Black Ownership Matters Holds First Leadership Summit

WASHINGTON, D.C.  — Black Ownership Matters (BOM) held its first annual Executive Board Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., at the end of June. In addition to hosting strategic planning and program development sessions, BOM met with several local companies and individuals interested in growing their businesses or searching for guidance in starting their own pest control companies. 

 

The meeting was attended by board members Jason Payne, CEO of Payne Pest Management; Wayne Golden, owner of GSquare Consulting; Dr. Hamilton Allen, Florida regional technical director for HomeTeam Pest Defense; Faye Golden, director of government affairs for Cook's Pest Control; Sterling Barbour, president of Revolution National Pest Council; Dr. Sonja Thomas, extension specialist of pesticide safety education for Alabama Cooperative Extension; Ashley Clark, vice president at Allenstrategic Communications; and Jim Steed, owner of Neighborly Pest Management.

  

“I was inspired by the work our team was able to accomplish in Washington, D.C., and look forward to the year ahead,” said Payne, BOM president. “Momentum is building for our organization and the populations we are striving to serve. We’re looking forward to carrying that momentum through to PestWorld this year.”

 

BOM will host its inaugural National Pest Management Association (NPMA) PestWorld 2021 meeting on Thursday, Nov. 4, in Las Vegas. To RSVP or learn more, contact BOM here. 

 

BOM has partnered with NPMA to offer a select number of complimentary full registration packages for the event, happening Nov. 2-5. BOM encourages interested parties to apply here by Aug. 1. 

 

“Whether you are interested in starting your own business or looking to move up in your field, we’re here to help,” said Payne. “We encourage individuals to reach out to us for guidance and support, and we welcome all Black-owned companies to join our cause.”

 

BOM is currently working on several projects that promote Black ownership of pest control companies and advancement in the industry. The organization, founded in 2020, has benefited from the support of contributing companies and industry partners who have pitched in to provide financial and in-kind support.

 

“We need all hands on deck to advance equity in our industry,” said Payne. “We invite everyone to visit our website and contact us if you are interested in getting involved. We’re looking for dedicated individuals that are interested in serving as mentors in their areas of expertise, as well as companies interested in sharing their resources and knowledge.”

 

Learn more at blackownershipmatters.org.