[March News]

Terminix’s Steve Good Promoted to Senior VP of Business Development

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Steve Good, Terminix vice president of category growth, has been promoted to senior vice president of business development.

In his new role, Good’s primary responsibilities include initiating and developing strategic alliances for the Termite Inspection and Protection Plan offered by Terminix. Good also will continue to be an active participant with the Terminix acquisitions team and will work with senior management in the development of innovative products and services that stimulate increased growth for the company and its national network of service locations.

“Steve has been an integral part of our team for the last decade, and our company wouldn’t be where it is today without him,” said Tom Brackett, Terminix president and COO. “We are looking to him to help us take our services to new users in unique ways. His experience and credibility within Terminix, combined with his strong customer perspective, make Steve a great fit for this role.”

Good has worked for Terminix for 10 years and has served in a variety of capacities including chief marketing officer.

Western Exterminator’s Ashton Hands Over COO Title to Anderson

ANAHEIM, Calif. — In January, Western Exterminator Company’s COO Roy Ashton, who has been with the company for 52 years, announced he handed over the title of COO to Tom Anderson, a third-generation family member and owner. Ashton will remain active with the company as vice chairman and member of the Board of Directors.

Tom Anfora, former vice president/assistant general manager, has been named vice president/general manager and Debbie Byrne, former vice president/general manager, has been named vice president of administration.

Texas PCOs Hopeful about New Regulatory Governing Body

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas pest control operators are taking a “wait-and-see” approach now that the Texas Structural Pest Control Board’s duties and powers have been transferred to the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).

In June 2007, Gov. Rick Perry signed Texas House Bill 2458, which abolished the Texas Structural Pest Control Board, the controversial governing body of the structural pest control industry in Texas. Accusations against the board ranged from simply being extremely disorganized, to favoring certain pest control companies, to changing its purpose from compliance assistance to strictly an enforcement agency.

The future of the board was a divisive issue within the Texas Pest Control Association (TPCA) which, after much debate, decided to lobby in favor of keeping the board with changes. Despite these and other efforts, the board was abolished.

Following Perry’s signing of HB 2458 in June, a plan was put in place to transition to board’s duties and powers to the TDA, which has since set up the Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS), Texas’ new structural pest control governing body, under the direction of Jim Muse. Muse reports to Todd Staples, Texas Commissioner of Agriculture.

Mitch Wassom, president of Collins Services and president of the Texas Pest Control Association, said initially there were concerns among TPCA members. “Number one, anytime there is change human nature is to fear the unknown; and two, the fact that structural pest control was going to be regulated by a larger agency, would it get lost in the shuffle,” Wassom said.

Wassom met with Staples in July to discuss the future of the SPCS and share with him questions and concerns from TPCA members. “One of the things he mentioned was that things operate differently with elected officials (as opposed to appointed officials) because they are accountable to (voters),” he said. “Appointed officials can get entrenched in their positions and don’t have anyone to answer to.”

Wassom also said Staples expressed interest in meeting with other pest control operators in Texas. Staples also spoke at TPCA’s annual convention in December. He stated that he wanted to use the first year to look at regulations for the structural pest control industry and determine which ones are outdated and unnecessary to protect consumers and the industry. As a sign of good faith, Staples also ceremonially swore in Wassom as TPCA president.

TDA also took an important transition step in February when it announced appointees selected to serve on the newly formed Structural Pest Control Advisory Committee. They are

• Thomas Kezar of Austin and Gregory Orr of Houston are appointed as members expert in structural pest control application;
• Peggy Caruso of Katy, Johnny Hibbs of Carrollton and William Roberts of Plano are appointed as members representing public interest;
• Dr. Michael Merchant of Dallas is appointed as the member from an institution of higher education knowledgeable in the science of pests and pest control;
• William Stepan of Houston is appointed as the member representing the interests of structural pest control operators; and
• Dr. David Lakey is statutorily designated as a member of the committee as the commissioner of state health services.

A member representing the interest of consumers based on the recommendation of a consumer advocacy group or association remains to be appointed.

OTHER NEWS. TPCA also announced that Tami Lyons was elected to fill the at-large position on the TPCA Board of Directors. Lyons replaces Tim Gafford, who was elected as the association’s secretary-treasurer. — Brad Harbison

Insectropolis Museum Educates Visitors about the World of Insects

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — When Chris Koerner’s daughter, Emily, was two years old, she liked two things: collecting rocks and collecting bugs.

So Koerner, vice president of operations at Ozane Termite and Pest Control, started taking her to different museums around the area, including one dedicated to rocks and minerals set up by a local stone supplier.

“When I saw what this guy had done with his business…I wondered if we could do that with (Ozane),” he said. “There’s just as many, if not more, insect types and species out there.”

