[News]

FPMA Announces New Executive Vice President

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Pest Management Association has named Sandra Nicotra as its new executive vice president.

Nicotra’s past association experience includes serving as former executive director of the Home Builders and Contractors Association of Brevard County (Fla.).

In a letter to members announcing the hire FPMA President Billy Riley wrote, “Many qualified candidates were introduced, and the search was narrowed to just a select few for the final in-person interviews. The Executive Committee performed the final in-person interviews in October during the NPMA’s PestWorld in Orlando. After much consideration, the decision was made to select Sandra to assume this vital role. Sandra is joining our team with association leadership after several years with the Home Builders and Contractors Association of Brevard. We feel that she will fill this position well and bring great things to our association and to our membership.” Also in the letter, Riley thanked FPMA’s executive vice president search committee, chaired by John Cooksey, for its hard work in the search process.

Riley told PCT that the committee was also impressed with Nicotra’s sales and marketing experience and some of the big-picture ideas she presented during the interview process. “FPMA was searching for a leader that was driven with great ideas and direction for increasing membership and for increasing benefits to existing members,” Riley said.

Nicotra hails from Owensboro, Ky., where she attended Owensboro College of Business, majoring in business administration. She has continued her education through courses at Ohio State University and Eastern Florida State College. In 1998, Nicotra and her husband, Anthony relocated to Melbourne, Fla., where Anthony is employed with Rockwell Collins.

Riley said that Nicotra is looking forward to traveling throughout the state and meeting with FPMA members one on one, and also at the upcoming 2015 Pest and Lawn Care Expo held Jan. 19-23, in Kissimmee, Fla.

FPMA’s previous executive vice president, Allen Fugler, resigned from the position July 31. He had held that position since 2007.
 

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Dold to Return to Congress

CHICAGO — Robert Dold (R-IL) will return to Congress to represent the 10th District of Illinois, after winning his rematch with Rep. Brad Schneider (D), on Nov. 4. Dold’s family owns and operates Rose Pest Solutions, Chicago, Ill.

As part of his victory speech, Dold emphasized bipartisanship, which he said would help address today’s major crises, including unrest in the Middle East, health outbreaks and rising debt.

“Whether you’re a Republican, Democrat or Independent, if we come together we can get our country back on track,” Dold said. “Let’s work together to make sure our country is the greatest country on the face of this planet Earth, and that we continue to stand for everything that is good.”

Dold served as U.S. Representative for Illinois’s 10th congressional district from 2010 to 2012, before losing his re-election to Schneider in 2012. Additional source: Lake County News-Sun
 

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New Officers Elected to UPFDA Board

ORLANDO, Fla. — At the October annual meeting of the United Producers Formulators & Distributors Association (UPFDA), the presidency was turned over and new officers elected. Oldham Chemical’s Tommy Reeves completed his two-year term as president, during which his leadership and guidance was instrumental in establishing the future direction for the association and ensuring its viability for years to come. “This was a critical time for UPFDA,” said Incoming President Tom Eichler of Neogen. “After working for more than 15 years to establish UPFDA representation on the NPMA Board, all the pieces finally came together. Tommy was an integral part of this achievement.” Reeves will now serve as immediate past president. He represents a long commitment to UPFDA through his own service as well as that of Ada and Millard Oldham, Oldham Chemicals, one of the founding members of the organization.

Also elected to the UPFDA board were Vice Presient Karen Furgiuele of Gardex Chemicals and re-elected Secretary/Treasurer Cisse Spragins of Rockwell Labs. Finishing their terms, Dan Moreland of PCT and Wheeler Buff of Carolina PCO Supply were thanked for their service to the organization. Additionally, Moreland was asked to serve another term on the board, Thomas Forshaw IV was elected to office, and Scott Riley of MGK was elected to fill the unexpired board term created with Furgiuele’s election to vice president.

UPFDA represents suppliers, manufacturers and others who supply products and services to the pest management industry. It was founded in 1968 and works to provide a common voice for this segment of the industry.
 

