[News]

Jim Armbruster, PBI/Gordon, receives the E. Allen James Leadership Award during the 21st RISE annual meeting from keynote speaker Michael Durant, master pilot and inspiration for the movie Blackhawk Down.

Contributions to Specialty Chemical Industry Warrants Volunteer's Honor

Washington D.C. — During its 21st annual meeting held in Florida in September, RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) honored one of its long-time volunteers for his exemplary leadership to the specialty pesticide and fertilizer industry.

Jim Armbruster, PBI/Gordon Corporation, was honored as the third recipient of the E. Allen James Leadership Award that annually recognizes the outstanding contributions of a RISE volunteer leader. The award is named after RISE's former president of 20 years, Allen James, who retired in 2010. RISE's annual meeting keynote speaker Michael Durant, a master pilot and inspiration for the movie Blackhawk Down, presented the award to Armbruster during the opening session attended by about 100 RISE members.

Armbruster has volunteered on RISE committees since 1998, most recently serving as chairman of the RISE Science & Technology Committee. He's invested time and expertise on numerous issue management teams, including those working in the Northeast.

"RISE volunteer leaders are the backbone of our association and play a vital role in the work we do," said RISE President Aaron Hobbs. "Jim Armbruster is a thoughtful, knowledgeable expert who's made many outstanding contributions to science and advocacy that are at the heart of the RISE mission. He is much deserving of this year's award."

The 2011 E. Allen James Leadership Award was presented to Jim Armbruster, PBI/Gordon, during the RISE annual meeting in Florida. Pictured from left is Dave Morris, RISE Governing Board chairman; Armbruster; Michael Durant, who presented the award; and RISE President Aaron Hobbs.

As PBI/Gordon's vice president of research and development and regulatory and technical services, Armbruster will retire this year after working with the company since 1988. Besides his volunteer efforts with RISE, Armbruster's expertise in the areas of pesticide chemistry, weed science and patent law was also invaluable to The Industry Task Force II on 2,4-D Research Data, Chemical Producers and Distributors Association and the American Society of Agronomy, among others.

Nominations for the E. Allen James Leadership Award are taken from peers who have worked directly with the nominee and have personal knowledge of the RISE member's exceptional leadership contributions to the industry and RISE initiatives during the current year. For more information or to nominate someone, contact RISE's Karen Reardon at kreardon@pestfacts.org.


*****
 

Univar PP&S Extends Reach of Online Training

Austin, Texas — Univar Professional Products & Services (PP&S) announced that it has been granted CEU approval by the state of Montana for its current online training courses on their industry website — PestWeb.

The Master Technician online training courses on PestWeb provide for continuing education credits toward license renewals for branch supervisors and certified applicators in states that have issued CEU approval. Master Technician offers courses in the areas of structural general pests, wood-destroying pests, public health, fumigation, turf and ornamental pests, as well as core courses on pesticides and safety. These can be taken online on PestWeb.com at any time on any day of the week.

Univar PP&S now has approved online CEU status for 33 states and one Canadian Province. For more information, visit www.univarpps.com

Sara Mckinney Winner of PWIPM Scholarship

Fairfax, Va. — The National Pest Management Association's (NPMA) affiliate organization Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM), announced Sara McKinney, marketing director for Action Pest Control in Evansville, Ind., was the recipient of the 2011 PWIPM Scholarship. "I didn't grow up around the family pest control business; I didn't play with bugs as a kid; and, if you would have asked me where I saw myself five years ago, it most certainly would not have been in the pest management industry. But, four and a half years ago, I had a job interview that changed my life," said McKinney in her scholarship essay. "PWIPM is extremely proud to offer our annual scholarship to Sarah," said Jennifer Leggett, the chairwoman of PWIPM. "It is especially rewarding to know that we are not only assisting a student who might not otherwise be able to continue his or her studies but also helping lay the groundwork for the future generation of female pest management professionals." As the recipient of the annual scholarship, McKinney received funding to further her career, as well as a trip to New Orleans for PestWorld 2011 last month. The PWIPM Annual Scholarship is for women interested in advancing or securing a career in the pest management industry. The recipient(s) may use the scholarship to defer costs related to advancing their education and/or career in the pest management industry. PWIPM is an affiliate group of the National Pest Management Association that attracts, develops and supports women in the pest management industry through educational programs, resources, and peer networking at the national and local level.