The Insectropolis insect museum is housed in a 7,200 square-foot building behind the Ozane headquarters in Toms River, N.J. It opened in 2006, after three years of prep work.

The museum’s collection boasts mounted and free-range insects from around the world, including giant stick bugs from Papua New Guinea and bird winged butterflies from South America. And Koerner rears various types of moths, ants and other insects himself.

Koerner helps run the family business with two of his brothers: Dave, director of regulatory compliance and technical training, and Jeff, vice president of marketing. Chris, who has a degree in management, grew into the duties of identification of the insects his brothers would bring back from the field.

“I started seeing everything that was here locally,” he said.

Their father, Thomas Koerner, operated the business himself for 40 years, and fostered an interest in the natural world in his sons. “He would tell us what everything was,” Koerner said. “When we were younger this area was not developed like it is today. You could collect frogs, turtles” and other things easily.

Insectropolis tries to foster that same interest in today’s youth. Koerner said the museum sees between 12,000 and 15,000 visitors each year, mostly school groups or children participating in summer camps.

“It’s a good way to continue to promote your company and your industry in a good light,” he said. “You’re introducing yourself in a positive way to young families that will eventually use your services at some point. You’re educating kids and…you’re showing that you’re sensitive to the fact that there are beneficial insects out there.”

Unfortunately, Koerner’s daughter Emily no longer has the same affinity for rocks and bugs she had at age 2. Now she’s 12 years-old, he said, and more interested in other things.

“I think she’s grown out of that phase,” he said.

For additional information, visit www.insectropolis.com and www.ozane.com/home.htm. — Chuck Bowen

Syngenta Launches New “PestPartners” Rewards

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Syngenta has announced that its “PestPartners” program for pest management professionals will be relaunched as a new, more versatile and dynamic points-based rewards program. The new program, which was launched this month, will offer Syngenta customers the opportunity to earn points that are redeemable for business-building merchandise and services as well as access to technical resources and information online.

“We are making this change in response to the increasing competitive business challenges facing PMPs,” said Pat Willenbrock, senior marketing manager, Syngenta. “They are already experts at pest control, but they also have to be adept at managing complicated business processes, including finances, inventory, customer service and employees. Our new PestPartners program is designed to help PMPs by offering resources and tools to grow their business.”

PCOs can enroll in PestPartners beginning March 24 online at www.pestpartners.com. The new, dedicated Web site will make it convenient for members to enroll, check point balances and redeem points for rewards and gain access to technical information and tips for optimizing pest management.

Pest management professionals who join PestPartners can earn 1,000 bonus points just for registering and completing a brief survey. Thereafter, members earn points for purchases of Syngenta brand products. Points can be redeemed for up to four years on a wide range of items including office technology; business-related electronics and communications tools; market-specific equipment, such as infrared thermometers and wind meters; training videos; management guides; and even travel to industry conferences. Points also can be redeemed for sport and recreational items or used to make a donation to a specific charitable cause. Initially, more than 800 rewards selections will be available, with more added as the program grows.

New Entomology Book by Norm Ehmann Now Available

SALINAS, Calif. — Norm Ehmann, formerly of Univar, has written Adventures Through The World of Entomology, a book that chronicles his 50 years observing urban pests. This 250-page book is illustrated with 500 high-quality photos.

Adventures Through The World of Entomology blends technical information with gritty, down-to-earth knowledge geared to everyone from seasoned veterans to the industry’s newest workers. “It’s a reference manual, but also one that is fun to read. I tried to use my dry humor whenever possible to illustrate a point,” Ehmann told PCT.

Ehmann said that he has had the idea to write a book for 50 years, but never had the time to do it. After retiring from Univar, Ehmann decided to give it a shot, and he went to work on the book about a year ago.

“I wanted to get this information to the service person to help them better understand urban pests,” he said. “The final product exceeded my expectations by quite a bit. It turned out to be exactly what I wanted and dreamed about for a number of years. It is my way of giving back to the industry that fed me.”

Among the useful information in this book are descriptions of pests related to public health concerns. The book is illustrated with photos from Stennett Heaton, who served as Univar’s primary photographer and was hired by Ehmann in the early 1960s.

Adventures Through The World of Entomology can be ordered from Univar representatives by calling 800/808-4897 or online at www.pestweb.com. — Brad Harbison

450 Pest Professionals Attend 62nd Annual Texas A&M Conference and Workshop

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — More than 450 pest management professionals, educators and industry suppliers attended the 62nd annual Texas A&M University Pest Management Conference and Workshop in January.

“This is one of the largest meetings we’ve had in the past few years,” said Dr. Roger Gold, organizer of the annual event. “We were particularly pleased with the response to the presentation given by the graduate students wherein they reported on the results of their research programs.”

