[February News]

Chuck Steinmetz Appointed CEO of Middleton Pest Control

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Sunair Services Corporation announced in January that it appointed Charles P. Steinmetz to serve as CEO of Middleton Pest Control.

Steinmetz was majority owner of Middleton Pest Control from 1977 until it was purchased by Sunair in June 2005, and has served as a director of Sunair since that time.

Steinmetz replaced Greg Clendenin, who retired last October. Steinmetz told PCT that Sunair CEO John Hayes asked him to return to Middleton following Clendenin’s departure.

“When I came in, I saw that the fastest way to get control of the company and to form a great directed effort towards sales and profits was to get involved myself,” he said. “So, we started working together on a daily basis. The more I got involved, the more I liked it. I realized that I hadn’t done it in a long time, but I still knew how to do it. I decided it was the best thing for the company to get involved at this particular level. It was thought by the board that me being CEO would make sense.”

Steinmetz acknowledged that 2007 was a trying year for Middleton, but he is optimistic about the company’s future. “Everybody from within the organization and associated with the organization is disappointed in what the performance had been, but that is going to change very dramatically,” he said. “(Sunair) has been very complimentary about what we are trying to accomplish and we are very optimistic about what that performance is going to be on a go-forward basis.”

The company’s growth strategy will continue to be focused in Florida, at least initially. “We’ve got so much opportunity in Florida right now to build a very major company. We want to exploit all of that, and then look outside.”

Steinmetz said he believes that, in Florida, there are gaps between markets that need to be filled so that Middleton’s offices are contiguous. “An example is that we are in West Palm Beach and we are in Ft. Lauderdale, but we are not in Boca Raton and we are not in Pompano Beach,” he said.

Under the new structure, managers will continue to report to Hayes, who will report directly to Steinmetz.

Steinmetz has been a leader in the pest control industry for more than 40 years. He has served in various capacities with Orkin (1961-73) and Truly Nolen (1974-77), and led the build-up and sale of All America Termite and Pest Control (1982-77). At the time of sale, it was the largest privately owned pest control company in the United States, with 125 locations throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North and South Carolina, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arizona and Texas.

Following the sale of All America, Steinmetz was involved in Middleton Pest Control’s growth from 1977 until June 2005, when it was sold to Sunair. Steinmetz has received several awards and distinctions throughout his career, including being named Entrepreneur of the Year in 1992 by Inc. Magazine for the Southeast service category, PCT Professional of the Year in 1996, and he received the 2002 Pioneer Award from the Florida Pest Management Association for service to the pest management industry. Steinmetz received his degree in entomology from the University of Florida. — Brad Harbison

Pi Chi Omega Announces Scholarship, New Slate of Board Members

WILMINGTON, Del. — Pi Chi Omega, the international professional pest management fraternity, announced four $1,500 scholarships will be available to promising students majoring in urban or industrial pest management or closely related areas. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply by March 31.

Notices were sent to 40 colleges and universities with entomology departments. For additional information and/or application forms, contact the heads of entomology departments or Vern E. Toblan, executive director, at 302/376-6714, or verntoblan@verizon.net.

The fraternity also recently elected a new slate of board members:

• Cisse Spragins, president elect
• Kim Kelley-Tunis, secretary
• Dan Moreland, director
• Mike Goldstein, director

The following board members were elected at another time in the past, or the position is not elective:

• Vern E. Toblan, executive director/treasurer
• Gerald S. Wegner, president
• Eric Smith, immediate past president
• David W. Fincannon, director
• Stuart Mitchell, director

RND Signs Releases Free Marketing Ideas Resource

EDEN PRARIE, Minn. — A free marketing book with hundreds of ideas to grow pest control businesses now is available from RND Signs. PCOs can access hundreds of new promotional print and sign ideas, plus hundreds more of new exclusive images, at www.RNDsigns.com.

Correction

The December PCT article “Proof Positive,” which profiled PCT Commercial Technician of the Year Macy Ruiz, stated that by 1988 “Ruiz’s mother and grandmother had passed away.” Only Ruiz’s grandmother had passed away by 1988. PCT regrets this error.

