[News]

Industry Mourns the Loss of Jeff Singley

Atlanta — Jeff Singley, president of Arrow Exterminators, died in Winter Park, Colo., on March 23, at age 46.

Singley started his career with Arrow in 1991 as a salesman in Macon, Ga., focused on growing the business in the Macon and Savannah markets. He was quickly promoted to branch manager and then region vice president for all of South Georgia. He helped grow the South Georgia area to more than $1 million in revenue in two years. That same area now generates $14 million in business for Arrow.

Singley’s leadership, along with others, helped to grow the company from nine locations and $10 million in revenue in 1991 to 70 offices operating in nine states and generating $110 million in revenue today. The company said he was instrumental in growing the company through internal growth and strategic acquisitions.

Arrow CEO Emily Thomas said Singley was good at finding, training, recognizing, rewarding and keeping only the best people, a characteristic that served him well.

During the course of his career, he won all the awards the company bestows, many of them on multiple occasions, including the Starkey Thomas Manager of the Year Award, the John Millican Impact Player of the Year Award, the Gerald Ellerbee Salesman of the Year Award, and various Golden Arrow and Beyond the Call awards.

In 2009, as Arrow’s executive vice president, Singley was honored by Syngenta Professional Products and PCT magazine as one of its Crown Leadership Award winners. This award spotlights individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the structural pest control industry, with characteristics such as strong leadership and integrity.

An active member of many local and state industry associations, Singley also served on the WDO committee of the National Pest Management Association. Singley was named chief operating officer in June 2010 and was appointed president of the company this March.

Survivors include his wife, Liz Singley of Americus, Ga.; sons Kyle and Ryan Singley of Americus; brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Melissa Singley of Americus; mother and father Laverne and Cliff Singley of Americus; and mother-in-law and father-in-law Rubielen and Howard Norris of Bishop, Ga.

In memory of Singley, the family has asked that donations be made to: The Jeff Singley Memorial Fund, Citizens Bank of Americus, 119 North Lee Street, P.O. Box 1128, Americus, GA 31709, 229/924-4011.

The fund will benefit the Americus community of which Singley was an active member.
 

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Rockwell Labs Recognized as Outstanding Business

KANSAS CITY, KAN. — Rockwell Labs was recognized as a “25 Under 25” outstanding small business in the Kansas City area. Selected companies demonstrate consistent growth, commitment to the community and an ability to overcome challenges. Some 1,200 companies were nominated for the 11th annual awards presented by Thinking Bigger Business Media.

Separately, Rockwell Founder and CEO Dr. Cisse Spragins was accepted into the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program (HEMP). HEMP’s mission is to strengthen high-potential entrepreneurs and their organizations through mentoring, participation in the HEMP community and supportive programming. Spragins was accepted into the three-year program in 2011. The application process includes a review of business goals and objectives, business structure, company financials, reference and background checks, and an on-site interview by a committee of 12 business owners and executives. “I learned of the program a few years ago, and my only regret is not doing it sooner,” she said. “The application process is a little off-putting, but the program is phenomenal. My mentor is really wonderful. Most of the decisions I’ve made over the last 13 years have been pretty lonely ones. Having a network of some 150 business owners and executives as a resource is just amazing.”
 

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PWIPM Scholarship Available

FAIRFAX, VA. — Females interested in advancing or securing a career in the pest management industry may apply through June 15 for the Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) Scholarship. The scholarship may be used to defer costs related to pest management education and/or career advancement.

The scholarship will be for at least $1,000 and includes $500 toward travel expenses to attend NPMA PestWorld 2012, where the scholarship will be awarded at the PWIPM Reception, Oct. 18. Recipient(s) will be notified by Aug. 1.

Criteria for application includes: female currently employed in the pest management industry, minimum of two years industry experience, submission of an essay (1,000 word maximum) based on pre-determined questions and two letters of recommendation. Submissions must be received by June 15. Visit www.npmapestworld.org/pwipm for more information.
 

