy Bee. To receive these discounts, please mention your ISBA membership status when ordering your subscription.
- Membership is open to all persons interested in Honey Bees and is usually part of joining a local, affiliate association. To join the ISBA and a local association, please contact an affiliate association that is closest to your home.
The ISBA has created an on-line community through Yahoo Groups!
Within this community, members can participate in e-mail discussions, view an events calendar, post and view photographs, and much more - all in the spirit of Illinois Beekeeping. Joining the ISBA Yahoo Group is easy. Simply access the registration page via the link on the Home page.
Within this community, members can participate in e-mail discussions, view an events calendar, post and view photographs, and much more - all in the spirit of Illinois Beekeeping. Joining the ISBA Yahoo Group is easy. Simply access the registration page via the link on the Home page.
If there is not an affiliate organization close to you
To join the ISBA without also joining a local, affiliate association you can complete the application form found here. Or you can contact the ISBA Membership Director, Susan Kivikko and send your $10 annual membership dues (make your check payable to the Illinois State Beekeepers Association) to the below:
(be sure to include your name, address and phone number)
(be sure to include your name, address and phone number)
ISBA
Membership
P.O. Box 21094
Springfield, IL 62708
Membership
P.O. Box 21094
Springfield, IL 62708
