[News]

Rollins Board of Directors announces executive promotions
ATLANTA – The Rollins Inc. Board of Directors named John Wilson, Gene Iarocci and Bob Wanzer as officers and vice presidents. Additionally, Wanzer was promoted to chief operating officer for Rollins brands HomeTeam Pest Defense, Orkin PCO Services, Western Pest Defense, The Industrial Fumigant Company and Waltham Services. The promotions took effect March 1.

“John, Gene and Bob bring years of experience and leadership to the company,” said Gary W. Rollins, president and CEO of Rollins Inc. “We are fortunate to have them assume a greater role in the direction and future of our company.”

Wilson, president of Orkin USA, joined Orkin, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins Inc., in 1996. He held various positions of increasing responsibility, including technician, sales inspector, branch manager, region manager, vice president and president of the Southeast Division before being named president of Orkin USA in 2009. Wilson attended the University of Tennessee and completed the Executive Masters in Business Administration program at the University of Virginia.

Iarocci has extensive multi-unit management experience with a number of service and manufacturing industries, including Union Carbide Corporation where he worked for 24 years. He has been with Orkin for eight years, and served as region manager, division vice president and president of Orkin’s Atlantic Division. Iarocci was promoted to vice president of Rollins’ corporate administration in 2010.

Wanzer joined HomeTeam Pest Defense as president in 1998 and became chief operating officer in 2003 and chief executive officer in 2007. Under Wanzer’s direction, Home-Team grew from $18 million to more than $130 million in revenue and became the third largest residential pest management organization in the U.S. Jerry Gahlhoff, currently serving as HomeTeam’s Eastern Division vice president, will succeed Wanzer as HomeTeam president.

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Paul Hardy celebrates 50 years at Orkin
ATLANTA — Orkin recognized the contributions of Paul Hardy, who celebrated 50 years with the company, with a reception in his honor in February. Paul’s wife Judy, as well as their children and grandchildren, were in attendance.

Gary Rollins, CEO, COO and president of Rollins, congratulated Paul and made a special presentation at the reception. Tom Luczynski, vice president of Orkin international development, franchising and support services, also spoke at the reception and highlighted Paul’s career.

Greg Baumann, director of technical services, and Ron Harrison, director of technical services, both spoke about working with Paul.

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In Memoriam
Margaret “Peggy” Whitmire
ST. LOUIS — Margaret “Peggy” Sandhagen Whitmire died on Dec. 12. She was 91.

Whitmire was married for 67 years to Blanton J. Whitmire, former owner of Whitmire Research Laboratories and creator of the innovative crack and crevice aerosol technology. The couple lived in Kirkwood, Mo., for the last 56 years.

Whitmire was a nature lover and gardening enthusiast. In 1987 her husband donated a five-acre wildflower garden at Missouri Botanical Garden’s Shaw Nature Reserve as a birthday gift.

Whitmire spent much of her life giving back to the community and sustaining a variety of educational, religious, and environmental causes. Throughout their retirement years the couple has been involved in numerous charitable endeavors, many focused on ecology and higher education. They established endowments at several institutions, including Western Carolina University, St. Louis Community College, and St. Louis’ Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. The couple received the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Greensfelder Award for their support in 2004, and in 2005 Whitmire received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Western Carolina University.

Whitmire is survived by her husband, Blanton, daughter, Catherine, son, Richard, and three grandchildren. A memorial service was held in December at the First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, Mo. Memorial donations may be made to Gateway Greening, www.gatewaygreening.org, or the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve, P.O. Box 38, Gray Summit, MO 63039.

Gordon L. Redd Sr.
MOBILE, ALA. — A family with a long and respected pest control legacy lost one of its key members recently with the death of Gordon L. Redd Sr., on Jan. 23, in Mobile, Ala. He was 87 years old.

Redd, a U.S. Army veteran, attended Mississippi State University for two years before joining his brother, J.C. Redd, at Redd Pest Control Company in Jackson, Miss. In 1952, J.C. and Gordon incorporated the company’s coastal operation in Gulfport, Miss., 150 miles away from the original office. Eighteen years later, Redd purchased J.C.’s interest in the coastal operation, becoming the sole owner of the business.

In 1988, Redd sold the coastal operation to two of his sons, Gordon, Jr. and Kenny, who currently serve as president and vice president of the company, respectively. Today, Redd Pest Solutions is one of the most respected company’s on America’s Gulf Coast, serving a growing territory in central and northern Mississippi.

