[News]

Missy Henriksen, PPMA Executive Director, Resigns


Fairfax, Va.
— Missy Henriksen, executive director of the Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), announced her resignation from the organization April 16.

PPMA is the consumer education arm of the National Pest Management Association. Its goals are to: 1) increase awareness among consumers of the value of professional pest management services; 2) protect the industry’s reputation; and 3) increase the size of the consumer and commercial markets for PMPs.

Henriksen is headed to an allied industry: the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), formerly known as PLANET, where she will serve as the vice president of public affairs. “I will be creating the equivalent of the Professional Pest Management Alliance for them,” she told PCT.

Henriksen said she’s leaving PPMA purely for personal reasons. “My decision to leave is bittersweet,” she added.

“I have loved working with the professional pest management industry and am proud of the work we have done to impact consumers’ understanding of the industry; however, the opportunity presented by NALP was too good to pass up for my family and me,” she said. “I am really excited to be part of creating NALP’s consumer outreach initiatives from the ground up. They have a great story to tell — I am excited to help get the word out!”

Henriksen has held the PPMA executive director role since March 2009.

“We have been fortunate to have had Missy as part of the team for the past six years and have valued the work she has done on behalf of the industry,” said Bob Rosenberg, NPMA CEO. “Obviously PPMA is a critical program under the NPMA umbrella and fortunately, Missy has agreed to remain with us until the middle of June to ensure an orderly transition.”

What's next?
Just as pest management professionals are gearing up for their busy season, so too is PPMA. For example, April was National Pest Management Month and Bed Bug Awareness Week is June 7-14. So it’s critical the group doesn’t lose momentum with a change in leadership. Both NPMA/PPMA and Henriksen told PCT that won’t happen.

“I will remain with PPMA through sometime in June to help ensure a smooth transition for the organization. If a successor is not found during that time, our public relations firm, Vault Communications, and PPMA’s board of directors are prepared to commit whatever extra resources are necessary to ensure PPMA doesn’t miss a beat,” Henriksen told PCT. “Vault has worked on our account for 12 years; the agency knows the industry and has proven incredibly capable in creatively expanding the industry’s message and impact.”

“We’ve been so fortunate to work hand-in-hand with Missy for the past six years in guiding PPMA’s important work in growing, protecting and defending the professional pest management industry,” said Jessica Phelan, executive vice president and partner at Vault Communications, Philadelphia. “While we will deeply miss having her a part of the day-to-day team, we are confident that the good work will continue seamlessly under the strong direction of the PPMA board of directors.”

“There are lots of exciting things planned for the remainder of this year,” Phelan added. “Keep your eyes peeled for an innovative and memorable ad campaign launching in airports around the country, the conclusion of our in-depth consumer research project delving deep into the pest control buying decision and, of course, a continued focus on generating hundreds of positive stories about professional pest management in markets nationwide.”

Henriksen said she’s optimistic about PPMA’s future. “PPMA has 17 years of success under its belt and has an effective formula for communicating with the public,” she said. “The organization’s work has brought visibility to the industry and increased the public’s perception of professionalism within it. Thirty-seven percent of homeowners reported using a pest management professional in the past year, up from 18 percent in 2001. That increase is due, in part, to the voice PPMA has provided. PPMA’s support from its guardians and contributors is at an all-time high and its actions are guided by a committed and experienced board of directors.”

Henriksen said she will miss the people in the pest control industry the most as she heads to her new role. “This is an industry of dedicated individuals committed to their customers and to protecting people, property, and food. I am so proud to have been associated with the professional pest management industry,” she said. — Jodi Dorsch

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Terminix Acquires Team Too Termite & Pest Control


Corona, Calif. — Terminix recently announced the acquisition of Corona, Calif.-based Team Too Termite & Pest Control. The acquisition, which closed on April 7, was an asset deal, which includes the company’s customer base, some inventory and intellectual property.

Team Too was founded in 1978 by Bill Houtchens and operated under the leadership of his son, Team Too President Will Houtchens. Team Too has five offices throughout California and specializes in commercial and multi-family accounts.