EcoSMART Technologies Names Russell New Commercial Vice President

ATLANTA — EcoSMART Technologies announced the appointment of Guy Russell as the new vice president of its commercial division.

Russell became Eco-SMART’s national sales director in 2007, and now will manage the professional, animal health, janitorial/sanitation, institutional and industrial market sectors for the firm. His expertise lies in sales, marketing and advertising, and in the creation and maintenance of a successful team, the company said.

“I’m delighted with the opportunity EcoSMART has given me,” he said. “As the green market continues to expand, we are finding demand widening for our products in a range of commercial markets. We’re particularly well placed to respond with botanical solutions, and I am dedicated to promoting EcoSMART’s capabilities in 2008 and beyond.”

NPMA’s Pest Management Foundation Seeks Research Proposals

FAIRFAX, Va. — The Pest Management Foundation, the National Pest Management Association’s charitable organization, has issued a solicitation for grant proposals related to the management of structural pests and pests in urban and suburban environments.

Any submission deemed worthwhile by the foundation will be eligible for a grant of up to $35,000. Eligible entities include, but are not limited to, institutions of higher learning, non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses and individuals.

While the solicitation lists specific project ideas, the foundation is interested in any proposal that pertains to the management of pests in structures and urban and suburban environments.

The foundation recently funded research published from Cornell University, University of Kentucky, and Spokane Falls Community College on the following topics: the effectiveness of yellow jacket trapping; the efficacy of residential mosquito control; and various methods of controlling black widow and hobo spiders. The foundation also is funding pending research on the prevalence of a specific rodent-borne disease, the overall impact of urban pests, the efficacy of canines as bed bug detectors and the significance of an emerging invasive ant species in the southeastern United States.

“Our main intent is to generate the submission of numerous different proposals,” said Gene Harrington, the executive director of the foundation. “We recognize that there are countless valuable research ideas and issuing anything too prescriptive could preclude many worthy proposals. We look forward to carefully reviewing any and all proposals.”

The deadline for submissions is Feb. 22, and the target for identifying a worthwhile applicant is by the end of April. The solicitation is available at www.npmapestworld.org/PMFoundation. Questions and proposals should be directed to Gene Harrington at gharrington@pestworld.org or 800/678-6722.

PCO Robert York Publishes Bilingual Bed Bug Posters

YAKIMA, Wash. — Robert York, owner of York’s Exterminating, Yakima, Wash., has published a bed bug poster that targets the housekeeping staff of the hospitality industry and is intended to be posted on the doors of laundry rooms in hotels, motels, resorts and dormitories.

York said his posters are aimed at laundry/housekeeping staff so that “they can see these pictures every day and catch these infestations in the early stages,” he said. “I went to great lengths not to talk over my customers’ heads.”
York is a PCO with 36 years of experience, and runs York Exterminating, a four-person operation serving Central Washington. He also is frequently called upon to present at universities and conventions throughout the Pacific Northwest.

York, who said he has performed 18 bed bug treatments in Yakima, said his motivation for creating the posters was to better educate the public. York said the poster took nine months to produce and it was reviewed by leading entomologists and university researchers. Available in both English and Spanish, the posters are printed on heavy stock and are UV-coated. They are available for $25 each, plus shipping by contacting: Robert York, York’s Exterminating, 1541 N. Cottonwood Rd., Yakima, WA 98908, phone 509/966-9776. — Brad Harbison

Central Life Sciences Promotes Jusich

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Central Life Sciences announced that Frank Jusich has been promoted to president of the professional products group. Included in this group are Zoecon Professional Products; Professional Agriculture, including Altosid Feed Thru for horn fly control and other products used in food animal production; and Premise Pest Control, including Starbar fly and PreStrike mosquito control products for consumer and rural markets. In addition, Jusich is responsible for the marketing communications function supporting these business areas.

Jusich also will retain his title of chief operating officer for Central Life Sciences with responsibility for Business Development, Licensing and Technology Acquisitions, Finance, Customer Service and Legal Affairs.