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Bell Laboratories honored as 2011 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year

MADISON, WIS. — Bell Laboratories was honored with the 2011 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year award in February for its accomplishments in manufacturing and creating a better quality of life for citizens of the state.

Bell Laboratories’ newest robotic equipment swung into action in late February for producing pre-baited, disposable mouse stations.

In accepting the award, in the category of large manufacturer with 300-750 employees, Bell President and CEO Steve Levy saluted the 340 company employees whose skills and dedication have made Bell a vital company in the state’s economy and a leader in rodent control technology around the world. With rodent control products registered in more than 40 countries, Bell manufactures 96 percent of its product line at its Madison, Wis., headquarters.

The award, sponsored by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Baker Tilly Accountants and Advisors and Michael Best & Friedrich law firm, was based on Bell’s strong sales growth, employee productivity, contributions to the community, island conservation work, and innovative products and manufacturing techniques. The company also has made significant investments in robotic automation and continues to expand its plastics molding operations.

Revised Edition of “Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook” Now Available

LINCOLN, NEB. — The “Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook: A guide to identifying vertebrate damage to structures, landscapes and livestock” is now available in its third edition. Written by Stephen M. Vantassel for pest and wildlife control professionals, the handbook has been revised and expanded to provide more detailed information on wildlife and their damage. The book contains 180 pages with more than 300 color photographs, along with drawings and black and white images.

The Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook is divided into two parts: Part 1 contains 12 chapters detailing the theory and practice of inspection, strategies to identify animal signs and more. Part 2 covers 25 of the most common nuisance wildlife species in the U.S., including identifying signs and symptoms, behavior, diet, reproduction and damage to structures and gardens.

Vantassel has authored several books, including the “Wildlife Removal Handbook” and the “National Wildlife Control Training Program” (University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Cornell University, 2012). He has written articles for PCT, Wildlife Control Technology, Trapper & Predator Caller and other industry publications. He has twice received the Educator of the Year award (2008, 2012) from the National Wildlife Control Operators Association.

Retail price is $85 plus $5.15 shipping (U.S.) for the printed edition and $55 for the digital (PDF) edition. Copies may be purchased at Lulu.com, Amazon.com and Wildlife Control Supplies. Dealer inquiries are welcome. Contact the author at stephenvantassel@hotmail.com. More information is available at http://wildlifecontrolconsultant.com or http://www.stephenvantassel.com.

B&G Equipment Announces New Video Series

JACKSON, GA. — B&G Equipment, a U.S. manufacturer of professional pest control application equipment, has expanded its website featuring a continuing series of new product videos that deliver short, concise demonstrations of the company’s time- and labor-saving equipment, said President Cecil Patterson.

New videos show the Lo-Line bed bug trap/monitor in action, B&G termite tools, the duster line, the cart-mounted Portable Aerosol Machine (PAS) and the Matrix II insect light trap. Each product video is located on its associated product page. All videos can be viewed for free without password or log-in. B&G’s video series, narrated by Dr. Bill Robinson, is located at www.bgequip.com.
 

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Pest Barrier Launches Pest Bytes E-Mail Newsletter

Carson, Calif. — Pest Barrier, a division of Bird Barrier America, has introduced a bi-weekly e-mail newsletter called Pest Bytes.

Pest Bytes features new pest control products and presents in-the-field case studies showing how these products work and how PMPs are better serving their customers.

The current issue describes how Dave Kaufman, a Critter Control manager, uses Rat-Out gel to deter rats — and squirrels. Also included is a story about Doug Dicketts of Cats USA Pest Control, who uses his Termite Seeker to help find termites — and rats. There is also information about a new drill bit that helps with installation of Green Eye Termite Monitors.

To view the current issue of Pest Bytes, visit www.pestbarrier.com/news; subscribe by e-mailing marketing@pestbarrier.com, visiting www.pestbarrier.com or calling 800/503-5444.

