[October News]

GIE Media acquires four magazines

RICHFIELD, Ohio — GIE Media, the parent company of PCT magazine, in September announced that it had acquired substantially all the assets of Ft. Worth, Texas-based Branch-Smith Publishing.

This development adds four titles to GIE’s portfolio: Greenhouse Management & Production, Nursery Management & Production, Garden Center and Garden Center Product Source.

In making the acquisition, GIE significantly extends its position serving the commercial horticultural and specialty markets.

“We are excited to add these publications to our company and build upon the proud history and market commitment the Branch family has demonstrated since 1915. We’re humbled by the deep roots and strong tradition of these market-leading titles,” said GIE Media President and COO Chris Foster in announcing the acquisition. “The addition of these four titles to GIE Media provides us the opportunity to serve a new segment of business managers in markets important to a large cross-section of our current customer base.”
Prior to the acquisition, GIE served the horticulture markets through its Lawn & Landscape, Golf Course Industry and Commercial Dealer magazines.

73rd Purdue Pest Management Conference program announced

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The 73rd Purdue Pest Management Conference will take place Jan. 5-9, 2009, at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.

Conference organizers say they are committed each year to providing the information needed for the urban and industrial pest management profession to move forward. Outstanding speakers and industry leaders give training seminars, research and regulatory updates, product development, marketing and management hints, and additional information vital to promoting innovative and environmentally sensitive approaches to pest management.

This four-day conference held on the Purdue University campus is a great opportunity for pest management professionals to gain certification credits and to keep abreast of changes in technology.

For more information, or to register, visit www.conf.purdue.edu/pest.

Waltham Services’ Richard Keenan passes away

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Richard L. Keenan, president of Waltham Chemical Co. (now Waltham Services) for more than 30 years, passed away on Sept. 1. He was 85.

Keenan is survived by children Clarke Keenan (Cathie) and Jonathan Keenan (Kathleen), and two granddaughters. He was highly regarded by his colleagues for promoting ethics and integrity throughout the pest control industry and serving as a mentor not only to his employees, but to others in the industry.

“I think that my father saw the industry on a continuum of getting stronger and more ethical and becoming better service providers,” said Clarke Keenan, who now serves as president of Waltham Services. “I think he would like to see the industry continue on that path. I know that he was happy with the progress of NPMA the last 10 years or so.”

Richard Keenan graduated from Norwich University in 1947 and joined Waltham Chemical Co. that same year. He soon became a partner with Bart Eldredge, who was the fourth president of the National Pest Control Association. In 1963, Keenan, then vice president of Waltham, entered into a buyout agreement with Eldredge.

Clarke Keenan joined the company in 1963 on a part-time basis, and then came on board full time in 1972. He and his father worked together until 1994. “What I admired about the way my dad ran the business was his honesty and integrity. He was very fair with people, and people trusted him,” Clarke Keenan said.

Richard Berman, Waltham Services’ longtime technical director, agreed. “Even when others might suggest bending a little bit to capture business, he resisted and stayed true to his ethics and honor,” Berman said. “We have always succeeded or failed on the merits. That dedication to honor and ethics continues to this day under Clarke Keenan’s leadership.”

Berman also experienced firsthand what a valuable mentor Richard Keenan could be. “As I started to write memos and letters to customers in the early years, he scanned most communications before they went out from the company. I would get my written notes and letters returned with mistakes and errors all marked up in red ink, like I was still in school,” Berman recalled. “Richard Keenan taught me how to think and write, making me a better person in the process. Eventually I learned to write in his style and needed no censorship.”

Richard Keenan also served as director of Copesan Services from 1968 to 1981 and was its president from 1972 to 1976.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Friends of Norwich University Library, 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, VT 05663. — Brad Harbison

ASPCRO Holds 52nd Annual Meeting

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The 52nd annual conference of the Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials (ASPCRO), was held Aug. 24-27. And while this year’s discussions did include termiticide issues, they were not the primary focus of the meeting.

