NPMA Members Approve Changes to Bylaws, Repeal Constitution

Phoenix, Ariz. – The National Pest Management Association’s 80th Annual Membership Meeting was held Friday morning here with significant results – the group repealed the NPMA Constitution and approved a new set of bylaws.

The required quorum of 100 voting members was met and the motion was carried unanimously.

“As our governing documents are the cornerstone of our organization, we have undergone a several month process to ‘fix’ issues that were out-of-date, inconsistent and inaccurate – and in some cases were inconsistent with statutes that govern NPMA – while maintaining the core fundamentals most important to our operations,” NPMA President Kevin Pass said in an email to NPMA members prior to PestWorld 2013. “NPMA’s legal counsel has been an instrumental part of the process as has Lanny Allgood who has served as the chair of the bylaws committee. I am grateful to Lanny and his committee for their diligent efforts on our behalf. “

“Bylaws are the cornerstone of our organization,” said PPMA’s Missy Henriksen on Friday morning. “The bylaws were out of in synch with law in the state of Delaware and that’s where we’re incorporated.”

(Editor’s note: Click here to read a summary from NPMA about the most significant changes between NPMA’s current governing documents and the proposed bylaws.)

Henriksen said the document has “been poured over diligently” and that it is meant to be a living, breathing document.

Other news at the membership meeting included:

•    The introduction of new members of NPMA staff, including:
>> Allison Lindley (membership coordinator)
>> Katie Gilbert (account executive for state association management)
>> Jessica Dominguez (associate director of member engagement )
>> Dr. Bennett Jordan (staff scientist/entomologist)
>> Dr. Marcia Duke (director of regulatory affairs)
>> Matt Coffindaffer (QualityPro promotion and program manager)

    “One of the things we did this year was go through an elaborate envisioning process,” said NPMA Executive Vice President Bob Rosenberg. “There are lots of things to do but we didn’t have the resources.” These recent hires will help NPMA achieve future objectives, he added.

•    As part of NPMA’s strategic planning, the group has done some visioning, Pass said. “In creating a strategic plan and trying to set in motion where we’re trying to go, Bayer sponsored Vision 2020. It was such a big hit it’s going to be an ongoing program moving forward.”
•    A new NPMA database is in the process being developed.
•    A diversity initiative is underway and a group of PMPs met here in Phoenix to move forward. “We’d like to see more diversity in our membership to reflect the population,” Pass said.
•    NPMA’s international task force continues to grow. “It’s the fastest-growing group of members,” Pass said.
•    NPMA created and continues to work with a suppliers’ council.
•    NPMA also continues to enhance its state association outreach.
•    NPMA is cultivating strategic partnerships with various groups – including the Entomological Society of America with the Associate Certified Entomologist program; with BedBug Central and the Bed Bug Summit in Denver in December; and various state associations that NPMA helps manage for a fee.
•    NPMA is working on a succession plan for Rosenberg, who will retire in two years.
•    NPMA’s rebranding initiatives – a new logo and new tagline “Our mission is your protection” – continue to occur.
•    NPMA discussed a recently completed independent audit, which reviewed NPMA’s financials.