CPCO of GA conference sees Canoo’s industry kickoff

PHOTO: Certified Pest Control Operators of Georgia Inc.

The Certified Pest Control Operators of Georgia Inc. (CPCO of GA) held its 23rd Annual Fall Conference from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the Edgar H. Wilson Convention Center in Macon, Ga.

The “Plug-In Early” Kick-Off Celebration included a presentation from special guest, Canoo, a startup American manufacturer of electric vehicles. This was followed by food, beverages and a vendor-sponsored bingo game.

The event included a video welcome from Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) and an in-person, inspiring keynote presentation from Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black. The conference was sponsored by Target Specialty Products.

Gary Gumushian, Canoo’s Global Vice President of Commercial Sales and Business Development, and many of his team, shared how their innovative vehicles are customizable to pest management industry. A prototype model of the lifestyle van was on display, and pre-orders were available at the conference.

Along with Canoo, dozens of other exhibitors attended this year. The one-and-a-half day training included continuing education units (CEUs) not only from Georgia, but eight other states.  The robust schedule included a Manager’s Advancement Program (MAP) where decision-makers participated in business-focused topics.  This track concluded with a leadership talk from Chick-fil-A franchisee owner/operators.  “I always learn something from the MAP track at the conference, and look forward to it every year,” says Jay Lee, owner of Captain Pest Control, Madison, Fla.

The CPCO of GA Board of Directors named Eric Shaw, owner of A&E Pest Control, Winder, Ga., the recipient of this year’s Wayne Webber Award of Excellence. This award is given to someone who has made significant contributions to the industry and the association, and demonstrates integrity personally and professionally.

PHOTO: Certified Pest Control Operators of Georgia Inc.

In support of one of CPCO of GA’s hurting members, attendees were encouraged to write a note in support for a young technician whose spouse passed away Sept. 21, 2021.  He and his two children, ages 4 years old and 8 months old, will be given cards of inspiration from industry colleagues and cash donations that were clipped to “the Giving Tree”.

Coming up, CPCO of GA is proud to be a sponsor of the Professionals Empowering, Sustaining & Transforming (P.E.S.T.) Relief International Golf Fundraising Event, set for Tuesday, Nov. 9, at Rivermont Golf Club in Johns Creek, Ga.  Proceeds will go toward building a home in Cumming, Ga., for boys aged 8-12 in foster care. To learn more about forming a team or becoming a sponsor and to register, please visit PestRelief.org.