The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) announced the recipients of its industry awards during an early morning session as the third day of the event kicked off. The organization recognized several professionals who have worked hard throughout their careers and contributed greatly to the industry. See the story below to learn who received top honors this year.
PestWorld 2014 is the place to be to meet with more than 3,000 other pest management professionals, researchers and vendors from around the world. This year, the exhibit hall completely sold out, according to NPMA President Billy Tesh.
Not only are attendees able to test drive the latest products, learn about new services and catch up on business trends, they can earn recertification credits at educational sessions led by the industry’s top experts. Session topics ranged from marketing and social media to agronomics and termiticide tests.
Featured speakers include Navy SEAL and humanitarian Eric Greitens, who shares his unique experiences and stories to inspire and enlighten, and marketing veteran J.B. Bernstein, on whose life the recent Disney movie, “Million Dollar Arm” is based.
Photos
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- Rhythm Extreme’s electrifying show kicked off PestWorld 2014.
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- All attendees need to do is look for the signs to know they’re in the right place.
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- Forshaw Inc.’s Thomas Gray and Mark Cavanaugh handed out pink Shubee shoe covers, giving Susan G. Koman For the Cure $5 for every pair worn at the show.
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- A common site on the PestWorld exhibit hall floor: Pink Shubees everywhere, courtesy of Forshaw Inc., for a good cause.
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- It didn’t take long for Forshaw Inc. to reach its goal of raising money to help exterminate cancer. Long before the first day of the show came to a close, the company surpassed its goal.
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- PestWorld attendees with a love of bugs pick up insect-related jewelery, coffee mugs, shirts and other items at just one of the several merchandise booths on the show floor.
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- The gavel passes to 2014-2015 National Pest Management Association President Billy Tesh during the Opening General Session on day two of the event.
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- Who wouldn’t want to go to Antopia?
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- A beautiful and unusual site on the exhibit floor.
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- PestWorld heads to Nashville in 2015. See you there!
NPMA Industry Awards
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) announced the recipients of its industry awards during a session held prior to J. B. Bernstein’s keynote address Thursday morning.
First, the Professional Pest Management Alliance provided some light entertainment with a humorous pest-related ditty set to the tune of the Gilligan’s Island theme song before the winners were revealed.
Laura Simpson received the NPMA Women of Excellence Award, an international honor open to women in the pest management industry who demonstrate outstanding leadership contribute to the development and growth of the profession. The owner and president of Dugas Pest Control in Baton Rouge, La., served as past president of the NPMA as well as the Louisiana Pest Management Association.
Tim Brock, president and owner of Brock Lawn and Pest Control Inc., Panama City, Fla., earned this year’s NPMA Young Entrepreneur’s Award. As a third-generation pest control operator under the age of 40, he was recognized for quadrupling the size of the business he bought from his father in 2007 as well as his employee retention efforts. Brock is involved in the industry, serving as Florida Pest Management Association president from 2010 to 2012, and his community.
“What an honor it is to accept this award in my home state,” Brock said as he collected his award.
The 2013-2014 Committee of the Year award went to NPMA’s Super Committee and the 2013-2014 Committee Chairperson of the Year award was given to Lanny Allgood, Bylaws Committee.
The winner of the ACE (Associate Certified Entomologist) Professional Award that launched this summer was Robert B. Caine, a past president of the Florida Pest Control Association.
Tommy Fortson, who began his career at Terminix in 1963, was named the Pinnacle Award recipient, NPMA’s highest honor.
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- The Professional Pest Management Alliance entertains the crowd with a familiar, yet slightly altered, tune.
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- Laura Simpson, owner and president of Dugas Pest Control in Baton Rouge, La., received the NPMA Women of Excellence Award in 2014. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
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- Tim Brock, president and owner of Brock Lawn and Pest Control Inc., Panama City, Fla., received NPMA’s Young Entrepreneur’s Award.
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- The Super Committee earned NPMA’s 2013-2014 Committee of the Year award.
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- Tommy Fortson is NPMA’s Pinnacle Award recipient.
PestWorld 2014 Product Preview
Show Product Preview 20143 (Download the PDF)
Four Industry Icons Inducted into PMP Hall of Fame
The Pest Management Professional (PMP) Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held October 20 in Orlando, Fla., on the eve of PestWorld 2014. Read more here.
PMP Hall of Fame Inductee Videos
Ed Bradbury is cofounder of Viking Termite & Pest Control, one of the largest and most respected pest management companies in North America. He’s served as president of the New Jersey Pest Management Association six times and on several National Pest Management Association committees.
Gene Harrington didn’t take long to make his name in the pest management industry. After starting with a job as manager of government affairs with the National Pest Control Association (now NPMA) two decades ago, Harrington is still with the association as vice president of government affairs, shaping industry-related legislation and regulations.
Don Reierson started as a student assistant for fellow PMP Hall of Famer Dr. Walter Ebeling (Class of 2003), studying mosquitoes and other insects. Now he conducts research for the department of entomology at the University of California, Riverside with 2007 PMP Hall of Famer, Dr. Mike Rust. Their research areas include urban insect pests, integrated pest management, insecticide resistance and field control strategies.
Dempsey R. Sapp Sr. is widely considered a founding father of the pest management industry. After earning his master’s degree, he opened Gainesville, Fla.-based Florida Pest Control & Chemical Co., now one of the biggest family-owned pest management companies in the U.S.
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