Awards

For Immediate Release

Contact: Lori Titus
410-489-6091
lori@beefolks.com

THE BEE FOLKS VOTED ONE OF TOP 200 LEADING MOMS IN BUSINESS IN STARTUPNATION COMPETITION

MOUNT AIRY, MD - 7/10/09 - The Bee Folks announced today that it has been recognized as one of the top 200 mom-owned businesses in StartupNation©s 2009 Leading Moms In Business Competition (http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-2009). The competition, sponsored by VerticalResponse, recognizes the achievements of mothers across the country who run outstanding businesses.

The Bee Folks (www.beefolks.com) is a family-operated beekeeping operation based in Mount Airy, MD. Lori Titus, President and CEO, is the head beekeeper and driving force behind the business. Although the business was founded in 1996, she took The Bee Folks to full-time status in 2006 in order to help her husband recover from a debilitating stroke and help raise their daughter and identical triplet boys.

"The fact that we placed out of thousands of entries is a testament to the loyalty of our customers," said Titus. "Our customers aren©t just clients, they are our community, and they came out in full force to support us in this competition. To be honored among so many other creative, hard-working moms is exciting."

"Moms across America were honored in this year©s ranking, showing that they©re capable of starting and running successful businesses while managing to balance family, career, home and self," said Rich Sloan, co-founder of StartupNation. "Well over 600,000 votes were cast in support of several thousand contestants. What an incredible achievement to be named a winner, and what an inspiration for anyone looking to start their own business.©

"It©s challenging for anyone to start and run a successful business © particularly in this economy. These women are setting the standard for innovation and creativity," said Janine Popick, founder and CEO of VerticalResponse.

StartupNation (www.startupnation.com) launched the first annual Leading Moms in Business Competition in January with the support of VerticalResponse (www.verticalresponse.com) to recognize the achievements of mom entrepreneurs across the US. Winners were selected and ranked according to public votes accumulated from January through March, 2009. The elite 200 win bragging rights, promotional support, and digital winner©s emblems recognizing their achievements as the Leading Moms in Business.

About BeeFolks.com

The Bee Folks is a family-operated beekeeping service specializing in varietal honey, beeswax candles, and their own popular line of handcream, soap and lipbalm, all made with honey and beeswax. The Bee Folks was ranked #75 out of the Top 200 Winners Circle. For more information, including a list of locations, visit their website at www.beefolks.com.