New York State can now speak with “one voice” as it now has only one association representing the pest control industry. The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA) was recently formed by the mergers of the Professional Pest Management Association of NYC (PPMANYC) and the Long Island Pest Control Association (LIPCA) with the New York State Pest Management Association (NYSPMA).

According to the new president, Jim Skinner of A&C Pest Management, East Medow, N.Y., this was a major accomplishment on the part of all three associations to combine their resources to better promote the industry and provide greater education throughout the state. “Some said it would never happen,” he said.

Joseph Sheehan, representing the city group, along with Victor Bonivita of LIPCA and Ken Unger of NYSPMA, were instrumental in promoting this change among their members. Along with membership in the new association, NYPMA members will have the added benefit of being joint-members in the National Pest Management Association.

The other officers of the association will be Bonavita of Battle A Bug Inc. of Massapequa Park, Long Island, and Unger, of Surburban Pest Control, Yonkers, who will serve as vice-presidents. Louis Taranto of Tonto Pest Control, Brooklyn, will become the new treasurer and Bill Minahan, Orkin Pest Control, Latham, N.Y., the secretary. Len Douglen will be the executive director and Harriet Schary the associate director for marketing.