*****
 

Terminix Technician Rescues Heart Attack Victim

Bluffton, S.C. — Mike Auge, an eight-year employee of Terminix Service in Bluffton, S.C., is being hailed as a local hero after rescuing a retirement community resident who had suffered a massive heart attack.

The woman was driving a golf cart in the retirement community of Sun City, S.C., and had her dog in the cart with her, when she suffered the attack.

Auge, who was driving in the community at the time, noticed the woman beginning to slump over the wheel of the golf cart. He then saw the cart veer into bushes and down an embankment toward a lagoon. Having worked as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician, Auge pulled over, jumped out of his vehicle and rushed to the woman's aid. Her cart plunged into the lagoon and Auge jumped in behind it, swam out and pulled the unconscious woman to safety.

Three bystanders helped Auge lift the woman from the lagoon, which is occupied by at least one alligator. After securing the woman, Auge jumped back in to the lagoon to rescue her dog.

Auge stayed with the woman until she regained consciousness and local emergency personnel arrived. He later learned that she was expected to make a full recovery.

Date Book

Send your announcement at least 14 weeks in advance to jdorsch@giemedia.com. For additional dates, visit www.pctonline.com/events. Dec. 5-7: Mallis Handbook Technical Forum, Orlando, Fla. Contact: www.mallishandbook.com/forum or 800/456-0707. Dec. 7-9: NPMA Lawn Care Summit, Aventura, Fla. Contact: NPMA, 703/352-6762 or visit www.npmapestworld.org. Dec. 7-9: ServSuite University, Embassy Suites Orlando, Fla. Contact: sales@servsuite.net, call 614/874-4300 or visit http://servbasic.com. Dec. 9-10: 2011 Discovery Retreat: New Strategies for 2012. Contact: visit www.lloydsmigel.com. Jan. 9-11: 76th Annual Purdue University Pest Management Conference, West Lafayette, Ind. Contact: Kathy Walters, 765/494-2758 or visit www.conf.purdue.edu/pest2012. Jan. 16-18: W.C.T. 18th Annual Seminar, Flamingo Las Vegas, Nev. Contact: 815/286-3039. Jan. 17-19: 2012 Structural Pest Management Association of Ontario Conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Contact: Visit www.spmao.ca or call 800/461-6722.

 

AB Bait Co. Broadens Distribution Network

Bethlehem, Pa. — AB Bait Co., supplier of the Brigand rodenticide lines, has added Harvest Supply Company of Fort Worth, Texas, to its distribution network.

AB Bait Co. says the addition of Harvest Supply will increase availability of Brigand Soft Bait and Brigand Wax Blocks to PMPs in central Texas. The new Brigand rodenticides, manufactured by PelGar International in the United Kingdom, are designed to be highly palatable baits, the firm says.


*****
 

Dow AgroSciences Redesigns Website

Indianapolis — Dow AgroSciences redesigned its website to help professionals and consumers find the information they need about the company and its products. The site is also a gateway to allow stakeholders to find information about current news and careers with Dow AgroSciences.

"The new dowagro.com meets three important goals we have for our website: improving navigation, showcasing our company's innovation and better serving our stakeholders," said Robyn Heine, Dow AgroSciences global public affairs leader. "After studying feedback from our website users, we designed the new site to give visitors easy access to information about our products and services, sustainability, product stewardship, and innovations and collaborations."

Comings & Goings

If your company has added new personnel, send a photo and press release to jdorsch@giemedia.com. Chris Bare was appointed director of marketing at Massey Services, Orlando, Fla. In this role, Bare is responsible for marketing planning and program development for all of the organization's services, market and customer analysis, as well as website development. Professional pest management fraternity Pi Chi Omega awarded $2,000 scholarships to Amanda L. Eiden, Ph.D. student, University of Florida; Adam Salyer, M.S. student, Purdue University; and Mark H. Goodman, Ph.D. student, University of Kentucky. Western Pest Services, based in Parsippany, N.J., and a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, awarded Barbara Hunter its inaugural Women of Distinction Award. The award recognizes women throughout Western who demonstrate outstanding leadership and community involvement and make notable contributions to the growth and development of the pest control industry and women within the company. Truly Nolen of America promoted Darlene Cohen to vice president of human resources. Truly Nolen also promoted Craig Hansen to branch manager in Sierra Vista, Ariz. The International Association of Canine Pest Inspectors welcomed Dr. Eran Gilady, DVM, to the association's Board of Advisors in the capacity of advisor of veterinary medicine.