“Team Too is a strong commercial business with great customer retention. They have a well trained and well respected team of employees that will be a great part of the Terminix team,” said Jason Bailey, vice president, mergers and acquisitions, Terminix International.

A Terminix spokesperson said the company will retain almost all Team Too employees, and that Terminix will integrate the vast majority of Team Too routes/employees into three of its commercial branches in the Los Angeles, San Jose and Sacramento metropolitan areas.

As is typical with most Terminix acquisitions, it’s expected that Team Too will transition to the Terminix brand in the coming months. — Brad Harbison

 

Date Book

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


June 3-4: AIB International and RK Pest Management Services’ IPM for Food Plants Seminar, Hershey, Pa. Contact: https://secure.aibonline.org/php/ecomm-catalog.php?catalogNbr=06-8106&site.

June 3-5: NPMA and Confederation of European Pest Management Association’s Global Summit of Pest Management Services, Juan-les-Pins Conference Centre, Antibes Juan-les-Pins, France. Contact: NPMA, 703/352-6762 or visit www.npmapestworld.org.

June 22-26: Florida Pest Management Association’s Summer Conference, Key Largo, Fla. Contact: 407/293-8627 or visit www.flpma.org.

June 25-27, 2015:
Pest Control Operators of California’s PCOC Expo 2015, Hyatt Regency Monterey, Calif. Contact: http://pcoc.org.

June 29-30: PMP Summit to Success, Orlando, Fla. Contact: Phil Trump or Andrew Miller at 720/625-9414, or email amiller@888pestcontrol.com.

July 15-17: NPMA Academy 2015, Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa, Henderson, Nev. Contact: Contact: NPMA, 703/352-6762 or visit www.npmapestworld.org.

July 29-Aug. 1: NPMA’s Mid-Atlantic/Carolinas Summer Conference, Myrtle Beach, S.C. Contact: See June 3-5.

Aug. 23-26:
59th Annual Conference of the
Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials (ASPCRO), Harbor Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Contact: www.aspcro.org.

Sept. 27-30: RISE Annual Meeting, Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla. Contact: 202/872-3872.

Oct. 20-23: PestWorld 2015, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tenn. Contact: See June 3-5.

 
 

FMC Completes Acquisition of Cheminova A/S


PHILADELPHIA — FMC Corporation in April announced that it had completed the closing of its acquisition of Cheminova A/S, a multinational crop protection company based in Denmark and a wholly owned subsidiary of Auriga Industries A/S. The companies announced the signing of a definitive acquisition agreement on Sept. 8, 2014, and now have satisfied all necessary conditions and regulatory approvals.

FMC completed the acquisition of Cheminova for an aggregate purchase price of about $1.8 billion, including assumption of debt. FMC says it expects the transaction to be accretive to adjusted earnings in the first full year following the acquisition.

“The acquisition of Cheminova is fully aligned with our corporate strategy to focus FMC’s portfolio on agriculture, health and nutrition end markets,” said Pierre Brondeau, FMC president, CEO and chairman. “Cheminova has a highly complementary product portfolio and geographic footprint and follows a similar strategic approach to FMC in applying technology to deliver solutions to its customers. This transaction will broaden our Agricultural Solutions portfolio and significantly strengthen our market access.”

Brondeau continued, “Cheminova gives us direct market access to key countries in Europe and enhances our customer reach in India, Australia and throughout Latin America, bringing greater balance to our agricultural business.”

FMC has been realigning its business portfolio in recent years to expand its position in the crop protection market. With the acquisition of Cheminova, and the divestiture of the Alkali Chemicals business completed on April 1, FMC Agricultural Solutions is expected to represent about three quarters of the company’s total revenue, up from less than 40 percent as recently as 2009.
 

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Marathon Data Systems Introduces New Facets to its PestPac User Conferences


Neptune, N.J. — Marathon Data Systems, in collaboration with the Florida Pest Management Association (FPMA), earlier this year wrapped up its PestPac User Conference East, after Marathon concluded its PestPac User Conference West in November 2014. The events brought together more than 300 attendees on both coasts for a comprehensive look at the pest management industry.