Throughout his distinguished career, Gordon Redd was active in the community, serving in the Kiwanis Club of Gulfport for 45 years and co-founding the Mississippi Gulf Coast Crime Commission. He also was an elder in the Gulfport Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Mable Livingston Redd of Mobile; three sons, Gordon L. Redd Jr. (Donna) of Gulfport; Kenny Redd (Lesa) of Mobile, Eddy Redd (Karen) of Madisonville, La.; seven grandchildren, Bevin Redd Brewer (Eddie), Trey Redd, Brandon Redd, Jonathon Redd, Julia Grace Redd, Annie Redd, and William Redd; and three great-grandchildren, Tripp and Isabella Brewer and Joseph Tyler “J.T.” Cox.

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Orkin launches Bug Battle iPhone application
ATLANTA — Orkin has launched a free
iPhone application, Bug Battle. The game allows users to swat flies, pinch termites and squish cockroaches or ants. Users can also upload their friends’ photos and use them as pests to be swatted.

Orkin was to donate $10,000 to its Fight The Bite campaign if the app had reached 50,000 downloads by Feb. 28. Fight The Bite is Orkin’s partnership with the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign, a global, grassroots effort dedicated to saving lives by preventing malaria in Africa. Fight The Bite donations help Nothing But Nets purchase and distribute long lasting, insecticide-treated mosquito bed nets to malaria-prone areas in Africa.

“We tested Bug Battle with a small group of users and gamers,” said Rob Crigler, vice president, global digital strategy and integrated marketing, Orkin. “We knew we were on to something when one of our testers gave it to a group of teenagers over Christmas, and they played Bug Battle for almost an hour instead of their Xbox. I’m happy that something this entertaining will benefit a great cause.”
The game is available via the App Store on iPhone, iPad, iPod and iPod Touch.

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Date Book
Send your announcement at least 14 weeks in advance to jdorsch@giemedia.com. For additional dates, visit www.pctonline.com/events.

March 29: BASF Skill Development Series, San Antonio, Texas. Contact: www.pestcontrol.basf.us or call 908/864-5800, ext. 2177.

March 29: 2011 Arizona Pest Management Conference & Expo, Crown Plaza San Marcos Resort, Chandler, Ariz. Contact: Christy Davie, 480/205-4233 or via e-mail christy.davie@univarusa.com. Or visit the conference‘s website www.regonline.com/2011azpestconference.

March 29: Food Protection Services’ fumigation and pest management recertification symposium, Kansas City, Kan. Contact: John Mueller, fumig8r@aol.com or 314/330-5336.

March 30: 2011 Arizona Pest Management Conference & Expo, Holiday Inn, Tucson, Ariz. Contact: See March 29.

March 31: BASF Skill Development Series, Irving, Texas. Contact: www.pestcontrol.basf.us or call 908/864-5800, ext. 2177.

April 26-27: UPF&DA Spring Conference, Westin La Cantera Resort, San Antonio, Texas; Contact: Call 800/937-8461 for hotel reservations.

April 7: BASF Skill Development Series, Pleasanton, Calif.  Contact: www.pestcontrol.basf.us or call 908/864-5800, ext. 2177.

April 12: Food Protection Services’ fumigation and pest management recertification symposium, Memphis, Tenn. Contact: John Mueller, fumig8r@aol.com or 314/330-5336

April 14: Food Protection Services’ fumigation and pest management recertification symposium, Chattanooga, Tenn. Contact: John Mueller, fumig8r@aol.com or 314/330-5336

May 10-11: Pest Management & Food Safety Seminar, sponsored by  BASF and RK Pest Management Services, Teaneck, N.J. Contact: 866/800-7378 or 631/421-1120.

May 15-18: 3rd International Symposium on Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, New Orleans, La. Contact: www.formosansymposium.com.

June 17-18: 2011 Discovery Retreat: The PestPac Users Group. Contact: Call 888/711-3232, e-mail terrycare@att.net or visit www.lloydsmigel.com.

July 21-23: NPMA Academy, Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Ariz. Contact: NPMA, 703/352-6762 or visit www.npmapestworld.org.

Aug. 27-31: Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials Annual Meeting, Mobile, Alabama.

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Pinto & Associates publishes termite control book
MECHANICSVILLE, MD. — Pinto & Associates has published “The Business of Termite Control: How to Profit in Today’s Changing Market.” The book, written by industry consultants Larry Pinto and Dr. Doug Mampe, examines the business side of controlling termites and offers a comprehensive overview of how to successfully run a termite control business in good times and bad.