Panel discussions included pesticide labels, stewardship and e-labeling, emerging trends in fumigation, “green” pest control and sunset review of structural pest control programs. Technical programs included presentations on the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Chemical Security Program, discussions of bed bug issues, efficacy research on automated misting systems and new insecticide chemistries being developed by pesticide registrants.

The U.S. EPA has been discussing electronic labeling and label simplification for some time. ASPCRO has been a prominent participant in these discussions. Panelists — including representatives from industry, state regulatory agencies and registrants — agreed unanimously that simplification of pesticide labels is needed. ASPCRO has established a workgroup, with broad representation, to assist EPA in identifying some of the worst labels in the structural pest control area. Timely revision of labels will likely require some adjustment of label revision policies by the agency.

E-labeling received cautious support from all sides. Most attendees like the idea of being able to retrieve current labels from the Internet. However, e-labels raise some questions: What happens with current inventory when a use or pest is dropped from (or added to) a label? Who will “own” the official label site? How will label dates and uses be kept straight? EPA has shown considerable interest in moving to e-labeling in the future and is taking input from all stakeholders on this issue.

NPMA’s Gene Harrington reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is moving forward with provisions affecting fumigators. DHS has released an interim final rule that imposes comprehensive federal security regulations for high-risk chemical facilities. This rule establishes risk-based performance standards for the security of our nation’s chemical facilities. It requires covered chemical facilities to prepare Security Vulnerability Assessments, which identify facility security vulnerabilities, and to develop and implement Site Security Plans, which include measures that satisfy the identified risk-based performance standards. In its present form, only fumigants will trigger the requirements of the rule.

Since DHS requirements are one of the more significant current issues in fumigation, this discussion fed right into the panel on fumigation trends. Increased emphasis on product stewardship, also related to DHS activity, may be the next most significant emerging issue with fumigation. According to Janet Rowley, Dow AgroSciences, cradle-to-grave cylinder tracking has been implemented on all Dow sulfuryl fluoride products. In addition, increased training now is required for the continued use of these Dow fumigants.

University of Florida’s Dr. Rudi Scheffrahn discussed three new developments in the world of fumigation: the development of a field analytical method for chloropicrin used in structural fumigations; more consumer-friendly food and medicinal protective bagging methods; and attempts to revisit the 1 ppm aeration standard for sulfuryl fluoride. Scheffrahn’s work on field analytical methods relates directly to three deaths in Florida that were related directly to inadequate use of chloropicrin warning agent. Officials at the Florida Department of Agriculture also have increased risk-based enforcement as a result.

A panel of PCOs and state regulatory personnel discussed green pest management. Three things became clear during the discussion: A consistent definition of “green pest control” is needed; some regulatory action may be necessary to ensure consumer protection and fair competition; and increased training and knowledge are necessary to ensure communication of the concept to consumers.

Some progress has been made by EPA to improve the 30-plus-year-old applicator certification program, by making it easier for neighboring states to reciprocate on certification and recertification. ASPCRO has established a workgroup that should speed the process. ASPCRO will solicit assistance from NPMA and other industry trade associations to target states and program areas where progress could be made quickly by assisting states to develop policies and procedures that increase compatibility among states.
The meeting wrapped up the final day with a variety of technical presentations. Topics included bed bugs, colony collapse disorder among honeybees and efficacy research on automated misting systems.

Briefs from the business meeting:

