FAIRFAX, Va. — The Board of Directors of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) in March voted to accept a large-scale sustainable platform for the future of the association, including a dues restructuring proposal developed by an appointed Blue Ribbon Task Force.
During the May 2016 industry strategic planning summit, nicknamed “P3,” industry leaders identified assessing the NPMA membership dues structure as a high priority to ensure the future of the association. The dues structure had not been tackled for more than 20 years. The specific tasks outlined during the summit were to analyze, assess and develop a fair, transparent and equitable dues structure to ensure a healthy NPMA now and into the future, the association said.
“The goal of the task force was to create a climate of trust within the membership, ensuring fairness, transparency and equitability,” said Chuck Tindol, past-president of NPMA. “To ensure that all voices within the membership categories were heard and had a voice in the results, I appointed this 15-member Blue Ribbon Task Force comprised of representatives of all stakeholders, including large companies, small companies, joint and standard states and large joint state affiliates.”
“We’ve been diligent in our work, conducting a comprehensive review to ensure that NPMA’s future will continue to be bright,” stated Bobby Jenkins, chairman of the Blue Ribbon Task Force. “We are very pleased that the NPMA board of directors has approved this path forward.”
To answer member questions about this latest NPMA development, the association has created an FAQ page here.
ServiceMaster Completes Acquisition of Copesan
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — ServiceMaster, the parent company of Terminix, recently announced the closing of its transaction with Copesan Services, one of the largest national providers of commercial pest management services in the country.
“This combination will significantly improve Terminix’s capabilities in commercial pest control as Copesan, under its brand, will provide us with significant expertise, system capabilities and processes for delivering pest management solutions to sophisticated commercial customers,” said Kelly Kambs, president of the company’s commercial pest control and termite business. “Copesan is a perfect complement to our growing business, and signifies the vast potential we see in the commercial market.”
“We’re excited to combine our organization with Terminix,” said Deni Naumann, president of Copesan Services. “We’ve built our brands through exceptional account management and service quality; outstanding care for our employees; and by consistently delivering on our commitments — all tenets of the ServiceMaster framework for success. We’re confident Copesan’s national coverage and local service expertise will continue to exceed the expectations of our clients, both current and new.”
Founded in 1958, Copesan Services is a commercial pest management company with sophisticated commercial processes, protocols, training and tools. The company’s 270 employees will continue to operate business under its three brands — Copesan National Accounts throughout North America; Wil-Kil Pest Control in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and upper peninsula of Michigan; and Holder’s Pest Solutions in Texas.
LR Tullius represented and acted as exclusive financial adviser to Copesan Services during the transaction.
Terminix Names New President of Commercial Business
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — ServiceMaster Global Holding in February announced it named Kelly Kambs as president of its Terminix commercial pest control and termite business.
In her new role, Kambs will report directly to ServiceMaster Chief Executive Officer Nik Varty. Kambs will have full profit and loss responsibility for the Terminix Commercial business and will focus on driving sustainable growth and profitability in the commercial pest control and termite market.
Kambs
Kambs joined ServiceMaster from CPG Building Materials, in Chicago, where she served as senior vice president. Prior to CPG, Kambs spent three years at Behr Processing Corporation as senior vice president of BehrPro. She developed and implemented the strategy for the firm’s professional coatings business. Prior to Behr, Kambs spent 10 years serving in a variety of sales, operations and commercial leadership roles for companies like Johns Manville, The Comex Group and Skydex Technologies. She graduated with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois and holds an MBA from Pepperdine University.
In Memoriam: Tom Nay
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tom Nay Sr., 59, of Jacksonville, Fla. passed away on March 20. Nay worked in the pest control industry for more than 35 years.
He is survived by his parents Tom and Marilyn Nay of The Villages, Fla., his wife Teresa Nay of Jacksonville, Fla., and his two children, Thomas Nay Jr. of Reading, Mass., and Tiffany Nay of Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
In lieu of flowers, the Nay family would like all donations to go into a fund to help cover medical and family-related expenses. To donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com/celebrating-tom-nay.
Gary Muldoon Recognized With Steven Graff CPMA Ambassador Award
TORONTO — At Pest Management Canada 2018, held March 6-8 in Toronto, the Canadian Pest Management Association (CPMA) and Bayer presented Gary Muldoon, former president of Orkin Canada, with the first-ever Steven Graff CPMA Ambassador Award.
The new award was created last September when the CPMA Board of Directors decided to honor the memory of Graff, the longtime quality assurance manager at Abell Pest Control and past CPMA president; he passed away in August, at 45. The annual award recognizes individuals for their contributions to the pest management industry in Canada. Graff’s CPMA accomplishments included defending the pest control industry before the Canadian government and helping to foster the relationship between CPMA and Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).