According to Pinto & Associates, the book answers important questions for those already doing termite work: Am I missing critical business opportunities with my current services? Should I change my current marketing strategy? Are there emerging market niches I should explore?
For those thinking of starting a termite control business the book considers other questions: Can I compete with existing companies? What materials and equipment will I need? How do I price my work?

The 230-page, soft-cover, illustrated book is available for $72 including shipping and handling within the U.S. It can be ordered at www.Techletter.com or by phone at 301/884-3020. Multiple copy and international pricing, and the Table of Contents are also available at www.Techletter.com.

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Nisus to recognize Green Pest Management All-Stars
ROCKFORD, TENN. — Nisus Corporation is highlighting pest control firms that share its commitment to green pest management principles in a national ad campaign launched this spring in PCT magazine.

Each month, from March through December, one company will be selected to represent the industry as a “Nisus Green Pest Management All-Star.”

“An effective Green Pest Management program — which includes inspection, removal of food and harborage, exclusion, the judicious use of pesticides, and monitoring — requires the knowledge and skill of qualified pest management professionals,” said Kevin Kirkland, president of Nisus Corporation. “It’s an important service and growth segment for our industry and we want to recognize PMPs that share our passion for providing green pest management solutions.”

To nominate your company as a Green Pest Management All-Star, visit http://bit.ly/green-all-stars and download the nomination form.

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Comings & Goings
If your company has added new personnel or recently announced other personnel changes, send a photo and press release to jdorsch@giemedia.com.

Central Life Sciences’ Clive Henrick received the 2010 Kenneth A. Spencer Award from the Kansas City Section of the American Chemical Society for his pioneering work on methoprene (marketed as Precor) and other related insect growth regulator (IGR) insecticides including hydroprene (Gentrol) and kinoprene (Enstar II).

The Texas Pest Control Association has awarded Mike Dickens, owner of Champions Pest Control, Spring, Texas, with Life Membership. The association reports that Dickens, who served as president of the association in 1993, has been instrumental in the success of TPCA throughout the years. He and his wife Stephanie also assisted with the transition to a new association management company after the passing of Executive Director Ken Myers in 2009.

United Phosphorus (UPI), a supplier of crop protection technologies, named Mark Merlo as its national ag strategic business manager. Merlo, who has been with UPI since 2002, brings more than 30 years of sales and sales management experience in the crop protection industry. In other news at the firm, Brian Cardin was named national ag sales manager. Cardin, who has been with UPI since 2008, brings more than 20 years of sales and sales management experience in the crop protection industry.

Hope Bowman, technical specialist with Western Pest Services, Parsippany, N.J., has become a board certified entomologist (B.C.E). Bowman leads customer staff training, provides in-house continuing education on the latest pest control technologies, and helps maintain superior quality assurance. In other news at Western, Blake Hunter was named  branch manager for the company’s Gaithersburg, Md., branch.

Nisus Corporation has hired Charlene Mertz to join the firm’s sales staff. Mertz will be responsible for most of the state of Florida and a portion of southern Georgia.

BASF Pest Control Solutions (PCS) named Dale Koenig key account manager for the BASF PCS Animal Health business. Koenig brings more than 19 years experience in pest management technical sales and marketing to the position. Additionally, BASF PCS named Peter Arias sales specialist covering south, north, central and west Texas. Most recently Arias was with the BASF Construction Chemicals Group, managing the territory of Texas and surrounding states.

Atlanta-based Orkin recently promoted Steve Vey to assistant division president in the Midwest division of Orkin, where he is responsible for maximizing division growth and profits. Recently, Vey was the Midwest commercial region manager where he managed 11 commercial and three residential branches and won best region in Orkin for the past three years.

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NPMA releases Bed Bug Best Management Practices for pest professionals
FAIRFAX, VA. — The National Pest Management Association has released Best Management Practices for Bed Bugs, a document offering guidelines to help PMPs control bed bugs effectively, responsibly and safely.

Created by the NPMA Blue Ribbon Bed Bug Task Force, a broad-based stakeholder group whose goal is the development of an industry-wide, multi-faceted response to the bed bug pandemic, the Best Management Practices for Bed Bugs provides guidance in the areas of service agreements, recordkeeping, technician and sales staff training, client education, disposal of beds, furniture, possessions, bed bug detection, treatment methods, and health and safety concerns.

“Because there are multiple products, methods and technologies that may be employed as part of a successful bed bug treatment plan, it is important that pest management professionals are aware of the myriad factors that should be considered when determining which products or methods are the best option to control a given bed bug infestation,” said NPMA Executive Vice President Rob Lederer. “The NPMA Best Management Practices for Bed Bugs provide PMPs the tools they need to ensure they are treating this elusive pest effectively, responsibly, and safely.”