Among student papers this year were talks on a new crazy ant species invading the Houston area by Ph.D. candidate Jason Meyers. Several master’s candidates gave updates on research projects, including crazy ant nutritional requirements by Rachel Wynalda, termite species distribution in Texas by Tara McGuigan and fire ant control by aerial application by Aaron Thompson. In addition, students hosted the annual insect identification workshop, designed to challenge PCOs’ identification skills.

One of the meeting highlights is a nighttime visit to the Urban Entomology Center located on the Texas A&M University campus. The tour provides another opportunity for students to practice communication skills as they explain their research to interested groups passing through their lab space.

In addition to current students, the A&M Conference attracts recent urban entomology graduates, to share their ongoing interests and knowledge. Graduate Janis Reed, now technical director for ABC Pest and Termite Control in Austin, Texas, spoke about special problems in bed bug control. Recent graduates Molly Keck and Kim Schofield, now entomologists with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, talked about fire ant control in special accounts, including nursing homes and schools. Wizzie Brown, now also an extension entomologist, shared her passion for cockroaches, their identification and management.

But the conference covered more than bugs. “This was the first time we were able to offer CEU credits for business talks,” said Gold. Local attorney Ed Elmore gave an interesting overview of business organization and tax options for people starting a business.

The A&M conference site also is popular among exhibitors. “This is a great meeting for exhibitors,” said H.F. Warns, regional sales manager for Zoecon Professional Products. “The proximity of the exhibit hall to conference rooms and break areas means lots of opportunities for us to meet and mingle.”

The conference closed with a series of mini-workshops in commercial kitchen insect pest management, fumigation and termite management. “We try to add hands-on experiential learning where we can,” said Gold. “Through this one conference, the (PCOs) not only receive all their required CEUs for 2008, but have the opportunity to practice their skills and interact with some of the best and the brightest young minds in the industry.”

Bayer ES Seeks Entries for Young Scientist Contest

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Bayer Environmental Science, in partnership with the National Pest Management Association, announced the call for entries for the third Bayer ES “Young Scientist of the Year” contest, a scholarship and grant program for graduate students currently researching the pest management industry.

“We are proud to recognize and support the next generation of researchers in our field, which is part of the ‘Backed by Bayer’ promise,” said Gordon Morrison, Maxforce Insecticides market manager for Bayer. “We look forward to the innovative research that comes about from this competition.”

Three finalists whose research advances knowledge on the biology, behavior, ecology, or management of urban pest species will receive scholarships of $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000, respectively. One individual selected as the ‘Young Scientist of the Year’ will also receive a $10,000 grant to continue his or her research. In addition, a $1,000 scholarship will be donated to the general scholarship fund at the schools attended by each of the three finalists.

Applications and program criteria were sent to colleges and universities around the country. Additional applications can be obtained by calling 800/233-6164, ext. 2748. In order to be eligible for the contest, an applicant must be a candidate for a master’s or doctoral degree at an accredited college or university.

A panel of university and industry professionals will determine the final awards, and the three finalists will present their research at the annual NPMA convention. The awards will be presented at PestWorld 2008 in Washington, D.C., in October.

Industry Veteran Bill Baxter Named Director of Sales and Marketing for TyraTech

MELBOURNE, Fla. — TyraTech, a manufacturer of natural pesticide products, has appointed William L. Baxter as director of sales and marketing.
In his new role at TyraTech, Baxter will help guide marketing strategy and the execution of sales for TyraTech’s new class of non-toxic insecticides and anti-parasitics.

“TyraTech is rapidly moving into the commercial marketplace with products, and Mr. Baxter is a valuable addition to lead this commercial effort. An industry heavyweight with more than 20 years of expertise, Bill will help meet and build customer demand for TyraTech’s safe, effective pest control products and drive further penetration in the global insecticide, agricultural and public health markets,” said Stephen Briggs, vice president global markets.

Baxter brings to TyraTech 21 years of experience of working in agricultural crop protection and specialty pesticide markets. Prior to joining the company, Baxter was business manager of the BASF Professional Pest Control Group. While at BASF he was responsible for leading the North American business and substantially increasing its revenue.

As an active member in industry associations, including the National Pest Management Association, the Professional Pest Management Alliance and Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE), Baxter is widely recognized within the pesticide industry sector and its specialty markets.

TyraTech recently launched its first insecticide product for the control of common insects in hotels, restaurants and other businesses. The company expects to now expand this product line with additional products and an expanded sales and distributor network.

The company also appointed Peter Porpiglia, Ph.D., as director, product development. Porpiglia will lead the strategic development and expansion of the TyraTech Naturals product line targeting a wide range of market needs.

In his more than 20 years in agronomic and horticultural production, Porpiglia has specialized in leading the design and testing of diverse biotechnologies in the United States and other countries worldwide. Before joining TyraTech, Porpiglia was vice president of Research and Development for Kumiai America and director of research and development for the Ciba-Geigy Corporation; a forerunner to what is now the global agribusiness, Syngenta AG.