• Jim Harron reported on school pest control compliance efforts ongoing in Georgia. More than $470,000 in fines have been assessed against PCOs and more than 40 certifications suspended or revoked for violations including pesticide misuse, falsification of records and violation of re-entry restrictions. The Georgia Department of Agriculture has implemented a self-audit/reporting program under which pest management professionals can minimize or eliminate penalties by performing audits and reporting problems they discover. According to Harron, a number of PCOs have taken advantage of the program and have made changes in company procedures to correct problems.
• Two new ASPCRO working committees have been established: School Pest Management and Green Pest Control. ASPCRO will solicit participation in these committees from NPMA membership and staff. A third may be established to work on consistency of CEU assignment and reciprocity if sufficient support can be obtained from other associations.
• The Residential Misting Systems Committee has completed its work with the exception of drafting model rules for consideration by states. Committee chair Bonnie Rabe reported substantial progress in improving advertising has been made.
• The Termiticide Standards Committee, along with the Termiticide Label Review Committee, has made considerable progress in working with EPA to revise the Product Performance Test Guideline 810.3600 for termiticides, not including termite baits. EPA held a stakeholders workshop of regulatory, industry and registrants in late July. According to reports, the EPA has responded favorably to the input, is assembling a summary document and identifying the resources necessary to address the concerns shared by both industry and regulators. Future meetings are planned. — Carl Falco, former director of the North Carolina Structural Pest Control Division

Copesan University debuts new bed bug, pesticide courses

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Copesan University, the online training program available to the pest management industry, has introduced new courses covering pesticides and bed bug control.

The new pesticide series comprises several courses dealing with a wide variety of issues related to pesticides and their use. Responsible use of pesticides is covered in such courses as “Pesticides and Health,” “Protecting People and the Environment,” “Transporting and Storing Pesticides,” “The Label,” “Application Methods,” and “Laws and Regulations.” Other courses in the series cover principles of IPM, insecticide classes and rodenticides.

Copesan’s new bed bug course, “Bed Bugs in the Hospitality Industry,” is designed for hotel housekeeping, maintenance and front desk personnel. Students will learn how to check appropriate areas for bed bug activity during the course of housekeeping duties, how to recognize bed bugs and evidence when encountered, and the procedures to be followed whenever bed bugs are identified. Students also will learn what they can do, as employees, to prevent and eliminate bed bugs.

Jay Bruesch, technical director of Fridley, Minn.-based Plunkett’s Pest Control, a Copesan Partner company, points out the importance of such training among today’s professionals. “The subject of pesticides encompasses many facets,” Bruesch said. “We need training tools to ensure our employees are on top of today’s technology and are in compliance with regulations.”

Further, Bruesch said, clients rely on pest control professionals to select and apply pesticides responsibly. “Proper handling of pesticides is a matter of health and safety, not just regulatory compliance,” he said. “In order to do our job responsibly, effectively and safely, our technicians need to understand all aspects of pesticides — how to choose them; how to mix and apply them; how to protect themselves, other people and the environment from harm; and even what to do if something goes wrong.”

The new courses complement Copesan University’s lineup of business and technical courses on a variety of topics. Technical courses already offered cover bees and wasps, flies, rodents, and other pests and control strategies. Meanwhile, business courses cover such topics as communication, management and customer service.

This state-of-the-art online training program produced by the widely respected industry organization, Copesan, is designed to be easily accessible and affordable for pest control companies large and small. Package pricing is available.

For a list of available courses, or to order a course, visit www.pctonline.com/copesan. — Lisa McKenna, PCT contributor

PCT announces new conference: Growing Your Business Summit

RICHFIELD, Ohio — The PCT Media Group announces its next multi-day conference: “PCT Growing Your Business Summit: Successful Growth Strategies in Challenging Economic Times.”

The three-day event will be held Feb. 11-13, 2009, in Orlando, Fla. The conference will help pest management professionals grow their businesses in challenging economic times via a discussion of expanding a company’s service offerings. Both residential and commercial pest management market opportunities will be discussed.

For more information visit www.PCTGrowingYourBusinessSummit.com .

Keith Holmes joins BASF as business manager

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — BASF has appointed Keith Holmes as business manager for the Professional Pest Control group.
Holmes will oversee marketing, sales, business development and strategic planning for the group, which manufactures and markets Termidor termiticide/insecticide and Phantom termiticide-insecticide, along with other specialty products for the professional pest control industry.