“Unfortunately, Steven passed away too soon, but while he was here he made a lasting impact on our industry. He was intricately involved with CPMA and SPMAO. Steven was truly an ambassador for our industry,” said CPMA President Sandy Costa.
Costa and Bayer’s Darcy Olds, territory sales manager for Ontario and Western Canada, presented the award to Muldoon, who recently retired after a long and distinguished pest management career, primarily with Orkin Canada. He began his career with PCO Services in 1975 as a pest control technician and salesperson and played an integral role during Orkin’s acquisition of that company in 1999.
“Gary’s impact reached far beyond Ontario, he was a true leader of our industry throughout all of Canada and still continues to attend and be involved in events,” Costa said.
Pest Management Canada 2018 featured two days of networking, education, exhibits and opportunities to meet with fellow pest management professionals from across the region. — Brad Harbison
Allergy Technologies Announces Third ProActive Prevention Bed Bug Symposium
AMBLER, PA. — Allergy Technologies, makers of ActiveGuard Mattress Liners, announced Irving, Texas, as the location of the firm’s third Proactive Prevention Bed Bug Symposium to be held on May 10. This symposium follows two prior symposia previously held in Florida and California. The events brought together hundreds of hospitality, property management and pest management professionals to learn from leading experts and renowned industry speakers on the mind shift from reactive to proactive bed bug strategies, the firm says.
The symposium’s goal is to increase the awareness, education and cost-effective viability of bed bug preventive programs targeting commercial sales and pest professionals who provide service programs. Ultimately the benefit of prevention is to protect clients, beds, guests/residents, and reputation from the ever-increasing challenge of bed bugs, Allergy Technologies reports. Gail Getty, a retired entomologist from the University of California, Berkeley, will speak on the latest bed bug behavior and treatment methods specific to hospitality and high transient accounts; Jeffrey Lipman, attorney-at-law, Polk County magistrate judge and class action bed bug litigator, will share insight into the legal consequences and liabilities surrounding bed bugs in hospitality and other commercial accounts; and Joseph Latino, president of Allergy Technologies, will offer unique strategies for establishing bed bug prevention and controlling re-infestation in commercial accounts as well as the financial benefits of these proactive approaches.
The symposium targets those in the pest management industry that offer service programs to commercial accounts such as: hotels/motels, colleges/universities, nursing homes, multi-occupant dwellings or any other accounts that involve sleeping areas.
Moisture From La Niña Creates Significant Spring Pest Pressure
FAIRFAX, Va. — The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) in March released its bi-annual Bug Barometer, an indicator of the pest pressure and activity that Americans can expect to see in their respective regions of the country based on weather patterns and long-term predictions, as well as pest biological behaviors. According to the group’s team of entomologists, pest activity will generally be in full force thanks in large part to both leftover moisture and mild conditions in various parts of the country.
“This year’s La Niña brought unusual moisture, sleet and snow to southern areas that are typically much warmer and drier this time of year, while conversely, areas like the Northwest that are usually colder in the winter had much milder weather,” said Jim Fredericks, Ph.D. “Residual moisture is a prime attraction for pests, especially home-damaging termites and mosquitoes known for transmitting disease, and conditions are ideal for when these pests typically flourish in the springtime.”
Meanwhile, areas that experienced drier, hotter conditions than normal have paved the way for other pests. “Tick populations will continue to boom with the onset of even warmer weather ahead,” said Fredericks.
Based on this analysis, the National Pest Management Association’s Bug Barometer is forecasting a busy spring and summer for PMPs and pests:
Northeast and New England: The area experienced extremely cold weather and several heavy snowstorms. If colder weather persists into spring, expect rodents to continue moving indoors for warmth and food. However, as warm temperatures eventually return, ticks could once again become a major concern throughout the area.
Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Midwest: The lower half of this region saw colder, drier conditions. Look for ants to be out in full force this spring as drier conditions drive them indoors in search of moisture. When warmth and moisture do finally return to the region, ticks will be on the rise.
Southeast: Despite an unseasonably cold winter, mosquitoes will rebound quickly due to the accumulation of moisture in the region. Expect termites and cockroaches to similarly thrive as it gets warmer throughout the spring.
North Central U.S.: Prepare for ticks to do well in this region thanks to warmer-than-average winter temperatures. Flies and ants also will thrive due to unseasonably high temperatures.
South Central U.S.: After an unusually cold and wet winter, termite pressure will be high in parts of this region where moist conditions persist into spring. Cockroaches and other crawling pests will also be a concern as the temperature rises.
Northwest U.S.: Exceptionally warm winter weather made it easier for last year’s ant populations to survive the winter and begin to expand their colonies in the spring. Ticks also will take advantage of warmer spring temperatures, giving populations a jump-start before the summer months.
Southwest U.S.: As temperatures continue to rise following an unusually warm winter, look for ants and cockroaches to become a major concern in and around homes as they seek out food and water.