‘Ant Man’ Spreads the Word

SAN FRANCISCO — To the many children at the pre-school and day-care accounts he services, Jim Franco is known simply as the “Ant Man.”

Franco works as a technician for Vallejo, Calif.-based Applied Pest Management. Many of his accounts are childcare centers and preschools in the San Francisco area, and the children he sees often are intrigued by what he’s doing — inspecting, usually with a flashlight.

The sensitive nature of many of the accounts, Franco said, limits his treatment options to mainly inspection, exclusion and some bait stations.

“The kids always seem to get a kick out of me going around with my flashlight. They get a big charge out of it,” Franco said.

One day a few months ago, some of the children at a daycare started following him around when he made his rounds. The 55-year-old was a bit surprised that they took such an interest. “All of a sudden, like an ant trail these kids came,” he said. To help encourage them to think more about insects, Franco bought them their own flashlights and showed them where to look for ants.

Since his intervention, the children have found some ants inside their building, but mostly find them outside. Franco tells the kids the outside ants “are the good ants.”

He also distributed flashlights to the children at two other schools he services, saying it was just a “customer friendly” thing to do. “Some actually took their time and were able to produce results,” he said. “Who knows how far this could take some of them?” — Chuck Bowen

N.C. Association Holds 58th Annual Technician’s School

RALEIGH, N.C. — The 58th annual North Carolina Pest Control Association Technician’s School was held Jan. 22-24 in Raleigh, N.C. The school, one of the largest in the country, had more than 700 registered attendees, exhibitors and speakers.

Dr. Jerome Goddard gave the keynote address. Other notable speakers included Dr. Phil Koehler; Rick Cooper, Cooper Pest Solutions; Bob Rosenberg, NPMA, Dr. Eric Smith; Dr. Eric Benson; Dr. Coby Schal; and many speakers from North Carolina State University.

The school also provides certification training and testing, as well as a 4-hour termite identification workshop. The workshop is held at the new Pest Management Training facility at North Carolina State University. Each attendee is able to use a microscope to get hands-on experience with termites and gain a better understanding of their identification, biology and management.
The general membership also voted at the school to change the name of the association to the North Carolina Pest Management Association.

George E. Williams Jr. Receives Bartlett W. Eldredge Award from NEPMA

WOBURN, Mass. — George E. Williams Jr., technical sales specialist, Univar, Woburn, Mass., was the 2007 recipient of the Bartlett W. Eldredge Award, the New England Pest Management Association’s highest award for distinguished service. Williams was presented with the award during the association’s recent annual meeting in Woburn, Mass. 

Williams is a supporter of educational programs and expositions. He meets regularly with pest management professionals throughout New England offering his expertise by conducting in-house training, and in-the-field consultations and inspections.

Williams serves as chairman of both NEPMA’s membership committee and vendor relations committee, establishing relationships with prospective members and industry vendor companies. He has held various board positions since 1995.

On behalf of the regional pest management industry, Williams routinely alerts association leaders and other industry stakeholders to developing pesticide concerns or new industry trends, often suggesting appropriate response or action.

Williams has worked for Univar USA for the past 13 years. He lives in Cumberland, R.I., with his wife Jackie and their four children.

GPCA Tackles Industry Issues, Honors its History

NORCROSS, Ga. — More than 700 Georgia pest control company employees attended two and half days of intense workshops and presentations at the 2008 Georgia Pest Control Association Winter Conference in Athens, Ga., in January.

Under the theme of “Industry Changes: Adaptation or Extinction,” the conference included presentations on school treatment programs, “green” movement, generic vs. branded products, loss of WDO inspections, mosquito control and more. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Jerome Goddard, Dr. Moray Anderson, Dr. Brian Forschler, Dr. Dan Suiter, Jim Chase, Rick Bell and many others.

“This is one of the largest conferences we’ve produced,” said Valera Jessee, the association’s executive director. “Our outstanding lineup of speakers and pertinent topics made for one of the most successful conferences as well.”

At the conference, GPCA honored Dr. Horace Lund, founder of the University of Georgia Entomology Department, for his many works and contributions to the pest control industry in Georgia. Dean Scott Angle announced that the Lund Professorship in Entomology has been established.
 
The professorship will support the industry through enhanced and expanded research programs in structural and urban pest management. This partnership between GPCA and the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is endorsed by the Lund family, and ultimately will enable GPCA to more effectively address the critical issues facing the industry.
Lund’s support of the pest control industry dates back to the 1950s, when he helped draft legislation establishing the Georgia Pest Control Act, which required licensing of pest control operators and regulation of the profession.

“We feel especially pleased to honor Dr. Lund’s many contributions to our industry with this professorship,” said GPCA President Cliff Nipper.