PCO News

Please send press releases about your firm to jdorsch@giemedia.com. Pictured (from left to right) are John Sanderfer, leadership program manager, Rollins University; David Lamb, vice president of learning and media services; Suzanne Whitlock, manager, business systems training; and Ramiro Banderas, media services director. Colony Pest Management now offers Cryonite Instant Freeze as part of its bed bug treatment process. Cryonite is environmentally friendly and 100 percent organic so it can be used in food-service facilities, hotels, hospitals, schools, restaurant kitchens, office space and many other areas where there are electronic devices or hard-to-reach places, the firm said. Cryonite eliminates all types of crawling insects in all stages of their life cycle (eggs, larvae, nymphs and adults) on contact. Schendel Pest Services, Topeka, Kan., acquired the operations of PestWorks, a pest control provider in Addison, Texas. The acquisition expands Schendel to six states, and is in line with the company’s strategic growth plan. The office will function as Schendel’s ninth district office, and will service a mix of residential and commercial customers. The expansion marks Schendel’s fourth acquisition in five years. Allgood Pest Solutions of Georgia, Florida and Tennessee, has been approved for bedbugFREE membership, joining an expanding national network of pest management firms committed to the guidelines and practices of BedBug Central. Allgood has been protecting homes and businesses in Georgia for more than 30 years. Truly Nolen will be servicing three new countries including Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg under the leadership of Rui Duarte, the franchisee of Truly Nolen’s Portugal office. Truly Nolen offers franchise opportunities throughout the U.S. and internationally in non-competing markets. The company currently has franchises established in 53 countries. Earlier this year, Truly Nolen welcomed a franchise in Bangledash, which gave Truly Nolen International 220 offices worldwide. Training magazine recognized Atlanta-based Orkin as a Top 125 company at its annual awards banquet in February. Orkin ranked No. 52 in 2012, up from No. 68 in 2011. This is the tenth consecutive year the pest control company received a Top 125 ranking. Training selects this list of companies based on programs tied to business objectives, best training practices and outstanding training initiatives, among other criteria. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins. In other news, Orkin recently expanded its employee base and service area in Hyde Park, N.Y., with the acquisition of Craig Thomas Pest Control. Craig and Michelle Thomas will continue to run the branch that services the mid-Hudson Valley of lower New York as Craig Thomas Pest Control. The new Termite Control Exterminator website has been established to help answer commonly asked consumer questions about termites and the role professional extermination companies play to prevent and eliminate termite infestations. PCOs and technicians can provide their customers with termite information by linking or referring them to www.termitecontrolexterminator.com.

Compelling Communications Celebrates 15 years

ST. LOUIS, MO. — Compelling Communications celebrates 15 years in business in 2012. Owner June Van Klaveren established the company to help pest control companies be more effective in their marketing efforts. As the former manager of communications for Whitmire Micro-Gen Research Laboratories, Van Klaveren became familiar with the marketing challenges pest control companies face and decided to focus primarily on that market when she started the business in 1997.

Van Klaveren is a frequent association speaker on pest control customer service and marketing. Visit www.howtomarketpestcontrol.com for more information.
 

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PPMA Unveils Redesigned Consumer Website

FAIRFAX, VA. — PestWorld.org, an educational website designed to inform homeowners about common household pests, has undergone a complete redesign, the Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) announced. PPMA serves as the public outreach arm of the NPMA. The consumer website is designed to give visitors a more interactive and engaging experience and serve as a one-stop resource for all pest-related topics.

The site features articles and content from expert sources within and outside the industry, including “The Bug Lady” blog by PPMA Executive Director Missy Henriksen, and contributions from real estate agents, home inspectors and meteorologists. A medical expert also will contribute pest-related health topics, including Salmonella, Lyme disease, West Nile virus, asthma and allergies.

“PestWorld.org is designed to provide users with a complete view of pests and the health and property risks they pose,” Henriksen said. “We want to ensure that our visitors are able to find all of the information they need about their pest problems. Visitors can browse through expert-authored articles, photo and video libraries, pest guides, prevention tips and health articles to give them a full understanding of pests and the dangerous implications they can have on our homes and families.”

The site also includes a commercial section and a multimedia center and retains features such as Pest Guide, AllThingsBedBugs, media gallery, case studies and ZIP code locator.