Building on past conferences, Marathon expanded agendas for its latest conferences, incorporating track-based classes for attendees, from beginners to seasoned PestPac users. Also new this year was the PestPac Report Writer Booth, to help participants create their own custom reports, pulling data unique to their wants and needs. Extended hours also were offered for the PestPac Genius Booth, which provides one-on-one support for attendees. Partnering with FPMA afforded attendees at the East conference comprehensive industry-specific training while also providing an opportunity to earn continuing education units toward their certification.

Delivering notable presentations at PestPac User Conference East were Sunny Grosso of Delivering Happiness, the brainchild of Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, discussing how happiness is the key ingredient in building a long-lasting and enduring brand, and Matthew “Whiz” Buckley, Afterburner corporate consultant and founder and CEO of Strike Fighter Financial.

The next PestPac User Conference will take place Jan. 18-22, 2016, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. For information, visit events.marathondata.com/uceast.
 

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In Memoriam: Milton Zlotnik


PITTSBURGH — Milton Zlotnik, who in 1948 founded Pestco Professional Services, a commercial pest control service provider in the Pittsburgh area, died in January at age 92. Zlotnik, a Lithuanian immigrant, first learned pest control while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. In 1946, Zlotnik went to work for his uncle, Bob Surloff, who invented the first fan-operated air freshener dispenser, Air-Scent.

“While he was at accounts, people would ask him, ‘Do you do any other jobs besides servicing air fresheners?’ and that got him to thinking that people might pay for additional services,” said Arnold Zlotnik, Milt’s son, who succeeded him as president of Pestco.

Milt Zlotnik decided that pest control was a good add-on opportunity, so he got in touch with Edward Womack, an Air-Scent distributor who also was the founder and owner of Womack Pest Control, Rockville, Md. Womack was instrumental in teaching Zlotnik how to run a pest control operation. Soon after learning the trade, Zlotnik added pest control to his service offerings, and, in 1948, he officially launched Pittsburgh Exterminating Service and Termite Control (which later became Pestco Professional Services) from his home, which he shared with wife, Marion (Mimi), who also worked for the company.

Through the years, Pestco developed a stellar service reputation and, to this day, the company services high-profile commercial accounts in the Pittsburgh area, including Heinz Field and PNC Park. Pestco now employs 20 individuals and services a 50-mile radius from its headquarters in suburban Pittsburgh. One of the reasons for the company’s success is employee continuity, said Ray Czapko, COO of Air-Scent International, Pestco’s parent company, and himself a 30-year employee. “Milt had a reputation for being a kind, warm, sensitive, generous and caring person, and he passed those traits down to his sons. Like any organization, that trickles down to individuals. People want to work here, and, as a result, many of our people have been around her for 10 and 20 years.”

While Zlotnik stepped away from the daily operations of the business in the 1980s, he never officially retired. Arnold Zlotnick, now age 60, grew up in the business and eventually bought Pestco from his father in 1985. He carried on the company’s leadership in his father’s tradition. And now a third-generation of Zlotniks are involved in the business. Arnold’s son, Bryan, 24, works in operations, while daughter Hayley (21) and son Joshua (18) work part time for the company.
 

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Gene White Named Rentokil NA Technical Director


READING, Pa.
— Rentokil North America promoted Gene White to technical director, effective immediately. In this role, White will be responsible for leading Rentokil NA’s technical strategies, including supporting the company’s team of about 25 entomologists and biologists, all of whom are located regionally (including Canada and Mexico).

White joined Rentokil North America in May 2013 as regional technical director for the central markets. Prior to joining Rentokil he served as director of training and education for Rose Pest Solutions, Troy, Mich. White has 21 years of industry experience as a technician, sales consultant, supervisor, district manager and corporate trainer.

“Gene is so passionate about providing quality service, training and education. He’s someone who is as focused on internal customer service as he is on external customer service, and that makes him a real good fit as so many folks look to our technical office for support,” said Dave Fisher, director of operations, Rentokil North America.