In addition to providing these BMPs to industry professionals, NPMA is encouraging consumers to seek use of the BMPs in working with PMPs. Consumers can learn more about the new guidance document at www.BedBugBMPs.org. The BMPs are also posted on www.pestworld.org.
To download the NPMA Best Management Practices for Bed Bugs, visit www.npmapestworld.org/publicpolicy/BedBugs.cfm, and click on “NPMA Best Management Practices for Bed Bugs.” More coverage of the BMPs can be found of page 130 of this issue.

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Western Pest Services awards $5,000 to grand prize winner of video contest
PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Western Pest Services announced the $5,000 grand prize winner of its “Bugs Ruin Everything” video contest.William Howard of Fort Worth, Texas, received more than 2,000 votes for his “First Date” video, earning him the $5,000 grand prize. His video portrays one couple’s awkward encounter with an annoying, life-size cockroach on their first date. The video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2ZdVbi-AiU.

Western received more than 20 video entries in the contest, and close to 6,000 people cast their votes during the voting period in October. Entrants submitted two-minute videos capturing their interpretations of how bugs ruin everyday life experiences like a family meal, work presentation — or in the winner’s case, a couple’s first date.

The contest was a key element of Western’s “Bugs Ruin Everything” integrated campaign, which consisted of 15 webisodes, radio spots, billboards, guerrilla marketing, 3-D art events and social media tactics, all to engage Western’s current and potential customers in conversations about pests and the role Western plays in pest prevention and treatment. The campaign featured a fictitious family, the Myers, who attempted, with little success, to solve their pest problems without the help of a qualified pest management provider.

“We could not be more pleased with the results of our Bugs Ruin Everything campaign and video contest,” said Tom Walters, president of Western Pest Services. “With humor and a fully integrated approach, we shared the Western brand with our audiences in a new, fun way, and we look forward to extending the campaign into next year, while continuing to provide smart pest solutions to our customers.”

Visit www.bugsruineverything.com to learn more about the campaign.

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VPMA training program names ‘Master Technicians’
FREDERICKSBURG, VA. — The Virginia Pest Management Association has added 12 master technicians to a growing group of pest management professionals carrying this exclusive designation in Virginia.

Technicians from the following Virginia companies joined the group of VPMA Master Technicians: 1st Choice Pest Control in Chesapeake; A-1 Inc. Exterminators in Chesapeake; Epling’s Pest Control in White Marsh; Federal Exterminating Service in Roanoke; ProTech Pest Control of Virginia in Springfield; Specialty Exterminating Co. in Madison Heights; and Ward Pest Control in Arlington.

The Virginia Pest Management Association created the hands-on training program as a way for pest management companies to educate their technicians . Called the Master Technician Program, it prepares pest management professionals to be problem solvers for customers in all pest matters. Training is provided in the areas of pest identification; biology and behavior; and inspection and treatment methods. Workshops are currently available for pest ants, termites, occasional invaders (including bed bugs and stink bugs), cockroaches, rodents and pest flies. Once an individual has successfully completed at least four pest group workshops, they receive the Master Technician designation.

Dr. Dini Miller of Virginia Tech is curriculum coordinator and lead trainer for the program. “Technicians rise to the challenge when given the opportunity to expertly identify and study insects that they commonly, or not so commonly, encounter in the field,” Miller said. “The scientific laboratory setting of the Master Technician Program encourages them to explore the intricate facets of each insect group.”

To learn more about VPMA Master Technicians, visit www.vpmaonline.com.

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PCO News
Please send press releases about your firm to jdorsch@giemedia.com.

Basement Technologies announced Terminix Services, Danville, Ill., signed an exclusive licensed dealer agreement to join the company’s national Basement Waterproofing Network.

Atlanta-based Orkin acquired Buck’s Pest Control, Fuquay-Varina, N.C., outside of Raleigh. Before founding Buck’s Pest Control, owner Buck Jones worked for Orkin as a sales and district manager in North Carolina and South Carolina for 20 years. Jones’ son, Mike, will work as a service manager. Buck’s Pest Control employees also will join Orkin’s Raleigh branch, where they will serve both Raleigh and Fuquay-Varina customers. Orkin also expanded its employee base and service area with the acquisition of Sorrentino’s Pest Control, based in Sebastian, Fla. The company’s operations are scheduled to be moved to the Orkin Fort Pierce, Fla., branch later this year. 