 

Comings & Goings

If your company has added new personnel, send a photo and press release to jdorsch@giemedia.com.   Kelley Altland joined Bell Laboratories in September as a technical sales representative for the New England territory of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and upstate New York. Agri-Turf Distributing hired Shirley Rubbelke as a member of its sales team. Rubbelke will call on professional pest control and turf and ornamental customers in northern California. She has been in the specialty chemical industry for more than 25 years. Alpha Ecological technicians Curry Russel and Charles Hill donated their time to service low-income seniors in the Dallas, Texas, area in the September Slug-a-Bug event. The event has been held annually for 16 years by The Greater Dallas Pest Control Association and the People Helping People Program. Each year, service is provided for 60 to 80 homeowners who could not otherwise afford pest control services. Recipients must be at least 62 years of age and meet certain income requirements to qualify. Gary Skrdlant, AIB International’s vice president of finance and administration, retired after 32 years with AIB. Skrdlant was instrumental in expanding AIB’s reach to the United Kingdom, Mexico and China. Since joining AIB in November 1982, Skrdlant has held multiple finance-related positions, including 19 years as AIB’s controller. Bahar Isteben joined Bug Doctor, Paramus, N.J., as sales coordinating specialist. William A. Kolbe, BCE, technical director for Viking Termite and Pest Control, recently celebrated his 40th year in the urban entomology/structural pest control industry. After graduating with a degree in entomology from the University of Delaware in 1974, Kolbe started in structural pest control as a service supervisor. Kolbe has held positions as chairman of the NPMA Rodent Committee and of the Copesan Technical Committee, served on the Pi Chi Omega Board of Directors, authored a chapter of the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control (9th Edition), and served in the United States Army Reserves, retiring after 28 years of service. Jeff Keller joined Houston-based Holder’s Pest Solutions as regional manager. Keller will oversee operations and business development, as well as residential and commercial services for customers in Houston and the surrounding areas. Whitney Mullins has been promoted to branch manager of Truly Nolen’s Chandler, Ariz., service location. Mike Leahy joined the Zoëcon Professional Products division of Central Life Sciences as East Central regional sales manager. He will be responsible for pest control and vector sales in Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Leahy brings more than 26 years of direct sales experience. ForeFront Product Design, developer of the Green Gorilla Advanced Spray System, announced that Joe Malinowski has joined the company as senior vice president of business development for the pest control market. Malinowski has more than 30 years of experience in the pest control industry, basic equipment manufacturing and the pest control industry distribution network. Rentokil North America added William Morrow to its management team as vice president of sales.

 

Ohio PMP Wins Bayer CropScience’s Tales of Transformation
 

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Environmental Science, a division of Bayer CropScience LP, announced that Rick Steinau, president of Ace Exterminating in Cincinnati, Ohio, was the winner of its “Tales of Transformation” initiative. Steinau will receive Bayer products for a community service project and an all-expense-paid trip for four to Napa Valley. Steinau said he plans to use his winning Bayer products for a large number of cockroach treatments in affordable housing neighborhoods with the greatest needs.

Launched last October, Tales of Transformation called upon pest management professionals to share their proudest moments when using Bayer products to transform the living conditions of customers battling severe pest infestations. Stories from around the country were submitted, and Steinau received the highest number of votes from an open online poll in August.

Steinau’s story shared his team’s treatment of a cockroach-infested nursing home with Maxforce baits before baiting was a common method. When the team encountered the severe infestation, which they could not control with initial treatments, they tried using baits for the first time and experienced tremendous success. “I’m very humbled to receive this award from Bayer and want to thank everyone, especially my peers and community members, who took the time to vote,” Steinau said. “I was proud to join the other finalists who share the same passion and commitment to helping our communities live pest free.”

“Rick’s proud career moment is a great example of PMPs doing all they can to create a better and healthier living environment for their customers,” said Norman Barclift, marketing manager, General Insect Control for the Bayer professional pest management business. “It’s great to see his perseverance in transforming the living conditions of those battling infestations who need professional pest control.”
 

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WCBB Raising Funds to Help Injured Industry Professional

MORELAND, Ga. — Wildlife Control Business Builders (WCBB), a trade group on Facebook, recentlly started a CrowdRise fundraiser to benefit Chris and Susan Sims. Chris operates ECO Wildlife Solutions in Moreland, Ga. On Sept. 30, Susan fell off a ladder while helping Chris, sustaining significant injuries. Don Leland of Cascade Pest Control and Will Langman of Langman’s Wildlife, co-founders of WCBB, wanted to help one of their own. “We’re asking everyone, pest control and wildlife, to join us in getting the Sims some much-needed financial support,” Leland said. “Every little bit helps, even just a few dollars can add up.”

For more information and to donate any amount, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/susansims/fundraiser/wcbb.
 

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Mosquito Joe Signs 100th Territory in Two Years of Franchising

Virginia Beach, Va. — Mosquito Joe, a mosquito control treatment company serving residential and commercial customers nationwide, has hit a franchising milestone by signing its 100th territory this year. This achievement comes as the company celebrates its second year in franchising, positioning the brand to finish 2014 with strong momentum after exceeding its yearly growth goals, company representatives said.

