Beginning in 1987, The Washington State Beekeepers Association wanted to recognize the importance of Washington State beekeepers who make a significant impact on the industry.
Each year Local Associations are asked to submit a candidate of their choice to receive the WSBA Beekeeper of the Year Award, to be voted on by the WSBA Executive Board prior to the annual meeting. The selections are to be described in writing, not to exceed one page.
Criteria: Which beekeeper has done the most to promote and demonstrate good beekeeping, improve the public image of the industry and/or show how this member has volunteered for civic and other projects. The candidate must be a current member of the Washington State Beekeepers Association.
Past recipients of the award are:
1987…Alice Bounds
1988…Elwood Sires
1989…Carl VanWechel
1990…Dick Hunger
1991…Merrill Kuehn
1992…Ancel Goolsbey
1993…Ron Babcock
1994…Bob Zahler
1995…Jim Pefley
1996…Bob Stump
1997…Arlene & Lee Massey
1998…Bob Smith
1999…Patrick Ray
2000…Alice VanWechel
2001…Miriam Bishop
2002…John Timmons
2003…Eric Olson
2004…Wesley B. Tate
2005…Van Sherod
2006…Louis Matej
2007…no nominations
2008…Bob Arnold
2009…Paul Lundy
2010…Bill Markus
2011…Jerry Tate
2012…no nominations
2013…James Bach
2014…Alisa Shorey
2015…Laurie Pyne
2016…Tim Hiatt
2017…no nominations
2018…Ellen Miller