White’s professional activities include memberships in the Entomological Society of America and Pi Chi Omega, the professional pest management fraternity. He is the chair of the Purdue Entomology Development Council and a member of the Michigan Pest Management Association’s education committee.

White replaces former Technical Director Chris Arne, who left Rentokil NA earlier this year. — Brad Harbison


 

PCO News

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

NPMA’s newest QualityPro and GreenPro member companies are:
  • Attention Pest Solutions, Ballston Spa, N.Y.
  • Bowco Laboratories, Woodbridge, N.J.
  • Eco Systems Pest Control, Hanover, Mass.
  • RK Environmental Services, Westwood, N.J.
  • Enviro-Pest Solutions, Waterloo, Iowa
  • The Hitmen Termite & Pest Control, Santa Rosa, Calif.
  • Craig & Sons Termite/Pest Control, Redlands, Calif.
  • Advanced Maintenance & Pest Solutions, Norridge, Ill.
  • Estrella Mountain Pest Control, Goodyear, Ariz.
  • Bell Pest Control, Elk Grove, Calif.
  • Canex Pest Control, Calgary, Alberta
  • Patton Pest Control, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
  • Bay Pest Control Company, Ocean Springs, Miss.
  • Pest-Away, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
  • Family Safe Pest Control, Tulsa, Okla.
  • Ultra Safe Pest Management, Boston, Mass.
  • My Pest Pros, Fairfax, Va.
  • STOPests Pest Control, Bakersfield, Calif.

Companies newly qualified to perform GreenPro service are:
  • Alternative Pest Management, Spring Hill, Fla.
  • Arkadia Pest Solutions, Hopatcong, N.J.
  • Acorn Termite & Pest Control, Wayne, N.J.
  • Standard Pest Management, Astoria, N.Y.
  • STOPests Pest Control, Bakersfield, Calif.

The following companies have earned the Angie’s List Super Service Award for 2014, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the local services marketplace and consumer reviews.
  • Braman Termite and Pest Elimination, Agawam, Mass.
  • Certified Termite & Pest Control, Austin, Texas
  • ChemTec Pest Control, Saddle Brook, N.J.
  • Cowleys Pest Services, Neptune City, N.J.
  • Gannon Pest Control. Syracuse, N.Y.
  • Hometown Pest Control, Palm Beach County, Fla.
  • Inspect-All Services, Conyers, Ga.
  • Scherzinger Pest Control, Columbus, Ohio
  • Termite Terry Pest Control, Costa Mesa Calif.
  • Ultra Safe Pest Management, Boston, Mass.

Two individuals, Jason Satterwhite and Dustin Webster, helped 855bugs.com of Waco, Texas, reach its tenth franchise in less than a year. Satterwhite discovered he wanted to be self-employed after working several years for a national pest control company. Webster worked for multiple companies in the pest control industry and had the goal of building long-term equity for himself and his family. The new locations service Waco, Temple, Killeen, San Antonio, El Paso, Austin, Houston, Nacogdoches, Kerrville and McKinney, Texas. 

 
 

 

BedBug University Road Show Headed to Arizona


Lawrenceville, N.J. — BedBug Central announced an educational program scheduled for June 29-30 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

BedBug University serves as the educational arm for BedBug Central. BedBug University offers learning opportunities, including BedBug University Boot Camps, an intensive four-day course that covers bed bug biology and behavior, treatment protocols and explores the unique legal challenges and business opportunities of bed bugs. BedBug University Road Shows travel to different parts of the United States to offer a two-day, intensive educational program on all aspects of dealing with bedbugs and how to treat bugs using the firm’s no-prep treatment methodology. Taught by Jeffrey White and other BedBug Central qualified instructors, the program focuses on the knowledge needed to create, run and manage a successful bed bug program and includes much of the four-day program in an accelerated format.

