Sprague Pest Solutions’ leadership program earns award

Sprague Director of Operations AJ Treleven receives the Association of Washington Business Washington Achieve Award on Nov. 17. PHOTO: SPRAGUE PEST SOLUTIONS

Tacoma, Wash.-based Sprague Pest Solutions’ leadership development program was recently recognized by the Association of Washington Business (AWB) with a Washington Achieve Award.

The company’s program is used to organically developing leaders who excel not only internally but externally in the communities where they live and work.

The AWB award recognizes a business that has excelled in creating, implementing or supporting a high-caliber education and/or workforce development system aligned with closing the employment gap. Sprague Pest Solutions was also a finalist in the Excellence in Washington Family-Owned Business category.

The AWB awards, which celebrate Washington’s innovative employer community, and the many ways private-sector employers contribute to the quality of life, were announced on Nov. 17 at the AWB Evening of Excellence held at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center. Sprague was represented at the ceremony by long-time Vice President Larry Treleven (also a member of the Pest Management Professional Hall of Fame, Class of 2016), Director of Operations AJ Treleven and Director of Sales Paul Treleven.

In summarizing the award, the AWB said of Sprague’s leadership development initiative, “Sprague strives to ensure employees see their job as a career, not a temporary position. The company takes a comprehensive approach to training and development that begins on day one with paid on-boarding training and a mentorship program. Sprague helps employees earn advanced trade credentials and awards a bonus to those who achieve it. Sprague’s two-tier leadership development program develops potential future leaders and builds leadership capabilities throughout the organization.”

“It is our distinct privilege to honor employers who are helping make Washington an incredible place to work, live and raise a family,” AWB President Kris Johnson said in the news release. “Through these awards, we are celebrating their successes and thanking them for their contributions to the economy and our communities.” 

Sprague Director of People Operations Leila Starwich, PHR, SHRM-CP, who directs the leadership development program, said the award acknowledges the deep commitment the company and those employees who are engaged in the initiative have made to advancing not only Sprague Pest Solutions’ mission but their own personal career goals.

“The leadership development program is one of the core elements of what Sprague is all about,” Starwich said. “To be recognized by the WBA for our efforts is a testimony to the extraordinary dedication of Sprague’s leadership and the Treleven family, as well as those individuals wanting to advance their careers and further their personal growth.”