“In 2013 we sold our first territory and we’re thrilled to be celebrating our 100th territory less than two years later; this is a tremendous accomplishment for Mosquito Joe,” said Mosquito Joe CEO Kevin Wilson. “We’re thrilled by the response we’ve seen with our proven business model and look forward to moving into new markets in the future.”

Mosquito Joe has grown its franchise system at record pace, the firm said. The brand’s original goal was to sell 51 territories in 2014, however Mosquito Joe already topped its goal by 12, rounding out its new territories sales to 63. Mosquito Joe also has surpassed its overall goal of selling a total of 90 territories by the end of 2014; the brand exceeded that target, selling a total of 102 territories since its inception.

The 100th territory will open in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas by entrepreneurs Todd and Rhonda Cheatham, who credit the brand’s ongoing success to strong franchisee support and exceptional customer service.

“We’re very excited to be joining Mosquito Joe and celebrating this major accomplishment with the entire team,” Todd said. “The brand has a positive effect on so many people and we’re looking forward to providing such a beneficial service to our community.”

Mosquito Joe has locations across 21 states, which, according to the firm, demonstrates that the seasonal concept works across climates, from northern Minnesota to the most southern tip of Texas and Florida. In 2015, the brand will continue expanding into new states across the country, including California. Additionally, the company will continue to build out existing states with a focus on Texas, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.

Learn more at www.mosquitojoefranchise.com.
 

 

PCO News

Please send press releases about your firm to jdorsch@giemedia.com.   Excel Termite & Pest Control, Riveredge, N.J., took part in the Hackensack Riverkeeper’s Corporate Cup Challenge charity event held at Lake Tappan, N.J., this summer to raise awareness and donations for the conservation group. Excel competed against five local businesses, coming in third. “We’re a part of the community,” said Samuel V. Hagopian III, director of business development at Excel Termite & Pest Control. “We live in Northern New Jersey, our customers are in Northern New Jersey, so taking part in this event to raise money and protect the beautiful lakes and rivers of Northern New Jersey was important to us.” This year Cascade Pest Control celebrated its 35th year in business, serving homeowners and businesses throughout King and Snohomish counties, Washington. “This is a significant milestone, and we couldn’t have made it this long without our thousands of customers, our great staff along the way, and the vision of the owners,” said General Manager Don Leland. Senske Services in Boise, Idaho, partnered with the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health in the foundation’s Community Giving Garden project, which is designed to grow produce and provide nutritious food for families in need. Maintained for two years by the Blue Cross foundation, the Giving Garden had become unmanageable, with weeds growing out of control, an insufficient watering system and dying crops. Matt Costa of Senske Services gathered a team of Senske volunteers, who logged more than 200 hours to give the garden new life. Founded in 1989, Truly Nolen International celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. With more than 150 offices in s 25 years, now grossing more than $57 million in revenue. About 90 percent of international offices are franchises, each of which is provided with marketing, sales and a network support system. Andy Yant, owner of P.E.S.T., a termite and pest control company based in Goodlettsville, Tenn., acquired Spray’s Exterminating of Nashville. Harold Spray of Spray’s Exterminating recently retired and the companies came to an agreement for P.E.S.T. to begin servicing Spray’s customers effective immediately, Yant said. Spray’s Exterminating has been in business for 37 years. Alterra Pest Control expanded its service to the greater Atlanta, Chicago and San Diego areas with a heavy emphasis on ants, roaches and rodents. Earlier this year Alterra released a commercial campaign to boost growth titled, “Ignorance is Not Bliss.” Alterra says its commercials — 57 countries and an office on every continent, the Orlando-based company has grown exponentially in itLittle Girl Plays with Rat, Man Eats Cockroach and Giant Ant Hill in Home — promote its environmentally responsible solutions in a humorous, memorable approach. View the commercials at www.alterrapest.com/about_us/tv-commercials.php.

 
 

RISE Talks Plan, Priorities at PestWorld Breakfast

ORLANDO, Fla. — RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) hosted its Industry Issues Breakfast in conjunction with PestWorld 2014 in Orlando in October, speaking with RISE members and pest management professionals about its new strategic plan and 2015 priority issues and locations.

RISE President Aaron Hobbs shared the national trade association’s five-year strategic plan with close to 30 attendees, focusing on the new mission and 2020 vision and goals. “Our strategic plan reflects our ability to adapt in a changing industry and maintain viability as we build our organization for the future. Our vision — an industry free to create inspiring and healthy places where we live, work and play — shows our clear focus for the work we have ahead of us,” Hobbs said.