 

Chem-Tech Acquires Turbocide Pest Control System from MGK

Des Moines, IOWA — McLaughlin Gormley King Company (MGK) has sold its Turbocide Pest Control System, which includes Turbocide Gold, to Chem-Tech of Des Moines, Iowa. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Chem-Tech had been managing this venture prior to the purchase.

The patented Turbocide technology is an aerosol application system that incorporates carbon dioxide to dissolve, propel and dispense insecticides to control flying and crawling insects. Chem-Tech will continue to partner with the Industrial Fumigant Company (IFC), based in Lenexa, Kan., to exclusively distribute and market this line of products.


*****
 

FMC YouTube Video Demonstrates Aerosol Use

Philadelphia — A new seven-minute video from FMC Professional Solutions gives pest management professionals a first-hand look at how to use aerosol products.

The video, featuring Dr. Phil Koehler, professor of urban entomology at the University of Florida, follows a back-to-the-basics approach to six different categories of aerosols. Using simple explanations and how-to demonstrations, Koehler goes step-by-step through the use of surface and space sprays, crack-and-crevice treatments, jet sprays, metered dispensers and total release aerosols.

"Figuring out which product to use in which situation can be confusing, so the video is a good refresher for pest management professionals," said Catherine Bernard, product manager for FMC. "We wanted to demonstrate appropriate uses of aerosol products, as well as explain how they can be used together in a protocol." Visit http://bit.ly/p78ZCg to view the video.


*****
 

P+L Systems Joins NPMA

Knaresborough, ENGLAND — P+L Systems has joined the National Pest Management Association.

"P+L Systems has participated in pest management association activities throughout the world and with a new emphasis being placed in North America, this seemed like the perfect time to become a supporting member of NPMA," said Chris Bowley, P+L Systems' representative in the United States. The company plans to launch a number of new fly control products in the North American market under the Synergetic fly light brand and is building an organization focused on providing strong sales and technical support to the professional pest management industry.


*****
 

Feather Free Zone Unveils "Orange County Choppers" Bike

Robert Young (left) and Brett Madden (right), founders of Feather Free Zone, unveiled the company’s new custom-built chopper. The bike was designed and built by Paul Teutul Sr. (seated) of Orange County Choppers.

Tinton Falls N.J. — Feather Free Zone, a bird exclusion, control and deterrence company, unveiled its custom-built motorcycle in June at Jenkinson's Pavilion Restaurant and Bar in Point Pleasant, N.J. The bike was designed and built by Paul Teutul Sr. of Orange County Choppers. The celebration was filmed for a future episode of the popular television show, "American Chopper," which airs on the Discovery Channel.

Feather Free Zone commissioned the building of the custom chopper to support its marketing and charitable endeavors. The bike, with a design inspired by the company's logo, will appear at children's charity events to draw attendance and raise awareness for these worthy causes, the company said.

"The success we've had with our other custom-chopper, Boomer-1, made this undertaking a no-brainer," said Bob Young, co-founder of Feather Free Zone. Co-founder, Brett Madden added, "Now with two amazing showcase bikes, we can more strongly advance our company philosophy of supporting the communities we serve."

Feather Free Zone (FFZ) was created through the combined efforts of R. Brett Madden and Robert Young. Madden is president of No Fly Zone, which provides bird exclusion, control and deterrent services on a national level. Young is president of Geese Chasers, which provides geese clearing services along the East Coast. FFZ was born when these two businesses joined forces in an effort to increase market share by providing these services on a local level.

For more information, visit www.featherfreezone.com.

PCO News

Please send press releases about your firm to jdorsch@giemedia.com. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency selected Western Pest Services, Parsippany, N.J., as a Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) Gold Member. This recognition is reserved for PESP members who have demonstrated a commitment to pesticide risk reduction and serve as models for other PESP members. Western is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins Inc. Established in 1994, PESP is EPA’s premier partnership program dedicated to reducing pesticide risk in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings. Additionally, it promotes the adoption of innovative, alternative pest control practices, including IPM and the use of biological pesticides. Atlanta-based Orkin recently expanded its employee base and service area in Houston with the acquisition of Nettles Exterminating Company. Don and Cynthia Nettles started Nettles Exterminating Company 40 years ago. The company will merge into Orkin’s South Houston branch. Cynthia will retire, and Don will stay with Orkin as a service manager and will assist in transitioning Nettles’ customers to Orkin.   Suburban entomologists gathered to show kids specific insect characteristics and survival techniques. Entomologists from Suburban Exterminating Co., Smithtown, N.Y., were on hand in late July and early August at libraries on New York’s Long Island to educate children about insects and to answer questions. Entomologists showcased such insects as a tarantula and Madagascar roaches at the demonstrations. Massey Services, Orlando, Fla., recently leaped 38 spots in the Florida Trend 350 Largest Businesses Ranking, making the privately held pest management and landscape services company one of the largest businesses in the state of Florida. For the second consecutive year, NaturZone Pest Control has been selected for the 2011 Best of Sarasota Award in the Pest Control Services category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA). The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country.