BASF appoints Stephanie Jensen Director, P&SS
Jensen
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Stephanie Jensen joined the BASF Professional & Specialty Solutions (P&SS) business as its director for the U.S. Business. The P&SS business focuses on new and innovative solutions for customers in the pest control, turf, ornamentals and vegetation management/forestry markets. Jensen has been with BASF for 16 years, in a variety of roles spanning marketing, planning, and mergers and acquisitions. Most recently, she served as the director, group controlling and data management for the North American Crop Protection Division of BASF. She also represents BASF on the board of directors of WakeEd Partnership as chair elect and serves on the Programs Committee.
“I am thrilled for this opportunity as the P&SS business is where I started when I joined BASF — so this feels like a bit of homecoming to me,” said Jensen. “I am very much looking forward to working with our teams and customers to bring exciting new innovations to market.”
Jensen graduated from Bentley University with a bachelor of science in finance and an MBA.
WILMINGTON, Del. — The Agriculture Division of DowDuPont in February announced the name of its intended company once it is spun-off, which is expected to happen by June 1, 2019. The intended Agriculture company will become Corteva Agriscience, which is derived from a combination of words meaning “heart” and “nature.”
Corteva Agriscience brings together DuPont Crop Protection, DuPont Pioneer and Dow AgroSciences to create a market-shaping, standalone agriculture company with leading positions in Seed Technologies, Crop Protection and Digital Agriculture. Dow AgroSciences has a long history of developing products and services for the professional pest management industry, including the Sentricon System.
The corporate headquarters for the intended company will be located in Wilmington, Del., and will include key corporate support functions. Sites in Johnston, Iowa, and Indianapolis will serve as Global Business Centers, with leadership of business lines, business support functions, research and development, global supply chain, and sales and marketing capabilities concentrated in the two Midwest locations.
“This is the start of an exciting journey,” said James C. Collins Jr., chief operating officer, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. “Corteva Agriscience is bringing together three businesses with deep connections and dedication to generations of farmers. Our new name acknowledges our history while looking forward to our commitment to enhancing farmer productivity as well as the health and well-being of the consumers they serve. With the most balanced portfolio of products in the industry, nearly a century of agronomic expertise and an unparalleled innovation engine, Corteva Agriscience will become a leading agriculture company.”
DowDuPont will support the new brand name through a series of recognition events between now and the time the division becomes an independent company.
DowDuPont is a holding company comprised of The Dow Chemical Company and DuPont. For more information, visit at www.dow-dupont.com.
Left to right: Masha Fardisi and Bob Andrews, 10-year award winners. Left to right: Donnie Knight, Phil Nixon, David Edwards and Kevin Connelly, 25-year award winners.
Purdue Conference Recognizes 10- and 25-Year Attendees
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — At the Purdue Pest Management Conference in January, 10- and 25-year attendees were recognized. Ten-year awards were presented to Bob Andrews, Masha Fardisi, Kevin Gibson, Bret Lee and Charles McMahon. Twenty-five year awards went to Kevin Connelly, David Edwards, Ben Hicks, Donnie Knight, Phil Nixon and Steve Smith.
Termite Control Marketing Materials Now Available
ST. LOUIS, MO. — Compelling Communications announced two new customizable marketing materials available to pest control companies. These customized postcards and invoice stuffers in the form of “wanted” posters will help make marketing termite control services easier and more effective for pest management firms, the company says.
“We’ve received several calls recently inquiring about termite control marketing, so these materials are affordable methods of getting the word out about how a company can help alleviate the danger of termites,” explains June Van Klaveren, owner of Compelling Communications.
Compelling Communications is dedicated to helping pest control companies market their products and services and can be reached at 636/394-4148, www.howtomarketpestcontrol.com or at june@compelcom.com.
Rollins Acquires Pair of UK Pest Control Firms
ATLANTA — Rollins announced that it purchased the stock of AMES Group Limited and Kestrel Pest Control Limited, both companies operating in the United Kingdom.
Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Birmingham, United Kingdom, AMES Group Limited is a long-established pest control company in the UK, and provides pest control, bird control and specialist services to commercial customers throughout the midlands and London. Owners Alan and Joanne Read will stay on to run the company’s operations.
Kestrel Pest Control Limited, based in Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire, UK, was founded in 1993. Kestrel Pest Control provides commercial pest control to customers in Southhampton and surrounding areas of the Southwest. Kestrel Pest Control will roll into Rollins’ Safeguard UK brand. Owner Richard Borlase will stay on with the company in a sales position.
Gary W. Rollins, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Rollins, stated, “The acquisitions of AMES and Kestrel help us to expand our presence within the United Kingdom. These two additions will help us as we strive to position our organization as industry leaders, and we share a culture of continuous improvement and ongoing investment in training and development. Further, we are pleased that Alan and Joanne Read as well as Richard Borlase will remain with the respective companies and look forward to sharing best practices between our organizations.”