“PestWorld is a great opportunity for us to connect with many different professionals in the specialty industry. Making this connection is important and, as leaders in our industry, positive advocacy and taking action is essential to our success,” he added.

Located in Washington, D.C., RISE is the national association representing the manufacturers, formulators, distributors and other industry leaders involved with pesticide and fertilizer products used by professionals and consumers. For more information, visit www.pestfacts.org.
 

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NPMA Launches OSHA Toolbox

FAIRFAX, Va. — The National Pest Management Association and the QualityPro Board of Directors have launched a new member benefit, the OSHA Toolbox. The toolbox covers basic OSHA rules and regulations that apply to NPMA members and is designed to be an accessible reference tool for OSHA standards. The toolbox includes:

• Basic OSHA information
• A guide to member rights and responsibilities during an OSHA inspection
   

State-by-state OSHA posting requirements and links to other Department of Labor posting requirements

• State-by-state injury and illness reporting requirements and forms
• Respiratory protection checklists and assistance in determining compliance with the Medical and Fit Testing Requirements for
   

Respirators

• Basic first aid, medical requirements and other PPE information
• Information on the Hazard Communication Standard and links to GHS training
   

Learn more at www.npmaqualitypro.org.
 

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Atlantic Pest Employees Donate Time and Service

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Atlantic Pest and Termite Management celebrated the spirit of giving by hosting a day of caring at Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding (CATR).

It is the first year that Atlantic Pest employees have donated their time to paint fences, weed arenas and clean tack rooms and equipment to assist in the upkeep of CATR’s grounds and stables. CATR improves the lives of children and adults with disabilities. Since 1991, the program has served individuals with multiple neurodegenerative diseases, amputations, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our employees to get ‘hands on’ and assist such a great cause,” said Atlantic Pest President Ted Ford. “Atlantic Pest encourages its employees to participate in charitable causes.”

Atlantic Pest employs 30 full-time staffers. The contribution of time and a charitable donation of $250 exceeded CATR’s expectations of community service of a firm of this size, the group said.
 

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Rollins Hosts Annual Meeting in Atlanta

Rollins technical services staff gathered at its annual meeting Sept. 23-25 at the Rollins Learning Center in Atlanta to discuss the latest developments in pest control. In addition to Rollins leaders discussing company initiatives, attendees heard from guest speakers Brian Forschler from the University of Georgia’s Department of Entomology (below left), Jim Fredericks with the National Pest Management Association (below right), Michael Levin from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases and Roger Gold from Texas A&M University’s Department of Entomology.
 

 

Date Book

Send your announcement at least 14 weeks in advance to jdorsch@giemedia.com. For additional dates, visit www.pctonline.com/events. Jan. 19-23: Marathon PestPac User Conference and FPMA Pest and Lawn Care Expo, Embassy Suites, Kissimmee, Fla. Contact: www.events.marathondata.com/userconference. Jan. 28-29: NPMA Southwestern Conference 2015, Sandia Resort and Casino, Albuquerque, N.M. Contact: NPMA, 703/352-6762 or visit www.npmapestworld.org. Feb. 3-5: 2015 Wildlife Expo, presented by the National Pest Management Association and the National Wildlife Control Operators Association, Myrtle Beach, S.C. Contact: See Jan. 28. Feb. 10-11: NPMA Southern Conference 2015, Hilton Memphis, Memphis, Tenn. Contact: See Jan. 28. Feb. 10-11: 23rd annual Nebraska Urban Pest Management Conference, Lincoln, Neb. Contact: http://entomology.unl.edu/upm.shtml. March 8-10: Temp-Air’s first Biannual Thermal Remediation Bed Bug National Conference, Grapevine, Texas. Contact: http://thermalremediation.com/conference-registration-form. March 15-17: Legislative Day 2015, Capital Hilton, Washington, D.C. Contact: Contact: See Jan. 28. March 19-21: Pest Management Canada 2015, Westin Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Contact: See Jan. 28. March 23-26: 8th International IPM Symposium, Salt Lake City, Utah. Contact: http://ipmcenters.org/ipmsymposium15/. April 21-23: UPFDA Spring Conference, Marriott at McDowell Mountain, Scottsdale, Ariz. Contact: Valera Jessee, valerajessee29@gmail.com. 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. July 15-17: NPMA Academy 2015, Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa, Henderson, Nev. Contact: See Jan. 28.