Jack and Betty Thomas started their bee keeping supply company, Mann Lake Ltd., out of their garage in 1983. They are now an international company with offices around the country.
 
In June of 2009, they were pleased to learn that their beehives would be hosted at the White House as part of the Obamas' new garden. Charlie Brandts, the official White House beekeeper, set up their beehives on the south lawn where the bees have access to the National Mall.
 
Back in December Jack and Betty reached out to my office to see if we could organize a tour of the White House beehives they built. We were able to set it up, and recently, Jack and Betty came to Washington and were given a personal tour of the White House.
 
Mann Lake Ltd. is a classic Minnesota success story. Jack and Betty took their hobby and turned it into an international business with more than 100 employees.
 
I had the honor meeting both of them at my Wednesday breakfast after their tour of the White House. 
 
Learn more about the White House beekeeping project here.