“It is certainly no coincidence that BASF Specialty Products Department has tapped an individual with a long and storied connection to fipronil to lead its Professional Pest Control group,” said Paul Rea, director, BASF Specialty Products Department. “Previously the global strategic marketing manager for the fipronil insecticide franchise, Holmes brings a wealth of experience that will help lead the pest control business into new market opportunities and continued growth.”

Holmes has worked extensively with fipronil prior to BASF acquiring the molecule in 2003. From the acquisition until December 2007, Holmes managed the molecule across more than 30 brands in 50 countries. Holmes boasts more than two decades of global agrochemical experience with a number of companies including Bayer CropScience, Aventis CropScience and Rhône-Poulenc Ag Company.

NPMA releases program for wildlife conference

FAIRFAX, Va. — The National Pest Management Association released the educational program and schedule of events for its Nuisance Bird and Wildlife Management Conference & Marketplace, Nov. 19-21, in St. Louis.

The educational program is divided into two tracks — an introductory track aimed at newcomers to nuisance bird and wildlife management, and an advanced track geared toward veterans of this sector. From regulatory requirements, business models and public perception to mole control, bat management and bird control, both tracks provide valuable business and technical information for a variety of service levels.

A centerpiece of the conference is the marketplace, which will connect pest and wildlife management professionals from around the country with suppliers of products and services related to this sector. 

To view the schedule of events, online registration and the educational program, including speakers and session descriptions, visit www.npmapestworld.org/events. For more information, contact NPMA at npma@pestworld.org or 703/352-6762.

Sponsors of the conference include Critter Control, National Wildlife Control Operators Association and Wildlife Control Supplies.

Bayer ES offers ‘5th Week Training Series’ DVD, free dust solution guide

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Bayer Environmental Science has released two new educational resources for pest management professionals: a DVD showcasing six of the most popular training videos from the company’s “5th Week Training Series,” as well as the Dust Solution Guide.

The new DVD includes: “Understanding Pesticide Formulations,” “Effective Perimeter Applications,” “Bugs,” “Ant Biology and Control,” “Innovative Ant Baiting” and “Innovative Nursing Home Pest Control.” The 5th Week Training Series is designed to provide PCOs with in-house training programs that can be scheduled during the extra days at the end of the month, when it’s most convenient for companies.

The Dust Solution Guide training manual contains information pest management professionals can use to effectively incorporate dusts into their treatment arsenals and provide excellent penetration into hard-to-reach areas, fast knockdown and long-term results.

The Dust Solution Guide covers:

• the features, benefits and advantages of dust formulations;
• the proper way to apply insecticide dusts to achieve superior coverage and control crawling pests; and
• equipment recommendations.

This manual is the fifth solution guide offered in Bayer’s Solution Guide series, which already includes guides designed to help PCOs with the treatment of ants, cockroaches, perimeter pests and public health pests.

To get your free Bayer Dust Solution Guide, or a free copy of the DVD, visit www.Backedbybayer.com or call 800/331-2867.

Syngenta reorganizes, reducing emphasis on termites and launches SyngentaPMP.com

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Syngenta Professional Products announced changes in its Professional Pest Management (PPM) organization with the appointment of four key account managers from within the group. Additionally, the firm introduced SyngentaPMP.com, a redesigned Web site created as an easy-to-navigate resource for pest management professionals.

Berry Cothern, sales manager, Mike Tweedy, marketing manager and Larry Stretz, territory sales representative, will transition to key account manager roles. Jason Venello retains his position as a key account manager. Cothern, Tweedy, Stretz and Venello will focus on managing and supporting relationships with key PPM customers and business partners.

The company also said it is reducing its emphasis on the termite control market by discontinuing Probuild TC termiticide at the end of 2008, after discontinuing the Impasse Termite Blocker product line earlier this year. Syngenta will continue to offer Demon Max insecticide as an option for liquid termite treatments.

Scott Reasons, head, Syngenta Home Care and Garden, said the restructuring would “focus the organization on the growing general pest and rodenticide market and make best use of our resources. A number of our PPM colleagues have accepted roles in other Syngenta businesses including Crop Protection, Seeds and Turf and Ornamentals,” he added.

