News

Recognize a standout technical/training director

CLEVELAND — Technical and training directors play a critical role in the pest management industry, educating front-line service personnel on the biology, behavior and control of pests, while addressing a wide range of technical questions of importance to their customers.

It’s time once again to pay homage to these individuals who, for the most part, go about their daily tasks with little fanfare or public recognition. PCT and Syngenta Professional Products proudly present the second annual Crown Award for Technical Excellence.

If you know of a worthy nominee submit their name and credentials for consideration. Download the nomination form at www.pctonline.com/techexcellence. Fill out the form and fax it to 216/925-5038 or mail it to: PCT magazine, 4020 Kinross Lakes Parkway, Suite 201, Richfield, OH 44286. The deadline has been extended to May 25.

B&G Chemicals & Equipment expands to Phoenix, Arizona

PHOENIX — B&G Chemicals & Equipment announced the opening of a new facility in Phoenix, Ariz. The new store represents B&G’s first location in the state of Arizona, and the seventh location total.

“We are extremely pleased to be opening our new store in Phoenix,” said Tom Wright, president of B&G. “Phoenix is a great area and we look forward to new relationships that we’ll build and maintain through trust, timely supply of services and products, and customer support on all levels to ensure the success of our customers.”

For information visit www.bgchem.com.

Univar to acquire ChemCentral

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Univar USA has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shares of ChemCentral Corporation for about $600 million in cash, including assumed debt.

ChemCentral, established in 1926, is a privately held company headquartered near Chicago. Based on 2006 consolidated revenues of $1.4 billion and EBITDA of approximately $70 million, the company is one of the largest industrial chemicals distributors in the United States, with trading relationships in more than 60 countries.

ChemCentral is a major distributor of both specialty and commodity chemicals and has distribution centers located throughout the United States, and selected sites in Mexico, Canada, South America, Australia and the Caribbean, with joint ventures in China, Southeast Asia/South Pacific, India and the Middle East. Its sales are derived primarily from its North America operations, with more than 90 percent of 2006 revenues attributable to its U.S. business. ChemCentral operates 45 stocking locations and four regional centers in North America, with another 25 international warehouse locations and about 1,000 employees.

John Bolanos, vice president, Professional Products & Services (PP&S), Univar USA, told PCT that while the acquisition will not directly impact the company’s PP&S business, Univar as a whole will be strengthened. “ChemCentral is certainly a highly respected chemical industry distributor that brings added expertise and sales volume to the organization,” Bolanos said. “This acquisition is consistent with Univar’s strategy for targeted, aggressive growth and market leadership.”

John Yanney, president and CEO of ChemCentral, said, “This is a smart, strategic acquisition by Univar that delivers attractive value to ChemCentral’s shareholders. The union of our companies also will bring important benefits for our customers and suppliers, as well as create new professional opportunities for many ChemCentral employees in a larger organization with a culture similar to our own. As our industry becomes increasingly global, merging with Univar provides exciting prospects for continued growth and development in important markets around the world.”

Industry mourns loss of Cal Stephenson Sr.

COLLEGE PARK, GA. — Cal Stephenson Sr., founder of Stephenson Chemical Company, and a World War II veteran passed away in March at age 82.

Stephenson fought in some of the fiercest battles in the Pacific Theatre during World War II and came back to start Stephenson Chemical Company, one of the nation’s first pest management distribution companies. (In the late 1990s Stephenson Chemical Co. was sold to Univar.)

Stephenson remained involved in the pest control industry well into his retirement. Last year, at the Georgia Pest Control Association Winter Conference, GPCA recognized Stephenson for his service to the pest control industry.

“Cal Stephenson was one of the most engaging individuals I ever met. He never met a stranger and made everyone feel special,” said Valera Jessee, executive director, Georgia Pest Control Association. “His work within the pest control industry was a cornerstone for education, good service and integrity. He was one of the original founders of UPF&DA, bringing together the suppliers who previously had no common voice.”

PPMA launches exclusive Web site for Guardians and Contributors

FAIRFAX, VA. — The Professional Pest Management Alliance recently unveiled www.PPMATools.org — an exclusive Web site for PPMA Guardians and Contributors featuring pest management industry news and resources.