Victory Pest Solutions, Morris Plains, N.J. acquired CRW Termite & Pest Control, Budd Lake, N.J., in an effort to continue to grow the residential division of their company. “We service mostly hotels, country clubs, retail, restaurants, and health care centers, so we felt that having CRW on our team would be a great asset to our residential program,” said Len Oppenberg, president of Victory Pest Solutions. Both companies service most of northern New Jersey and Victory also works in New York City.

Magical Pest Control, Toronto, now offers the ThermaPureHeat process for the control of bed bugs. The firm services all of Ontario.

Turner Pest Control, headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., has entered into a two-year pest services agreement with SMG Jacksonville, the manager of six sport and entertainment venues, including EverBank Field and the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

Skyline Pest Solutions & Home Inspections based in McDonough, Ga., acquired CRC Services Termite & Pest Control of Marietta, Ga. CRC was a privately held family business founded by Connie R. Couch and served customers in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia for more than 30 years.

Fricke Pest Services of Sarasota, Fla., has appointed Steven Fricke president of the company. Fricke has worked in the pest industry for 10 years and has been with Fricke Pest for three years. In related news, the company announced the retirement of Walter Fricke as president.

Clark Pest Control, Lodi, Calif., acquired High Desert Pest Control, Reno, Nev., and Smart Pest Control, San Diego, Calif. Clark said the purchases not only expand its customer base in Reno and San Diego, but also help the Clark Pest Control provide more efficient and diversified services.

High Desert Pest Control was founded by Mike and Kim Rife in 1980. The company offered agricultural-related tree spraying services in addition to general pest control.

Smart Pest Control provided general pest control, termite and agricultural services in the San Diego region.
Four Seasons Exterminating in Lakeview, Mich., has earned the NPMA’s QualityPro designation. The company has taken steps designed to ensure excellence in its operations such as running criminal background checks on all employees and using environmentally sound integrated pest management practices.

Eco-Pest based in Sun Valley, Idaho, is offering a new bed bug service developed specifically for local hotels and motels. The 24/7 Bed Bug Service is designed to provide bed bug treatments at any hour of the day or night for hotels and motels in the Wood River Valley of Idaho. The company uses an integrated approach to bed bug services, utilizing heat, steam, vacuuming and product applications to combat these pests.

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Program schedule released for 2011 North American bed bug summit
LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. — BedBug Central has released the program for its second annual North American bed bug summit, which has been dramatically expanded to better serve all industries affected in the battle against bed bugs.

Officially titled, “BedBug University: North American Summit 201l” the summit has been expanded to three days and will take place Sept. 25-27. It has been relocated to the newly renovated Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Chicago.

During this three-day summit, attendees will hear the latest research and actionable strategies for bed bug control, legal protection, treatment cost containment, and more.

Newly added to this year’s summit, attendees will learn the larger legislative and social issues that are affecting pest management firms as bed bugs continue to infiltrate public spaces. The summit also will provide attendees with a comprehensive look at the best bed bug management options from around the globe. For more program information about the summit, visit www.nabedbugsummit.com/summit/index.php/a-bedbug-central-learning-event/.

Additionally, BedBug Central has created “suggested learning tracks” that will help industries sectors learn key information specific to their unique concerns and will allow pest management firms to hear the challenges faced by various industries.

According to Phil Cooper, president and CEO of BedBug Central, this year’s summit is not only focused on recruiting 18 of the leading entomologists and bed bug experts in the nation and internationally, but also on creating opportunities for attendees to interact with experts on a one-on-one or small group basis.

“The mission of our summit has always been to bring together the leading experts and manufacturers in the bed bug industry and deliver unrivaled information to our attendees,” said Cooper. “This year we wanted to take this premise even further and provide attendees with unprecedented access to experts to ensure they receive meaningful and unique answers.”

To achieve greater interaction between experts and attendees, the BedBug Central team has expanded the Q&A sections of all 16 of the specialized three-hour sessions; created a “Night Out with the Experts” event; and developed unique industry/sector breakout sessions in which attendees will be able to speak with experts as small groups in a round table format.

To further increase interaction, BedBug Central has brought back EXPOCentral, which will feature more than 70 bed bug product manufactures and the free Beer Tasting Reception, where attendees will be able to mingle with speakers, industry experts, manufacturers and other attendees while sampling a variety micro-brews.

With last year’s summit sold out five weeks in advance, this event is expected to reach capacity quickly. Early bird registration is now in effect at $695.99 per person until April, 15 and regular registration is $795.99. For more information about the BedBug University North American Summit, to request additional information or to register, visit www.nabedbugsummit.com.

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