SyngentaPMP.com offers PCOs access to technical advice articles from the Syngenta team of entomologists, product information and labels, industry news and more.   

“Our goal in launching SyngentaPMP.com is to help our customers locate information that will assist them in using our products,” said Pat Willenbrock, senior marketing manager for Syngenta. “The new Syngenta site is easy to navigate and can serve as a quick reference tool for our customers with general Syngenta product information and valuable industry intelligence.”

PCOs can access archives of monthly advice columns written by Syngenta technical representatives on current pest problems and trends across the country. Professionals also can find links to the PestPartners rewards program site, which offers Syngenta customers the opportunity to earn points for the purchases they make.

Mike Rottler elected director of PestSure/CPS Insurance

DALLAS — Michael Rottler, president of Rottler Pest and Lawn Solutions, St. Louis, was elected director of the pest control insurance group, PestSure.
At the same time, he was elected a director of CPS Insurance, the reinsurance company and the financial arm of PestSure, based in Hamilton, Bermuda.

“We are delighted to have Mike as a director. As immediate past president of NPMA, he brings extensive and current insight into the needs of our industry. This is in keeping with PestSure’s 28-year-old philosophy of ‘Insurance for the pest control industry by an organization owned and operated by PMPs,’” said Victor Hammel, who serves as president and co-founded PestSure and CPS in 1980.

Re-elected at the annual general meeting were Hammel as president; Phil Clegg, president of Clegg’s Termite & Pest Control, as vice president and chairman of the Underwriting Committee; Russ Ives of Rose Pest Solutions as treasurer and chairman of the Investment Committee; Jim Aycock, president of Cook’s Pest Control as director and chairman of the Audit Committee; and Tom Moore, retired president of Copesan as director and chairman of the Loss Prevention Committee.

Rex Jennings, who has served as PestSure’s COO since 1986, was reappointed to that position. Jennings, who is responsible for all PestSure operations, oversees a staff of 12 in PestSure’s Dallas office. PestSure insures 100 pest control companies, with combined revenues of more than $1.1 billion and a total fleet of more than 11,000 vehicles.

Brian Atkins, a standout technician at Wilson Pest Defense, killed

KERNERSVILLE, N.C. — Brian Atkins, a highly regarded service professional who most recently worked for Wilson Pest Defense, Winston-Salem, N.C., died on Aug. 24.

Atkins, 40, was found with a gunshot wound after the sport utility vehicle he was driving ran off the road and hit a business sign on South Main Street, near the on-ramp for westbound Interstate 40, Kernersville police said in a statement. Four people have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Atkins’ death, according to the Winston-Salem Journal.
Atkins was a standout service technician and mentor to others, according to Wayne’s World Termite and Pest Control Owner Wayne Frost, who served as Atkins’ supervisor while the two worked together at Pest-X, Kernersville, N.C.

“He was the kind of technician that did what they were supposed to do; he went out of his way to help others learn pest control and learn the pest control industry,” Frost said. “He was also superb at thinking outside the box for solutions, and he just went that extra mile, getting on his hands and knees to find ant trails.”

Frost said that many of Atkins’ customers attended his funeral service, a testament to the relationships he built with them.

After leaving Pest-X, Atkins went to work for Wilson Pest Defense, Winston-Salem, N.C., in May 2007. “He was a good all-around technician in terms of performing both termite and general pest control,” said Brian Grant, general manager of Wilson Pest Defense. “He was willing to do anything and everything, from helping others with their routes to helping educate them about pest control.”

Grant added that Atkins had been named Wilson’s Employee of the Month for August.

Atkins is survived by his wife, Joy Medley Atkins; and a son and daughter. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be sent to RBC Bank, Atkins Children Family Trust, 823 S. Main St., Kernersville, NC 27284. 

