Hi Flyboy,
Your best bet is to find a local supplier - either someone who will sell you a split or whoever the closest commercial supplier is. Check your local listings for the closest beekeeping club and attend a meeting. See where they got their bees from and if there is anyone who needs to reduce their number of hives. Local bees should have the best chance of surviving and thriving in your locale, as long as they come from good stock.
and you can't go wrong meeting other beeks in your area! :)
love,
ziffa