BedBug Central is partnering with the Arizona Pest Professional Organization (AZPPO) to offer this two-day program at the Scottsdale Masonic Lodge. The program is open to both AZPPO members and non-members and is geared towards educating owners, managers and technicians of all levels. Exclusive to BedBug University is the five-month No Bugs, No Bites Service Plan and the elimination of unnecessary client preparation, called No Prep.

Participants of the upcoming BedBug University Arizona Road Show will enjoy an interactive program while earning CEU credits. To register, visit www.bedbugcentral.com/roadshow.
 

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Bed Bug Awareness Week to be Held in June


Fairfax, Va.
— For the fourth year in a row, the Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) will be marking Bed Bug Awareness Week (BBAW) to educate consumers about bed bug prevention and detection through multi-faceted traditional and social media campaigns. As the professional pest management industry knows all too well, bed bugs continue to pose a serious problem across the country and vigilance and prevention by consumers is a key weapon in the fight against these blood-sucking pests.

This year, BBAW will take place during the week of June 7-13, which for many coincides with the start of the summer travel season. PPMA also will release the results of the 2015 Bugs Without Borders survey, once again conducted in partnership with the University of Kentucky, to shed light on the current rate of bed bug infestations.

PPMA said it invites all industry members to help mark this week on their websites, through consumer communication and by using the hashtag #BBAW in social media posts. Additionally, PPMA has developed an exclusive toolkit for investors to use in their publicity efforts. The tool kit contains a customizable press release, social media posts, photographs, bed bug facts and additional materials to help companies mark this observance.

All materials are free to PPMA Guardians and Contributors and are available for download on www.ppmatools.org, the group’s exclusive online marketing hub for investors.
 

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NPMA Celebrates Academy’s 20th Anniversary Vegas-Style


Fairfax, Va. — The 20th anniversary of NPMA Academy, the annual summer conference hosted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), will be held July 15-17 at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa in Henderson, Nev.

Located 20 minutes from the Las Vegas strip, NPMA says Lake Las Vegas provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating this milestone anniversary, NPMA says. Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, the Academy is a unique opportunity designed to advance the professional and business development of the industry’s leaders and emerging leaders in a hands-on, interactive environment, NPMA reports. \

“For 20 years, Academy has provided the emerging leaders of the industry the forum to connect with each other, learn how to navigate business management and grow into significant contributors to the industry,” stated NPMA CEO Bob Rosenberg.

Showcasing keynote speakers Eric Chester, AmyK Hutchens, Rowena Crosbie and Deborah Rinner Godwin, Academy 2015 will focus on such topics as:

  • Blue Ribbon Ideas for Attracting and Developing an Invincible Workforce
  • The Secrets of Effective Communication
  • Managing Your Organization’s Brand
  • Ignite Brilliance Into Your Leadership
     

For more information or to register, visit http://npmapestworld.org/academy2015/index.cfm.
 

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Copesan Elects New Officers to Board of Directors


Menomonee Falls, Wis.
— Copesan Services, a national commercial pest management provider, elected new officers to its board of directors during its annual shareholders meeting held April 17, in Palm Springs, Calif.

Stacy O’Reilly, president, Plunkett’s Pest Control, Fridley, Minn., will lead the Copesan board of directors as chair. Ben Walker, president, Gregory Pest Solutions, Greenville, S.C., previously board treasurer, will now assume the role of vice chair. Andrew Klein, president, Assured Environments, New York City, has been named treasurer. Chris McCloud, president, McCloud Services, South Elgin, Ill., will continue to serve as secretary.

Copesan’s board of directors provides strategic direction to president Deni Naumann and her steering team working with Copesan’s network of regional pest management service providers. “My focus as board chair will be to continue to guide the growth of Copesan,” said O’Reilly, “There’s so much opportunity to continue to develop our unique service offering, further benefiting our clients with the combination of local expertise and a national program.”

Past chair, Alfie Treleven, CEO, Sprague Pest Solutions, Tacoma, Wash., stated, “After 13 years of service as board chair, I’m pleased to welcome Stacy into her new role. It’s a challenging and rewarding opportunity and I know she’ll make a significant impact on the Copesan network.” Treleven will remain on the board as a director.

