In 2017, the Clark County Cooperative Extension Beekeeper Interest Group was established to provide a platform for further educating current beekeepers, and providing the opportunity for others to learn about beekeeping.  In 2018, Clark CES assisted in merging the group with the Powell County Beekeepers Association to become the Clark-Powell Beekeepers Association.  With assistance from Clark CES, this merger has now made it possible for the group to officially be recognized as a Beekeeper Association within Kentucky, they now have an organized officer team, and organizational structure.   In 2018, organizing the association led to the ability for applying for funding for beekeeping grants through the Kentucky Governor’s Office of Agriculture Policy.  Clark County Extension Service assisted with the application process.  Grants were awarded to 10 different beekeepers up to 3,000 at 50% cost share for reimbursement of cost associated with expanding their beekeeping operations.   These 10 beekeepers also had to complete a series of educational opportunities to receive funding.  This included attending the 2019 Eastern Bluegrass Extension Bee School, and at least 2 monthly association educational meetings.   The new association was also instrumental in planning the 2019 Eastern Bluegrass Extension Bee School.  The association now also serves as an advisory group for planning the monthly program.  Original members of the Clark County Beekeepers Interest group have indicated that they now learn much more at the monthly meetings as they are much more productive.  Attendance at monthly meetings has also increased from 20-30, to 60+ each month.   Participants have indicated that this is a much welcomed change as this increases the ability to network, and learn from each other.  There have also been several mentorships that have developed as a result of the merger as long time experienced beekeepers have been reaching out to assist those producers that are just starting out.  Overall, Clark County CES was instrumental in the merger of the two groups which has created ample opportunity for program participants.