Christi was a strong advocate for the Bee Informed Partnership in its infancy and her role was integral in supporting our efforts through Project Apis m. We at BIP know that Christi's hard work and dedication to the industry will live on. She was a force and BIP is so fortunate to have had her in our corner. Much peace to her family and friends during this difficult time.
The BIP Family
I love hearing all the stories! Thank you for sharing.
I remember the first or second time meeting Chris was during the American Honey Producers Convention in Tuscon back in 2005. She was working for the Almond Board and had a friend with her as we toured the ARS Lab outside of Tuscon. My Dad and brother Tim and I missed our bus to Old Tuscon for the dinner that night as we talked too long with researchers at the lab. Chris offered to give us a ride as she was going to the banquet also. She took us through Sagauro National Park at sundown and ended up being a more scenic ride anyway. She grilled us on our company and a typical year for us as we drove. That was very typical of Chris. She had a thirst for knowledge and getting to know people and how and why we do things. I feel that was why she was so successful in starting Project Apis M. and getting so much funding for bee research from the almond board because she had such a great vision for the future. Chris most definitely was the driving force getting the bee industry and almond industry working together for the future. Her legacy of work will be enjoyed by many beekeepers for years to come! I and all of us at AHPA sure miss her!
Chris Hiatt
Vice-President, AHPA