Twelve companies earn QualityPro Green status

FAIRFAX, Va. — The National Pest Management Association officially launched QualityPro Green in August. At press time, 12 companies had been certified as such:

• A-Active Termite & Pest Control, Virginia Beach, Va.
• ABC Pest Control, Des Moines, Iowa
• Arrow Environmental Services, Morganville, N.J.
• Batzner Pest Management, New Berlin, Wis.
• Clark Pest Control, Lodi, Calif.
• East Tennessee Pest Control, Rogersville, Tenn.
• Hamilton Environmental Solutions, Houston
• Mares Exterminating, Poquoson, Va.
• NaturZone Pest Control, Sarasota, Fla.
• Nvirotect Pest Control Services, Lutz, Fla.
• Team Too Termite & Pest Control, Corona, Calif.
• The Bug Killer/The Bug Man, Lisle, N.Y.

Similar to NPMA’s QualityPro, QualityPro Green is the association’s green certification program. Companies that participate are required to meet qualifications based on a variety of standards, including ongoing testing and training; customer communications; record keeping; and environmentally responsible service practices.

“Now, more than ever, consumers are seeking pest management methods that address their household pest problems in an environmentally responsible fashion,” said Rob Lederer, executive vice president, NPMA. “In proactively seeking — and receiving — NPMA’s QualityPro Green designation, companies are making a concerted effort to go after this growing marketplace.”

Andy Architect, executive director of QualityPro, told PCT that NPMA’s goal is to have about 50 companies certified as QualityPro Green by this month’s PestWorld convention in Washington, D.C.

Architect added that NPMA plans to roll out a QualityPro Green Manager’s Training Manual at PestWorld. Companies that have become QualityPro Green-certified must have at least one manager complete a comprehensive manager’s training course within six months of that company becoming QualityPro Green certified. Architect said this requirement will ensure that each QualityPro Green company have a “point person” available to answer green-related questions.

To strengthen the scope and range of companies that can participate in QualityPro Green, NPMA partnered with the Pest Control Operators of California.

“As California consumers look for a company that can provide safe and effective green services, we want to ensure that PCOC will be able to fill that request,” said Martyn Hopper, executive vice president and CEO of PCOC. “We feel that our input has been instrumental in shaping a comprehensive and balanced program and look forward to seeing its positive effects on the pest management industry.”

For additional information regarding QualityPro Green, visit www.npmaqualitypro.org. — Brad Harbison  

Feather Free forms to fight challenging bird infestations

CARSON, Calif. — A new player has emerged in the U.S. bird control market: Feather Free. The firm is a partnership between industry veterans Steve Blyth, Jeff Ling and Cameron Riddell, who have a combined 40 years in structural bird control experience.

The company will focus primarily on products that can evict birds from such open spaces as landfills, parking lots, industrial complexes, sports stadiums and agricultural spaces, which typically cannot be protected with spikes, netting or electrified tracks.

The company’s offerings will focus on two technologies designed for these challenging environments: Fog-Force, distributed through the AviHaze system, and the Eagle Eye visual deterrent system.

AviHaze is a pneumatic system that distributes Rejex-It Fog-Force (methyl anthranilate) into the air as a haze. Fog-Force is a proven bird deterrent and has been used effectively for more than 12 years, the company said. AviHaze nozzles are installed in various locations throughout a site and are controlled by timers. Fog-Force is distributed as five-micron particles that don’t settle and are inhaled by the birds.

The Eagle Eye is a rotating, chromed, plastic pyramid that reflects light and interferes with birds’ navigation and sense of security. Eagle Eyes have been used successfully around the world in both agricultural and structural settings, the company said. Eagle Eyes are powered by a 12-volt motor that can run on a battery and solar panel or direct from a 120-volt wall plug (that steps down to 12 volts).

Feather Free will not be an installer of these systems but will train and support installers around the country.

The company held its first full-day training class in September in Los Angeles. Future training dates will be posted on the company’s Web site at www.FeatherFree.com/training. Participants will get hands-on experience in both systems and will learn how to evaluate, sell and install these innovative products.

