[PCT on the Road] Eleven Memorable Stories

For the 23rd consecutive year, PCT and Syngenta recognized the Crown Leadership Award winners at a special reception at NPMA PestWorld in New Orleans in October.

The awards spotlight individuals who have contributed positively to the growth and development of the structural pest control industry, as well as established ties with fellow business leaders, civic groups and customers in their local communities.

"This year, as well as through the last two decades, it's been my privilege to share many of your stories with the marketplace," said PCT Publisher Dan Moreland. "These are stories of great joy and great tragedy. Stories of personal triumph and collective loss. Stories of little consequence on the world stage but of great consequence in our individual lives. Stories that shine a spotlight on a shared humanity, which at its core is what this evening is all about."

"We're in our third decade of supporting the Crown Leadership Awards program. Our industry has seen some major changes in those years. But, we've worked through these changes as a group because we have a shared commitment to solving pest problems in a way that makes life easier," said Howard Jaekle, market manager, professional pest management, Syngenta. "Over the years Syngenta has brought you valuable tools that help make your jobs easier. And, we are continuing to invest in the research and development of new tools that are going to help you solve pest problems and run successful businesses."

This year's award winners are:

• Judy Black, The Steritech Group, Charlotte, N.C.
• Bruce Carter, Carter Services, Farmington, N.M.
• Chris Christensen, Christensen's Urban Insect Solutions, Lexington, Ky.
• Chris Donaghy, Residex-Turfgrass, Roselle, N.J./Novi, Mich.
• Earl Hallberg, Presto-X, Omaha, Neb.
• Charles Wright, North Carolina State University (retired), Raleigh, N.C.
• Jeff Johnson, A-Active Termite & Pest Control, Virginia Beach, Va.
• Emily Thomas Kendrick, Arrow Exterminators, Atlanta, Ga.
• Phil "Doc" Nichols, Massey Services, Orlando, Fla.
• Jeff Springer, Springer Professional Home Services, Des Moines, Iowa
• Gerry Wegner, Varment Guard Environmental Services, Columbus, Ohio