GREAT LAKES BEE COMPANY TO HOST GRAND OPENING IN CELEBRATION OF HONEY HARVEST MONTH AND 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HASSELMAN’S HONEY

The public is invited to the celebratory event at 12 noon on Tuesday, Sept. 24 in Fremont

FREMONT, Mich., Sept. 19, 2024 – Great Lakes Bee Company (GLBC) will host a grand opening on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at its new storefront in Fremont, Michigan, in celebration of Honey Harvest Month this September and the 50th anniversary of Hasselman’s Honey. The public is invited to a ribbon cutting at 12 noon, followed by tours and shopping at GLBC’s new location,  5973 S. Warner Ave., in the  Old Rink Plaza in Fremont.

In recent years, backyard beekeeping has been on the rise, not just in Michigan, but nationwide. Great Lakes Bee Company in Fremont has been on the forefront of promoting the importance of beekeeping in the region and how it benefits Michigan’s economy and agriculture. Each May, bees from GLBC return home to Fremont, Michigan, after pollinating almond crops in California and rebuilding of hives in Georgia. When they’re back home, they forage on Newaygo County’s basswood, alfalfa, star thistle, and West Michigan flowers to create 150,000 pounds of Michigan’s Hasselman’s Honey.

“For us, it all started in 1974 with Larry Hasselman and his hobby for beekeeping,” said Great Lakes Bee Company owner Genji Leclair. “Larry founded Hasselman’s Honey after growing his passion and curiosity for bees, creating a distinctively delicious tasting honey. Since establishing Great Lakes Bee Company in 2016, it has been my mission to maintain Larry’s honey legacy and preserve the sources and processes that he has used since the 1970s, while also striving to produce only the best honey for our customers.”

In addition to honey production, bees from Newaygo County also pollinate various crops including: almonds (January); apricots, sweet cherries, peaches and plums (April); tart cherries, pears, blueberries and apples (May).

“Bees play a significant role in our region’s and nation’s agriculture,” said Leclair. “By pollinating many crops used for animal feed, bees contribute to a third of the world’s food production. They are also essential in helping to maintain biodiversity and preserving our ecosystem that we depend on to survive. At Great Lakes Bee Company, we help educate the public about the irreplaceable value of honey bees to our environment.”

In addition to Hasselman’s Honey and supplying bees to beekeepers, GLBC sells beekeeping equipment and products made from their beeswax including candles and raw wax.

During the grand opening event, GLBC owner Genji Leclair and local representatives will host a ribbon cutting signifying the opening of the new store. Additionally, Fremont Mayor James Rynberg will present GLBC with a resolution from the City of Fremont announcing the company’s contribution to local economic growth and helping Fremont become an agricultural and beekeeping destination.

“September is National Honey Harvest Month so it’s an exciting time for us in the bee business,” said Leclair. “We are excited to welcome the public to our new store, where you can learn more about bees, beekeeping and buy our own beekeeping supplies and honey-related products.”

WHAT:             Great Lakes Bee Company Grand Opening + Hasselman’s Honey 50th Anniversary

WHEN:            Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024

12 p.m.

WHERE:           Great Lakes Bee Company

5973 S. Warner Ave. (Old Rink Plaza)

Fremont, MI 49412