JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley recently visited a local Romeoville business, Hive 5 Honey, to learn more about the company and how bees help our environment.

“I had a wonderful time visiting with Rick and his family while getting to learn more about their company and honey bees,” Manley said. “Our community is filled with people with unique talents and knowledge and I love having the opportunity to learn from them and take that knowledge back to Springfield to share with my colleagues.”

Manley visited Hive 5 Honey and was given a tour by owner and beekeeper Rick Gougis. In addition to beekeeping, Rick visits schools and businesses to share with them the importance of maintaining the bee population so that our gardens and farms can produce fruits and vegetables. The bee population has been on the decline due to the use of pesticides and the destruction of their habitats.

“I started a garden and couldn’t get my cucumbers to grow, so I got some bees to help pollinate,” said Rick. “Now I’m more concerned about helping bees and making honey than I am about my garden. I am glad Representative Manley took the time to come and learn more about our honeybees and what we can do to support the bee population.”

For more information or the schedule a tour of a local business with Rep. Manley, contact her constituent service office at 815-725-2741 or RepManley@gmail.com.