In addition to Treleven, the board officers are further supported by a team of directors, including: Ryan Bradbury, president, Viking Termite & Pest Control, Bridgewater, N.J.; Bryan Cooksey, president/CEO, McCall Service, Jacksonville, Fla.; Naumann, Copesan Services, Menomonee Falls, Wis.; and Jamie Ogle, president/CEO, Lloyd Pest Control, San Diego, Calif.
 

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Dodd, Hazelwood Honored at 65th Annual Technicians’ School


RALEIGH, N.C. — The 65th Annual Pest Control Technicians’ School drew more than 800 PMPs to the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center earlier this year, with industry representatives taking time to honor two of the North Carolina Pest Management Association’s (NCPMA) most dedicated members — Dee Dodd and Chuck Hazelwood.

Founded in 1952, the NCPMA is one of the industry’s most active state associations, in part, because of its history of strong leadership as embodied by Dodd and Hazelwood, who were inducted into the NCPMA Hall of Fame during opening ceremonies of the four-day event.

“We are proud to recognize Dee Dodd and Chuck Hazelwood with this prestigious honor,” said NCPMA Vice President Lee Smith. “For decades, they have made their mark on both the industry and the association through their tireless work ethic and initiative, and it is our honor to recognize their contributions to our state.”

Dodd and Hazelwood join 23 previous winners of the award, which is presented annually at the NCPMA Technicians’ School. A brief review of each of their careers follows.

David (Dee) Dodd III has been a licensed operator since 1984 and has worked for Carolina Pest Management, his family’s business, for most of his career. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dodd has been active in association affairs for many years, serving as NCPMA president in 1997; chairman of the Rules and Regulations Committee since 1990; and helping to found the NCPMA Education Foundation and Past Presidents’ Scholarship.

Presenting the award to Dodd was his daughter, Kristin, who said her father has exhibited “unwavering dedication” to the NCPMA throughout his career. “Growing up and seeing my father give his time over the years to NCPMA has instilled in me the desire to carry on this tradition and be active in our association,” she said. “Without that kind of role model, it’s often easy to get too busy or caught up in the day-to-day operations of our companies and not always realize the impact our association has in North Carolina on all of our businesses.”

In a career with many professional highlights, Kristin said perhaps her father’s proudest accomplishment was the role he played in establishing the NCPMA’s Education Foundation and the Past Presidents’ Scholarship, which awards college scholarships to the children of NCPMA members.

“He felt that it was important to use the money the association had to encourage the next generation of pest management professionals,” she said. “By establishing this scholarship opportunity for children whose parents are active in the industry, the Education Foundation has been able to give out thousands of dollars to help with educational expenses.”

Another hallmark of Dodd’s career has been his willingness to help others, including long-time competitors. “I have seen him on so many occasions sitting with other members who are our direct competitors and tell them how we do things or offer to help them out with problems they may be having,” Kristin said. “I think that is the greatest compliment I can give my dad — his willingness to help anyone out and not ask for anything in return, but to do it out of the goodness of his heart and for the betterment of the industry as a whole.”

Charles (Chuck) Hazelwood began his pest management career in 1980 when he joined Go-Forth Pest & Lawn, working for his wife Suzanne’s father. Hazelwood owned the company until 2012 when he sold the family-owned business to his son Chase.

Hazelwood was named Small Business Person of the Year in 1999 by the High Point Chamber of Commerce and has been active in NCPMA throughout his career, serving as association president in 1998; helping create the NCPMA Wood-Destroying Insect Report Accreditation (WDIR) program; and serving as co-chair and director of the NCPMA Pest Control Technician’s School for a number of years. He also has served as a regional vice president for the National Pest Management Association.

In welcoming Hazelwood to the Hall of Fame, his son Chase described his father as “a passionate guy” who has worked tirelessly to advance the pest management industry. “He wanted to find ways to ensure that pest professionals were educated and trained in ways that would show consumers that this industry is worthy of respect,” Chase observed.