Jusich has been a part of Central Life Sciences and its preceding companies since 1988 when he first joined Zoecon as controller and assistant treasurer. He also has held key strategic positions as general manager of Zoecon Canada and director of custom consumer division, responsible for global strategic marketing and sales of methoprene and hydroprene to consumer products companies.

Pest-Ventures 2008 Focuses on Taking Control

KEGWORTH, United Kingdom — The upcoming UK Pest-Venture 2008 meeting was put together by Adrian Meyer and John Simmons of Acheta, and both draw on expert industry speakers, who will offer the latest best practices as well as give practical advice on pest control problems.

“Taking control” is the theme for the 2008 Pest-Ventures events. The two one-day programs address developing control strategies and pest control on the front lines.

The programs will be held April 15-16 at the Best Western Yew Lodge Hotel, Kegworth, Nottinghamshire, about two hours north of London.

The theme for day one is “Developing Control Strategies.” The morning session is devoted to resistance. Dr. Alan McNicoll from Central Science Laboratory will lead the discussion on rodenticide resistance and Clive Boase of the Pest Management Consultancy will tackle bed bug resistance to insecticides.

In the afternoon, the emphasis switches to bird management with a series of bird experts presenting the latest information on bird-borne infections, the use of predatory birds, and gull and feral pigeon control strategies.

On day two, Pest-Ventures will visit the front line (and the fringe). The front line sessions will kick off with Mike Lole from ADAS, who will cover fly control on landfill sites. David Oldbury, Manchester City Council, will then consider the NPAP standard operating procedure for rodent control, and the pest implications of changes to refuse collection will be addressed by Dr. Stephen Battersby of Surrey University. Oliver Madge will conclude the morning session with a look at pest control from the professional, amateur and general public points of view.

In the afternoon there are two themes: “Are pest control contractors meeting the needs of their customers?” and “Rodent control on the fringe,” which takes a look at innovative technologies and powdered corn cob laboratory studies and rodenticide mode of action.

The 2008 Pest Ventures brochure can be downloaded at www.pestbusiness.com. For reservations, contact Moira Hart at moira@activesolutions.uk.com.

North Carolina Firm Introduces Unique Work/Life Balance Solution

HIGH POINT, N.C. — To effectively assist individuals in the quest for a better work/life balance and better quality of life, High Point, N.C.-based TMMG recently introduced a 90-minute seminar, “LifeZone Triage.”

TMMG has spent the last four years developing the production of the “LifeZone Balance Four” series to help address the issues of work/life balance.
“The marketplace has embraced our program’s methodology, but requested a shortened version that can fit into the busy schedule of workplaces. LifeZone Triage solves the time issue, while not jeopardizing the methodology and results from Balance Four,” said Randy Moser, TMMG president.

Statistics from Aon Consulting show that 88 percent of employees complain they have a hard time juggling work and life, TMMG reports. Many people attend seminars only to forget or lose interest in the information within three weeks, Moser said. “LifeZone Triage is cost effective and productive. The benefits to the individual, as well as the employer, have far more value than an expensive lunch of cordon bleu,” Moser said.

For information, contact Moser at 800/367-3176 or randy.moser@lifezn.net.

McCloud Services to Host Food Industry Pest Management Seminar

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — McCloud Services created its “Pest Invasion 2008: Food Industry Pest Management Seminar” with the help of internationally recognized pest management professionals.

This year’s speakers include:

• Dr. Steve Kells, University of Minnesota
• Dr. James Campbell, USDA
• David Naffziger, Whitmire Micro- Gen
• Jay Bruesch, Plunkett’s Pest Control
• Ed Hosoda, Cardinal Chemicals
• Tom Svitak, AIB

The seminar, from March 11-12, will provide information on new regulations, ways to reduce product contamination and increasing customer satisfaction.

The meeting will be held at the Stonegate Conference Center in Hoffman Estates, Ill. Recertification credits are available for Illinois and other states.
For more information or to register, contact Lisa Mata at 800/332-7805 or lisamata@mccloudservices.com. Or visit www.mccloudservices.com.

