NPMA Changes Academy 2020 to Virtual Platform

FAIRFAX, Va. — NPMA’s 2020 Academy meeting, sponsored by Corteva, has been shifted to a completely virtual platform.

“After polling our past participants on their thoughts, it was clear that we had to proceed with hosting Academy 2020 in some format,” said Dominique Stumpf, NPMA CEO. “Academy has always been an important event where industry connections are made and leadership skills are gained, and we are excited to deliver the same experience virtually this year.”

NPMA’s Leadership Networking Community (LNC), the group that hosts Academy, has a mission to cultivate professional development and networking opportunities throughout the year. NPMA’s LNC and Corteva are working to create an Academy program that will engages past participants, but also opens the door to pest management professionals who have not had the opportunity to attend this unique event in the past. “With the online format this year, we are able to have flexible registration options so attendees can choose how they want to experience this event,” said Aric Schroeder, chair of NPMA’s Leadership Networking Community. “Participants will have the option to be placed on a team, similar to the original face-to-face format, or they can sign up a la carte for specific sessions that appeal to them and fit their schedules.”

Academy 2020 will take place virtually beginning in mid-July and run every-other week through early October. Each session will be approximately 90 minutes long and will include a variety of keynote presentations, interactive team-building tasks and Learning Lab breakouts focused on business management. On Oct. 13-16, Academy participants will be encouraged to join in-person for PestWorld 2020 in Nashville where the Academy champions will be celebrated and an exclusive Academy meet-up will take place facilitating continued engagement and networking. Learn more at http://academy.npmapestworld.org.

In other NPMA event news, the association’s inaugural Industry Safety Summit, originally planned for June 25-26 of this year, was postponed to May 6-7, 2021, due to the impact of COVID-19. That event is a workshop-style meeting that will bring safety experts together with companies of all sizes to discuss safety as it relates to the pest management industry. Topics covered will include safe driving, pesticide safety and tips on implementing a safety program.

The full program and registration information for the 2021 Industry Safety Summit can be found at safety.npmapestworld.org.

Pi Chi Omega Awards Scholarships for 2020

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Pi Chi Omega, the professional fraternity of the pest control industry, recently announced its 2020 scholarship recipients. The pest control fraternity awarded $11,000 in scholarships to five students:

• John Osmun Scholarship awarded to Tiana Molitor, University of Minnesota for $3,000.?
• Founders Endowment Scholarship awarded to Fabian List, Texas A&M for $2,000.
• Alain VanRyckeghem Memorial Scholarship awarded to Aaron Rodriques, Purdue University for $2,000.
• Austin Frishman Scholarship awarded to Amanda Penicks, Cal Poly Tech for $2,000.
• Norm Ehmann Scholarship awarded to Rajani Sapkota, Purdue University for $2,000.

This year marks 44 years of Pi Chi Omega providing financial scholarships that support formal education within the field of entomology. Because of an anonymous donation in Norm Ehmann’s name, a fifth scholarship was added to the 2020 scholarship program.

The keystone of Pi Chi Omega’s philanthropy is its scholarship program, which aims to support full-time university students engaged in urban and industrial pest management studies. The objective of Pi Chi Omega’s scholarship program is to encourage and assist students to prepare for careers in pest management. In addition to bringing young minds into the industry, Desiree Straubinger, chair of the Pi Chi Omega Scholarship Committee, says, “the research students are doing influences the future of our industry and is very important in the ever-evolving world of pest control.”

To learn more, visit www.pichiomega.org, or contact the Pi Chi Omega staff at office@pichiomega.org or 540/376-3617.

Malcolm Stack Charity Golf Tournament Moved

SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. — The Agri-Turf Distributing/Tri-West 6^th Annual Malcolm Stack Charity Golf Tournament has been moved to Oct. 1, 2020. The event will be held at Tustin Ranch Golf Club. All event proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society in its efforts to provide funding for leading cancer research, and patient support services.