The site provides resources and information for small and large companies to help grow their businesses, stay informed about the public’s perception of the professional pest management industry and be aware of public affairs issues affecting the livelihood of pest professionals.

“As PPMA celebrates its 10th year as an organization, we remain committed to protecting the reputation and livelihood of the professional pest management industry, changing public perception and growing the industry overall,” said Cindy Mannes, executive director of PPMA. “This is a great time to unveil an exclusive online hub with industry information and resources.”

The site features seven sections:
• Current industry news
• Hot issues
• Media tools
• Marketing tips
• Research statistics
• Crisis communications
• Other sales and communications resources

To learn more about the Professional Pest Management Alliance visit www.npmapestworld.org or contact Mannes at cmannes@pestworld.org.

Buggy jewelry a hit with pest management professionals and the public alike

SALT LAKE CITY — Talk with just about any pest management professional and you’ll discover that most of these individuals, at their core, are “bug people,” with an appreciation for the beauty and unique features of insects.

It’s not uncommon for pest management professionals to have live insect collections, dabble in insect photography and some even have their own insect apparel, including clay insect jewelry. Yes, that’s correct — clay insect jewelry. This creepy crawly artform was a huge hit at the New England Pest Management Association’s (NEPMA’s) recent annual training seminar.
Each year, NEPMA sells various items to raise money for its scholarship fund.

Hot items this year were clay insect jewelry pieces made by Clayworks. “They went so fast that they were sold out within the first 15 minutes of the conference,” said Rod Kreimeyer, owner Best Pest Control Services, Somerville, Mass. It was Kreimeyer’s idea to sell the jewelry as a fundraiser after he came across and purchased the insect jewelry while visiting Salt Lake City last fall.

The woman behind this non-traditional apparel is Kim Detmers, a Salt Lake City-based artist and mother of three. Detmers used to paint murals, but about four years ago began dabbling in polymer claywork because it was easier for her to do this type of work from home. The process involves using a pasta machine to blend two or more colors and make designs. “Little by little I got better at it,” Detmers said. “I started with beadwork and jewelry. One day I was flipping through a (art) magazine and saw people making bugs and I thought they were wonderful. I thought they were really whimsical and funny looking.”

Detmers makes about a dozen bugs at a time. It takes about four hours to make the components, and another two hours to assemble the bugs. Detmers then cooks them and adds finishing touches such as curly legs, pin backs, etc. Last year Detmers sold 650 bugs at a local farmer’s market as well as the Utah Artists Hands (a Salt Lake City gallery) and in Tubac Arizona at the Tubac Center for the Arts Holiday show.

Clayworks by Kim Detmers can now be ordered from the PCT Online store at www.pctonline.com/store.

Terminix to open new sales center in Atlanta area

NORCROSS, GA. — In March, Terminix opened a new sales center in Atlanta that is expected to bring a total of nearly 200 new jobs to the area.
The new 15,700-square-foot facility, located in Norcross, Ga., opened on March 19 and is estimated to have an economic impact of about $7 million. The command center will be the largest of its kind for Terminix in the United States.

“We looked at sites across the country, and it was abundantly clear that Georgia was the best fit for us,” said Bill Sublette, vice president of sales for Terminix. “The area’s large, well-trained workforce coupled with the superior infrastructure and support of the community made this an easy decision for us.

“The Department of Economic Development, Georgia’s Quick Start and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce were instrumental in bringing our operations to the Atlanta area,” said Sublette. “This move would not have been possible without their support, and we are looking forward to being an active member in our new community.”

BASF continues its sports sponsorship program

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — BASF is continuing its commitment to increasing consumer awareness and demand for Termidor termiticide/insecticide and supporting pest management professional customers via its support of various sports sponsorships, the company said.

“Our sports marketing program is a great way to increase brand exposure with new and core audiences, says Karl J. Kisner, senior marketing manager for BASF. Kisner added that the excitement generated during the 2006 run for the Stanley Cup impacted people across the country. “When a team we are sponsoring, like the Carolina Hurricanes, makes it through to the finals, the value of Termidor branding through logo placements and association with a winning team is greatly increased for building consumer awareness.”