 

Terminix Venture Spurs Expansion in India

Memphis, TENN. — Terminix has entered into a joint venture with Security and Intelligence Services Ltd. of India (SIS Group) to perform pest and termite control services in India. The joint venture will serve both residential and commercial customers.

This is the company's first, non-franchise expansion outside of North America.

"Terminix's joint venture with SIS marks a strategic opportunity to expand our business to one of the most significant, rapidly growing marketplaces in the world," said Tom Brackett, Terminix president and chief operating officer. "Terminix and SIS align on the principle values of customer-centric service, innovation and a strong commitment to quality. This partnership will allow us to grow our businesses based on our proven strengths."

Both parties bring several decades of experience to the relationship. Terminix will provide its valued technical expertise and knowledge of the termite and pest control industry, while SIS will provide its understanding of the Indian marketplace, along with its extensive infrastructure and customer base.

"The joint venture with SIS helps diversify our operations geographically, while opening the door to growth in an important global marketplace," said Hank Mullany, chief executive officer of ServiceMaster Company, the parent company of Terminix. "This agreement combines the power of the Terminix brand and our technical expertise with the local sales, marketing and service capabilities of a well-established partner in India."

"We are pleased to partner with Terminix, the world leader in pest and termite control. With access to their world-class technology and innovative products, we hope to transform the customer experience throughout our service delivery network in India," said Ravindra Kishore Sinha, founder, chairman and managing director of SIS Group.

Based in New Delhi, SIS Group is India's leading security and business support services group operating across India with more than 100 offices and an associate base of 52,000. The company serves more than 3,000 corporate customers across different industrial segments.

In 2008, Terminix's parent company, ServiceMaster, entered into a relationship with SIS through its ServiceMaster Clean brand. ServiceMaster Clean offers commercial and residential cleaning, as well as disaster restoration services, in North America and commercial cleaning only in India through SIS.


*****
 

NPMA Launches Strategic Planning Initiative

Fairfax, VA — The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) announced its intent to develop a future-oriented strategic plan, to be released in the spring, that will ensure the association is best prepared to meet the needs of pest professionals and the industry as a whole in the years ahead.

The Strategic Planning process began in August with a comprehensive survey being disseminated to PMPs around the world. NPMA said it plans to articulate priority objectives and strategies in February. Once the framework is developed, the association said, NPMA's committees and divisions will identify tactics.

In an open letter to the association's membership, NPMA Executive Vice President Rob Lederer explained, "We know that the education, regulatory and consumer advocacy, and array of tangible benefits we offer positively affect our members' businesses; however, like all forward-thinking organizations, we are not prone to rest in a successful status quo. NPMA's Board of Directors and staff want to ensure that the value we offer the industry as a whole, and our members' businesses in particular, continues to be relevant and dynamic."


*****
 

Knockout President Arthur Katz Honored in Long Island

Uniondale, N.Y. — Arthur M. Katz, president of Knockout Pest Control, was honored by the John J. Byrne Community Center of Uniondale in September at its inaugural Long Island Outstanding Advocate for Children and Youth Awards Reception Benefit. The awards reception, hosted by the law firm of Forchelli, Curto, Deegan, Schwartz, Mineo, Cohn, & Terrana, Uniondale, N.Y., honored 25 advocates who have demonstrated a commitment for the betterment of children.

"We are most pleased to join the Uniondale community and to support such a worthy organization such as the John J. Byrne Community Center in its goal to recognize top advocates for children and youth," said Jeffrey D. Forchelli, managing partner of the firm.

Katz is past president of the New York State Pest Management Association and a past board member of NPMA. His company recently donated more than $20,000 worth of termite prevention and protection to Nassau County's Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums. He also was appointed to the Nassau County Task Force on Bed Bugs this past spring.

Katz, a founding member and current board member of the Long Island Real Estate Group, is also credited with resuming the operations of the Uniondale Chamber of Commerce, after a 10-year hiatus, in 2008 and serving as its first president.