Email Andrea Vogt at avogt@agriturfdistributing.com for additional information.??

NPMA Presents 2020-21 Board of Directors

FAIRFAX, Va. — NPMA recently announced the results of its annual Board of Directors election. The 2020-21 executive committee features the following board members:

• Scott Steckel (Plunkett’s Pest Control, Columbus, Ohio) will serve as president. ?
• Justin McCauley (McCauley Service, Benton, Ark.) will serve as president-elect.
• Marillian Missiti (Buono Pest Control, Belmont, Mass.) will serve as treasurer. ?
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• ye Golden (Cook’s Pest Control Decatur, Ala.) will serve as secretary.
• Chris Gorecki (Rollins, Atlanta) will serve as immediate past president.

Each of the newly elected directors will begin their term of office on July 1. New members of the Board of Directors include:

• Chuck Tindol (Rentokil, Telluride, Colo.), Past President Representative
• Andy Yant (P.E.S.T., Goodlettsville, Tenn.), Region #2 Director
• Carl Braun (Quality Pest Control, Omaha, Neb.), Region #3 Director
• Bob Dold Jr. (Rose Pest Solutions, Northfield, Ill.), At-Large Member
• Staci Jo Johnston (Ecolab, Eagan, Minn.), At-Large Member
• Eric Scherzinger (Scherzinger Pest Control, Cincinnati, Ohio), At-Large Member
• AJ Treleven (Sprague Pest Solutions, Tacoma, Wash.), At-Large Member
• Bill Welsh (Rose Pest Solutions, Kalamazoo, Mich.), At-Large Member
• Suzanne Graham (Massey Services, Orlando, Fla.), Associate Director
• Aric Schroeder (Copesan Services, Menomonee Falls, Wis.), Associate Director

Kama’aina Termite and Pest Control Completes Massive Hotel Fumigation

HONOLULU — Kama’aina Termite and Pest Control announced the completion of its largest project to date, the fumigation of Hawai’i Island’s historic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The project was one of the largest fumigations in the state of Hawaii and possibly the nation, the company said.

With a daily crew averaging at least 24 full-time fumigators, Kama’aina Termite and Pest Control was able to successfully treat more than 7 million cubic feet of hotel space during a 12-day span (late April to early May 2020). Key areas fumigated were the hotel’s 252 rooms and suites in the Main Tower and Beachfront Wing, four main restaurants, spa and gym facilities, retail stores, golf pro shop and breezeway. The company says the result was the successful elimination of active drywood termites.?

Kama’aina Termite and Pest Control also installed Sentricon System bait stations throughout the property to combat subterranan termites. Nearly 200 Sentricon stations were installed over a combined 2,895 linear feet around the hotel’s perimeter. This multi-million-dollar fumigation and subterranean termite project on the Kohala Coast is part of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s planned $150 million renovation, scheduled to occur in 2021.

With hotel operations temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mauna Kea Beach hotel management utilized this time to facilitate the fumigation project. With pest control deemed an “essential business” during this pandemic, Kama’aina Termite and Pest Control said it was fortunate to have its employees working on this project.

“We are grateful to be taking on projects like the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel during these challenging times,” said Delia Fabro, president, Kama’aina Termite and Pest Control. “We are fortunate to be able to retain all our employees to date and operate without having to request financial assistance. It’s a testament to the loyalty and confidence that our customers have in us. We look forward to continuing to provide value and high-quality service for years to come.”

Douglas Costales, director of engineering, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, added, “Although challenged, the Kama’aina crew was never defeated. Their team’s ‘can-do’ attitude pushed them to the finish line. We thank each and every one of them for their hard work and perseverance.”

Established in 1999, Kama’aina Termite and Pest Control has handled large-scale projects and historic sites, including the King Kamehameha IV Hotel, Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, Waikiki Shell, Poinciana Manor, Polynesian Cultural Center, Kaumakapili Church and The Hokulea voyaging canoe.