In addition to the Carolina Hurricanes, the BASF Professional Pest Control Group is also a sponsor of several major league teams including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Texas Rangers and Florida Panthers. On the college basketball level, BASF supports North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, the University of Florida, the University of Alabama, the University of Kentucky, the University of Tennessee and the University of South Carolina. Termidor also sponsors Andrew Rogers of Andrew Rogers Racing, a 20-year-old USAR Hooters Pro Cup stock car driver.

Bell Labs recognized for research and development 

MADISON, WIS. — Bell Laboratories recently was honored with a special award for research and development at the 2006 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards in Milwaukee.

Bell, a manufacturer of rodent and mole control products, was among 39 Wisconsin manufacturers nominated for the 2006 awards. At the awards ceremony, Bell was cited for its excellence in research and development, and for consistent innovation demonstrated in the launch of new products. The judges noted Bell’s impressive product offerings worldwide and its 40-plus trademarks.

“We are doing great things here in Wisconsin and it’s nice to be recognized for our contribution,” said Bell Laboratories’ CEO Steve Levy.

New York pest associations combine lobbying efforts

NEW YORK — Craig Thomas, president of the New York State Pest Management Association (NYSPMA), and Jim Langford, president of the Long Island Pest Control Association (LIPCA), along with Eddie Trilhe, president of the Professional Pest Control Association of New York City (PPCANYC), recently announced that all three associations will now share the lobbying costs to protect their common interests in the New York state legislature.

New York recently elected a new governor, Eliot Spitzer, who has demonstrated that he will be much tougher on pesticide issues than his predecessor, the associations reported, and he has taken a proactive role in New York City’s stringent rules on pesticides used in city-owned property. In the first two months of 2007 the New York State Legislature introduced 39 bills that could directly affect the pest control industry.

Thomas, Langford and Trilhe underlined the need for unity and stated that strength in numbers will not only benefit the interests of all three associations, but all of the structural pest management professionals in the entire state.

‘Destruction’ advertisement recognized

MILWAUKEE — “Destruction,” the latest consumer advertisement from Dow AgroSciences for Sentricon, has been recognized again by the advertising industry with a bronze award from the 27th annual Telly Awards. The advertisement received the award in the regional TV and multimarket cable category.

Created by Bader Rutter & Associates, “Destruction” helps educate homeowners about the continuous threat of subterranean termites and the significant property damage they cause. “Destruction” television and radio spots are currently airing as part of a consumer campaign for the Sentricon System from Dow AgroSciences.

The Telly Awards honor the best commercials, programs, and video and film productions. The national and international competition received more than 13,000 entries from all 50 states and many international countries for its 27th annual awards.

Scholarship recipients recognized at Purdue Pest Management Conference

WEST LAFAYETTE, IND. — At January’s Purdue Pest Conference, the university recognized recent scholarship recipients. Dr. Linda Mason, Scholarship Committee chair; Tabby Carroll, Norm Ehmann/Univar USA Scholarship; Wai-Han Chan, Oser Family Scholarship; Margaret Schwinghammer, J.T. Eaton Scholarship; Wan-Tien Tsai, A-Mark Pest Management Scholarship; Emily Kraus, George Gould Scholarship; Jennifer Gordon, George Noffsinger/POW Scholarship; and Venu Margam, Bill Brehm Scholarship.

Nick Seiter, Bob Oakes/Weisburger Scholarship; Ryan Yutzy, IPMA Memorial Scholarship; Jessica Platt, George Gould Scholarship; Kristi Jukovich, Andy Owens/POW Scholarship; Marissa McDonough, NPMA Scholarship and the R.W. Williams Pest Control Conference Award; Jody Green, IPMA Memorial Scholarship; Amy Lockwood, Bill Brehm Scholarship; Emily Shebish, George Gould Scholarship; Michael Skvarla, C.C. Alexander Scholarship; Katherine Buckley, Bill Brehm Scholarship; Nichole Holmes, Pat Baker/POW Scholarship; Nichole Holmes, Pat Baker/POW Scholarship; Autumn Nance, Bill Brehm Scholarship; Kim Deakins, Duane Edwards/Arab Scholarship; and Victoria Caceres, Pest Control Magazine Scholarship.