Winner of Liphatech Contest Wins Week-Long Trip for Two

MILWAUKEE — All it took was the turn of a key for one lucky pest management professional to win a free, week-long trip to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, thanks to a contest sponsored by Liphatech. The company also awarded two three-day passes to Walt Disney World and an iPhone to other winners of the contest held at the National Pest Management Association’s PestWorld 2007 tradeshow in Orlando, Fla.

Dana McDuffie, McDuffie Pest Control, Elizabethtown, N.C., won the grand prize trip to Mexico, which includes a seven-night package for two at the Riu Playacar in Riviera Maya, while Ronnie Veitch of Anti Pest & Veitch, Minden, La., won the Disney three-day passes. Mike Wakefield of Orkin, Atlanta, took home an iPhone.

Mosquito Misting Featured on ABC’s ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’

MINNEAPOLIS — An episode of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” that aired in November was the first time a mosquito control misting system has been installed by Ty Pennington and crew since the show began in 2003.

The builder of a home in Minnetonka, Minn., wanted protection from the mosquitoes so its 200 contractors could work around the clock in late August.
Russ Jundt and Tom Olson, owners of the Mosquito Squad franchise in the Twin Cities, contacted McLaughlin Gormley King to supply its misting product Riptide Waterbased Pyrethrin ULV. The two companies donated their time and products to help protect the workers.

“Initially, we were only asked to apply barrier mosquito protection around the home site and the TV production staging/lodging/food tent areas, which was no small task since it comprised about three square blocks and was bordered by a wetland,” Jundt said. Onslaught Microencapsulated Insecticide was tank mixed with microencapsulated pyrethrum and applied as a barrier spray prior to the start of the work. Other pest control services were needed as the work and filming continued.

The company then convinced ABC to set up a perimeter misting system to protect the backyard — complete with an outdoor kitchen, deck, hot tub, waterfall and a volleyball court — since the property was so close to a marsh. They donated the complete misting system and its maintenance for a year.

Univar Online CEU Gets Approval from Wyoming

AUSTIN, Texas — Univar USA has been granted CEU approval by the state of Wyoming for its current online training courses.

The Wyoming Department of Agriculture has approved all of the Master Technician online training courses on PestWeb for continuing education credits for pesticide licensees in that state. The company offers 49 courses on a variety of topics on the site. Each course is one hour long, and can be taken completely online on www.pestweb.com.

With this addition, Univar now has approved online CEU for 31 states, and expects to add more soon, the company said.

Bug Off Pest Control Center to Present ACE Prep Course

NEW YORK — The Entomological Society of America has authorized Bug Off Pest Control Center to develop and deliver training for the Associate Certified Entomologist exam.

ESA created the ACE program to make entomological certification possible for practicing pest management professionals. In order to qualify, the candidate must have at least seven years of pest management experience, a current license and must be able to pass an exam on practical aspects of applied entomology.

The ACE Preparatory Course will cover the major categories of competency found in the exam and will be presented by a Board Certified Entomologist and ranking member of the Society. The full-day course will be offered on March 25 in New York City. Cost for the course is $100; breakfast and lunch will be served. New York State recertification credits will be granted for multiple categories. For complete information, contact Andy Linares, Bug Off Pest Control Center, at 212/781-2304 or andy@bugoffpccenter.com.

Craig Thomas Honored as Outgoing President of NYSPMA

ALBANY, N.Y. — Craig Thomas, president of Craig Thomas Pest Control of New Hyde Park, N.Y., was honored for the two-year term of office he served as president of the New York State Pest Management Association. He was presented a plaque at the NYSPMA Fall Conference in Suffern, N.Y.
Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann of the Cornell University Integrated Pest Management program also was honored for her efforts in education and outreach in promoting the highest ideals and principles of IPM to the professional pest management community. Through her efforts, she has contributed to the inclusion of IPM as a usable tool in modern pest management programs throughout the state.

Thomas has been instrumental in bringing the three New York pest control associations together for joint legislative purposes. During his two-year tenure, the association has grown and developed a more cooperative relationship in working with its regulatory agencies.

The conference had a “Being Green” theme and featured Frank Meek, B.C.E., of Orkin; Harlan Feese of EcoSMART; Tom Green of the IPM Institute of North America; and Harvey Goldglantz, who spoke on green marketing.