For more information call 866/890-7772 or visit www.featherfree.com.

SMCP’s Tom Evans celebrates retirement

CLEVELAND — Southern Mill Creek Products announced the retirement of its CEO Tom Evans from his active role at the company, effective April 30. Evans celebrated his retirement at a recent party attended by family, friends and industry associates.

Evans will remain in place as the company’s vice chairman, and will continue to lend his industry knowledge, contacts and expertise to the management team, according to a press release from the company.

PCO News
Advanced Pest Control, Houston, has earned the QualityPro designation, the mark of excellence in pest management from the National Pest Management Association.

Presto-X, Omaha, Neb., was voted the best pest control company in Omaha’s 2008 Best of B2B contest.

Peachtree Pest Control, Norcross Ga., earned the Green Shield Certification designation from the IPM Institute of North America.

Holistic Pest Solutions, Charlottesville, Va., was voted the No. 1 pest control company in Charlottesville, according to the Daily Progress Reader’s Choice contest.

Team Too Termite & Pest Control, Corona, Calif., was named a certified EcoWise provider. The company also announced an inter-office initiative to promote conservation and environmental awareness is nearing completion. Projects include a program that is changing the firm’s fleet of service vehicles to new, fuel-efficient ones; the service equipment on each truck also was replaced (gasoline-powered sprayers were replaced with no-emissions, no-noise electric-powered sprayers); and 65 mph “governors” and electronic fuel controls were installed. In addition, employees at the corporate call center and operation management offices were directed to reduce power consumption, water usage and use of paper whenever possible.

NaturZone Pest Control, Sarasota, Fla., earned NPMA’s QualityPro Food Protection designation.

Reliable Pest Control, Toronto, Canada, recently wrapped up its semi-annual employee appreciation contest with an afternoon of golf, entertainment and team building. The contest awarded three gift certificates (ranging from $350 to $1,500) to lucky employees. In addition, the firm posts a residential sales thermometer monthly and once an employee reaches a certain level, the seller receives a gift card. And once the top target is achieved, the entire office staff is entitled to a free lunch.

The Exterminators (Pvt) Ltd., a pest management company in Sri Lanka, was awarded the Associate membership of the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL) at the event held at Trans-Asia Hotel Colombo recently.

This is the first time NCASL has awarded a membership to a non-construction organization. The criteria for selecting the 18 companies included: market share; quality of the products and services; and the support that organizations provide toward the growth of the construction industry and the country. The Exterminators (Pvt) Ltd. was the only pest control company to be awarded membership in NCASL in the island.

Comings & Goings

Mike Birtsas has been named product communications manager for the Urban Pest Management business at Dow AgroSciences. He succeeds Nikki Hall, who has accepted the marketing specialist role for the U.S. Integrated Vegetation Management business.

Team Too Termite & Pest Control, Corona, Calif., appointed Danielle Quistgard to director of marketing and public relations.

Tom Swett, owner of Ameri Care Services, Murfreesboro, Tenn., has been elected president designate for the Tennessee Pest Control Association for 2008-09. In other news at the firm, Wanda Woodard, marketing and business development director, recently was named diplomat of the month by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.

Target Specialty Products announced Susan Vance as its new director of marketing communications.

Allen Fugler, executive vice president of the Florida Pest Management Association, was named to Region 4 (the central Florida Region) of the Regional Advisory Councils (RECs) of the Florida Agricultural Council (FAC). The FAC is a function of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Florida (IFAS).

Jeff Teague, a third-generation pest management professional, recently founded and incorporated Responsible Services, Cincinnati.

David Price has been named director of commercial services with PermaTreat Pest Control, Fredericksburg, Va.

Atlanta-based Orkin recently added Robert McFarland to its executive team as vice president of marketing. Allen Janusz also joined the company as director of e-commerce. In other company news, Atlanta Business magazine recently named Glen Rollins, president of Orkin and vice president of parent company Rollins, as one of its “Top 25 Atlantans to Watch.”