“From founding and administering the WDIR accreditation process, to helping raise about $200,000 in scholarship funds, to serving many roles in NCPMA all the way from president to committee chair, to helping design and administer this very school, Chuck has undeniably earned this Hall of Fame honor for being a strong force for quality, education and growth in NCPMA,” Chase said.

In addition to honoring two of the NCPMA’s finest, Technicians’ School attendees volunteered at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, holding a food drive as part of the NCPMA in Action program. “As an association we are committed to helping the people of our state whether it’s through pest management treatments or giving back to those in need,” Smith said.

The Technicians’ School is one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the country, attracting hundreds of PMPs from North Carolina and surrounding states eager to participate in the association’s Wood-Destroying Insects Report accreditation program, attend a variety of educational sessions and walk the tradeshow floor. This year’s educational program included presentations on cockroach control by Dr. Mike Waldvogel, North Carolina State University; termite treatment technology by Ron Harrison, Rollins Inc.; Structural Fumigation by Ken Kendall, Ensystex; ant control by Dan Suiter, University of Georgia; and a pollinator label update by Dr. Bennett Jordan, NPMA staff entomologist.

In addition, the conference hosted a panel discussion featuring Burns Blackwell, Terminix Company; Dee Dodd, Carolina Pest Management; Scott McNeely, McNeely Pest Control; and PCT Publisher Dan Moreland, who discussed the NPMA’s “Benchmarking Your Business” study published by PCT magazine earlier this year. The study was sponsored by BASF Pest Control Solutions.

Longtime member Steve Taylor, founder of Capital Pest Services, said the NCPMA is “a very strong association with a very active membership,” which results in strong attendance at the Technicians’ School year after year.

January is also a good time to get away for continuing education and peer networking, Jack Roberts, owner of A-1 Termite & Pest Control, said. “They don’t lose as much work time” and “it is part of the history and tradition of the association to get your training at the North Carolina Pest Control Technicians’ School.”

It’s a tradition no doubt that will be continue thanks to the strong leadership being exhibited by the generation of PMPs who are following in the footsteps of Dee Dodd and Chuck Hazelwood.

Sponsors of the 65th Annual Pest Control Technicians’ School included Bell Laboratories, BASF, Atlantic Paste & Glue, Liphatech, Howard Fertilizer and Chemical, Syngenta, Univar, Bayer, Target Specialty Products and Forshaw Distribution. — Dan Moreland


 

Comings & Goings

If your company has added new personnel, send a photo and press release to jdorsch@giemedia.com.
 

Dr. Reid Ipser joined Nisus Corporation as director of technical services. He will be responsible for handling customer inquiries, training, presentations, content development and field support for sales.

Marathon Data Systems appointed Bill Fahrbach as vice president, financial planning and analysis. Fahrbach will lead the firm’s finance team in building and sustaining an analytic framework to support key business decisions, pairing strategy and operations with finance to support scalable growth for the company.

AP&G Co. added two new members to its sales force. David Johnson joined the Catchmaster sales team as Midwest territory manager. Annie Bishop has been hired as South Central regional manager for AP&G’s Professional Products business. She will be responsible for the Western Midwest territory and resides in St. Louis, Mo.

Jason Veitch, president of Anti Pest & Veitch in Minden, La., was the subject of an article in the Minden Press Herald. Veitch is the fourth-generation president of the firm, which was founded in 1954 by his great-grandfather, S.D. Veitch. Anti Pest & Veitch serves the Louisiana parishes of Webster, Claiborne, Bienville and Lincoln and employs seven people.

After 17 years of service with Rollins, senior vice president, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Harry Cynkus will retire in 2015. Eddie Northen succeeded Cynkus in May.

Central Life Sciences selected John Holick as the recipient of the Salesman of the Year award for the Zoëcon Professional Products division. Holick is a first-time winner of this award and is the Western Regional vector manager for Central Life Sciences’ vector and professional pest management markets. He was recognized for contributing significant sales growth in his region, exceeding division expectations and providing customers with a high level of customer service and expertise.


 

May 2015
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