Dr. Dale Whitaker, Dean of Resident Instruction (Scholarship Presenter); Matt Paschen, IPMA Scholarship; Walter Bauldauf, Gerald Leeb Scholarship; Matt VanWeelden, J.J. Davis Scholarship; John Shukle, IPMA Scholarship; Jon Larson, Rhodes Family Scholarship; Jacob Rowland, J.J. Davis Scholarship; Ed Russell, IPMA Scholarship; Ruth Allhands, BASF Scholarship; and Greg McGraw, Austin Frishman Scholarship.

PCO News

James Anderson of Mexia Pest Control, Mexia, Texas, installed a 42-inch wide plasma television at his company’s offices as a new training tool for his technicians. Anderson won the TV as a prize from a Syngenta Professional Pest Management random giveaway. “The new TV has made training a lot more fun for my technicians,” said Anderson, president of Mexia Pest Control.
Anderson’s prize was one of three 42-inch plasma televisions offered to randomly selected respondents in a Demand CS insecticide direct mail sweepstakes from Syngenta Professional Pest Management. Other winners were Dick Beadles of Dick Beadles Pest Control in Sanford, Fla., and Alan Stokke of Midwest Pest Control in Fargo, N.D.

In January 2007, Action Pest Control, Evansville, Ind., acquired Lebanon Extermination Service. Action Pest Control will serve customers out of its new branch location on the west side of Indianapolis.

Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators recognized its top-selling service technicians with a chance to participate in the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Seventy-five technicians are strapping in the driver’s seat of stock cars for eight laps on tracks across the U..S., including Daytona International, Atlanta, Bristol, Lowe’s, Nashville, and Texas Motor Speedways and the Nashville Super Speedway.

Comings & Goings

Marty Gibson has been named B&G Chemicals & Equipment’s corporate sales manager, based out of Houston, Texas. Also at the company, Tom Boyce has been named sales manager for the Dallas region. 

Atlantic Paste &Glue has hired Andrew Vita as sales manager to support the company’s North Central Region.

Gregory Pest Prevention, Greenville, S.C., announced the promotion of Gary Monts to director of sales and marketing and the addition of Brad Baker as the company’s quality assurance manager.

Varment Guard Environmental Services, Columbus, Ohio, announced the following promotions: Dave Ramsey has been promoted to Columbus branch manager, Jason Maus is now heading up the company’s residential nuisance wildlife management division; Jeff East has been promoted to manager of the residential pest and termite management departments; and Rebecca Wilson is now manager of the firm’s Ashland, Ohio, branch.

The following is the new 2007 Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Pest Control Association: Brent Towle, Spectrum Pest Control, will remain as this year’s president. Michael Poja of Ecolab will be vice president. Two new members to the board are Will White of Nexus Pest Solutions and Pete Schopen of Schopen Pest Solutions. The remaining members of the voting body for 2007 include: Rick Frye, Professional Pest Control, treasurer; Doug Blume, Arrow Pest Control, secretary; Randy Allen, Wil-Kil, past president; Jerry Batzner, Batzner Pest Control; Mark Mumm, Orkin; Darrel Werner, Werner Pest and Odor Control Services; Andrew Richards, A-Z Pest Control; Tom Kofler, Final Hour Pest Control; Todd Radloff, Premier Pest Elimination; and John Forbes, Univar, vendor representative.

Several attendance awards were given at January’s Purdue Pest Management Conference. Steven Boggs and Joe Popham were recognized for having attended 25 Purdue conferences.

Bery Pannkuk and Vincent Povinelli were recognized for having attended 10 conferences.

Arrow Exterminators, Atlanta, recently recognized the promotions of seven members of the company’s executive committee. Kevin Burns has been named senior vice president of sales and marketing, customer retention. Joey Edwards has been named senior vice president of acquisitions, technical services and quality control, Ralph Gambrel has been named senior vice president of operations for Regions I and V. Chuck Longenecker has been named senior vice president of operations for Regions II and VII.
Brent Purcell has been named chief financial officer and senior vice president. Nancy Reynolds has been named senior vice president of human resources. Jeff Singley has been named senior vice president of operations for Regions III, IV and VI.