Our Purpose
EMBA is a volunteer-based organization that trains beginning and advanced beekeepers, promotes beekeeping within the region; and provides networking opportunities for beekeepers, old and new. Check out our purpose, mission + goals below.
Our Purpose
To raise awareness of the importance of bees in the environment and to foster their health.
Our Mission
To advance beekeeping generally; to broaden the knowledge of beekeeping among its members; and to foster the best practices and techniques in apiary management.
Our Goals
Providing educational opportunities to further the development of beekeepers, researching and implementing best practices and offering as many free activities are EMBA's primary goals.
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Education + Development
EMBA prides itself on holding professionally organized meetings, programs, and events, spanning every month of the year. Speakers, researchers, and educators of national renown are frequent guests of the EMBA, as the club’s reputation continues to grow nationally.
Best Practices
The EMBA believes in promoting best practices, based on the results of scientific research, and in using those findings and practices to promote beekeeping in a manner that ensures both the health of the bees and the success of their keepers. Teaching beekeepers the biology of the colony lets them learn to anticipate what the bees will be doing, and react to what they actually choose to do. Truly understanding the colonies’ needs and challenges enables beekeepers to be better stewards of their hive's prosperity.
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Fiscal Responsibility
Virtually all of the rich annual program is free of charge, as the club relies on minimal annual dues and the success of limited fundraising events, to underwrite its expenses. As a non-profit organization, it is staffed completely by unpaid volunteers, and 100% of the funds raised are used for the benefit of the club members and to promote beekeeping in the community.
Our By-Laws
In 2023 the EMBA board updated the club's by-laws. Click the link below to see the latest version.
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EMBA Board
Our Board Members volunteer their time to serve on the EMBA board. They have a passion for bees and beekeeping.
DAN BROUK
President
MELISSA SOSTMAN
Vice President
DONNA GRAVATT
Secretary
LOREN GROSSMAN
Treasurer
TOM SOSTMAN
Program Chairperson
ALISA KNOTTS
Communications
JANET HOOK
Website + Social Media
MELISSA CATALANO
Board Advisor
MICHAEL KILFOY
Board Advisor
EMBA VOLUNTEERS
BOB FINCK
Emeritus President
JOHN PASHIA
Education
LAURA FAUST
Finance + Events
KEN HEITKAMP
Education
MICHAEL WAGNER
Mentor Program
KATE SMITH
Apiary
MICHAEL GODFREY
Communications
ANNETTE LEHNBEUTER
Volunteer
MADONNA BOGACKI
Events