Nozzle Nolen Sanitizes Local First Responders’ Vehicles

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Nozzle Nolen, in May announced it had recently treated the Riviera Beach Police Department’s vehicles with its DisMist Disinfectant Service, which destroys germs, viruses and bacteria.

“Right now, being a police officer is tougher than ever,” said Paul Sugrue, Nozzle Nolen technical director and IPM specialist. “We want to show our first responders how much we appreciate them being here for us.”

Nozzle Nolen donated its DisMist Disinfectant Service to ensure officers with the Riviera Beach Police Department have peace of mind while they continue to work on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For our officers, their cars are their offices, and they’re in them 12 hours a day,” explained Riviera Beach Police Major Josh Lewis. “Today, with what’s going on with the pandemic, it’s very difficult to feel safe. This sanitization process gives our officers a feeling of assurance that their cars are free of germs and viruses.”

Nozzle Nolen’s DisMist Disinfectant Service is a two-step process that involves a technician wiping down high-touch areas, then applying a hospital-grade sterilant in the form of a mist to sanitize.?

“Today, our police officers are very excited about the vehicle sanitization because they’re transporting passengers in these cars every day and they don’t know if those passengers are carrying COVID-19,” said Riviera Beach Mayor Ronald Felder. “Nozzle Nolen has truly gone above and beyond to show their support and concern for our community, and we thank them.”

Turner Pest Control Providing Complimentary Cleaning Services to First Responders

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Turner Pest Control has added a new offering over the past month, TurnerClean Disinfection Misting Service.

As part of the company’s community outreach and commitment to giving back to first responders, Turner Pest Control provided the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office with complimentary cleanings for any police cars and the homes of any officers who have contracted COVID-19. Additionally, Turner Pest Control performed a weekly sanitation treatment at JSO’s fitness facilities and donated cleaning products to maintain sanitation between services.

“Keeping the public safe as we reopen is of utmost importance,” said Bill Talon, president of Turner Pest Control. “For us to be able to offer this service to our local community is a wonderful way to provide business owners and residential property owners peace of mind during this uncertain time.”

“We are grateful for this generous donation from Turner Pest Control. Their support for our officers and administrative team helps our team members keep their full focus on serving this community,” said Officer Derrick Lewis with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Gary Black Inducted into GPCA Hall of Fame

ATHENS, Ga. — The Georgia Pest Control Association inducted Gary Black, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, into GPCA’s Hall of Fame. Black was inducted at the association’s annual Winter Conference in Athens, Ga., on Jan. 9.

The Georgia Pest Control Association (GPCA) Hall of Fame represents leaders in the pest control industry who have dedicated their career to helping grow the integrity and professionalism of the industry.

Clendenin Consulting ?Group Offers TCCG Productized Model

VERO BEACH, Fla. — The Clendenin Consulting Group (TCCG), a consulting and advisory service firm for those in the pest control, lawn care and landscape industries led by Greg Clendenin, is now offering an additional service — the Productized Model.

Productizing involves creating systems and processes around TCCG’s offerings in such a way that, along with the careful guidance and advice of TCCG, the client can do much of the on-the-ground footwork themselves, the company says. This saves on fees while, at the same time, getting the results and outcomes customers want. The Productized Model is not just a one-size-fits-all model. The consulting and advisory service behind it will be customized for each individual client’s needs and desires.

The Productized Model allows the client/owner and the client’s staff (as needed) to follow a process with TCCG’s assistance and advice. TCCG will review and “sign off” on each step of the process for the client before moving on to the next phase. Detailed documents are provided to clients along with regularly available and timely consulting support for successful outcomes. ?

For more information contact The Clendenin Consulting Group at www.theclendeninconsultinggroup.com.

Fox Pest Control Organizes Food Drive

LOGAN, Utah — Throughout the month of April, Fox Pest Control worked with customers to collect non-perishable food items in order to help those who are struggling due to COVID-19. The items were donated to various charitable organizations for distribution.

