RISE Hosts Breakfast at AMCA for Pesticide Advocacy

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — RISE, Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment, hosted its first-ever "Industry Issues Update" breakfast at the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) Annual Meeting, bringing together nearly 300 industry professionals, applicators and advocates committed to advancing the specialty pesticide industry. 

The AMCA Annual Meeting is an education and networking event for researchers, educators, vector control professionals, industry leaders and students in mosquito control. This year’s gathering marked a milestone in cross-industry collaboration, reinforcing the importance of advocacy in shaping science-driven policies and regulations. 

"Advocacy isn’t just about showing up, it’s about showing strength," said Karen Larson, immediate past chair of the RISE Governing Board and representative from Clarke, who welcomed attendees to the breakfast. “When we stand together, our voices are amplified, and we can drive meaningful change for our industry and the communities we serve.” 

RISE President Megan Provost delivered a call to action, emphasizing the power of collective engagement amid a shifting policy landscape. "We must be thoughtful and strategic as we navigate a new administration, a new Congress, and evolving state legislatures," said Provost. "Our strength lies in uniting our advocacy efforts and making sure decision-makers hear our voices loud and clear." 

The breakfast session featured Keira Lucas, deputy executive director of the Collier Mosquito Control District, and Paul Bauman, general manager of the Toledo Area Sanitary District (Ohio), who shared their journeys in industry advocacy and the importance of mentorship and engagement. 

"Get involved—and get others involved!" urged Lucas. "It can be daunting to start but the support and mentorship I received from this community made all the difference. We need to invest in young professionals and grassroots networks to ensure the future of our industry." 

 Bauman reinforced the need for direct engagement with policymakers by stating, "Remember, legislators and decision-makers are people just like us. They need to hear from you—your expertise, your challenges, and your solutions. If we don’t tell our story, someone else will." 

The discussion underscored the urgency of bringing new voices into the fold, fostering the next generation of leaders and ensuring that specialty industry mosquito control professionals are heard in legislative and regulatory arenas. 

"When we unite our voices and amplify one message, we hold the power to shape the future of our industry," Provost said.