“The need for pest control in spite of the global pandemic has allowed us to continue to provide services to our customers and keep our staff employed,” said Andrea Holyoak, philanthropy and special projects manager at Fox Pest Control. “We felt we needed to do something to give back.”

Technicians collected items from customer doorsteps during their scheduled treatment. The items were disinfected, stored, and delivered to the local organizations. Fox also donated $500 to go towards helping those with food insecurity.

“Our technicians were happy to support their community, and the customer response was amazing,” said Anthony Dellapenna, manager at Fox Pest Control. “This was a fun and impactful project for us.”

McCall Service Donates More Than $8,500 to United Way

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — McCall Service, Jacksonville, Fla., has donated $8,925 to United Way Northeast Florida in its efforts to fund relief in the COVID-19 pandemic. The company says as a family-owned and -operated company with more than 90 years of service, the firm is deeply connected to its community and customers. Funds for the donation were raised as part of a promotion offered in April that provided a discount to customers for new annual services and a $25 donation to United Way.

David Cooksey, CFO of McCall Service says, “It’s always been important to us to do what we can to support the community that has always supported us as a family-run business. We saw the impact that this virus was having on so many people and knew we needed to come together to help in some way. Our customers are the best and they really stepped in across all our service areas adding over 350 new annual services in the month of April making this donation possible.”

In addition to its COVID-19 relief funding efforts, McCall Service also introduced a new service called ViPro Shield. This new service line is a proactive disinfecting service for commercial businesses. As experts in protecting the public health from pests and creating clean and safe environments, McCall Service says it is particularly well equipped to provide such disinfecting services to combat viruses like the flu and COVID-19. “McCall Service is proud to offer our commercial customers this new service to help keep their employees and customers safe and healthy,” Cooksey said. “Our experience and training afford us the ability to promote these safe practices for infection prevention within all businesses.”

ABC Home & Commercial Services Makes Pledge to Help the Hungry

AUSTIN, Texas — Bobby Jenkins and ABC Home & Commercial Services pledged to donate a portion of their sales to local food banks through June 2020. The program, which started on May 18, consists of donating a portion of their sales to local food banks for every new ongoing service agreement with ABC Home & Commercial Services.

“Our reasoning is simple: to help because we can.” Bobby Jenkins, owner of ABC, said. “We have been fortunate to keep our business running throughout COVID-19, and we feel we owe our community the continued support and help during this uncertain time. We want to help in a bigger way than we have in the past, which is why we are donating $20 for every new ongoing service agreement signed with ABC.”

ABC’s new ongoing service agreements range from annual pest control agreements to weekly pool cleanings to maintenance on AC systems to mowing and fertilizing of yards. “Our goal is to contribute approximately $50,000 over the next few weeks as we start this program. We hope to reach the goal and are able to help the local food banks ensure families have food,” says Jenkins.

ABC has offices and satellite offices in Austin, Bastrop, Bryan/College Station, Corpus Christi, Georgetown, Marble Falls, San Antonio, San Marcos, and Temple/Belton and will be donating to The Central Texas Food Bank, Brazos Valley Food Bank, Coastal Bend Food Bank, and the San Antonio Food Bank, as well as the food pantries that operate in conjunction with the food banks.

“The increased demand for our services brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has stretched our resources to the limit,” said Derrick Chubbs, president and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank. “This program from our friends at ABC Home & Commercial Services demonstrates the value of a truly caring community during these challenging times.”

International IPM Symposium ?Scheduled for March 15-18 in Denver

DENVER — The International IPM Symposium will be held March 15-18, 2021, at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in Denver, Colo. The International IPM Symposium is a global event for presenting and learning about the latest research and strategies for effectively managing pests in agriculture communities and natural areas. The symposium offers networking and professional development. In 2021, the event’s theme will be “Implementing IPM across Borders and Disciplines.”

Learn more at www.ipmsymposium.org.