[News]

Residex deal finalized May 1

CLARK, N.J. — Chris Donaghy’s acquisition of Residex from Western Pest Services was finalized on May 1. Donaghy has worked for Residex for nine years and has been the general manager of Residex for six years. Residex has more than 60 employees and is a distributor of chemicals and other products to pest management professionals.

"This business is all about personal relationships — treating customers and suppliers as long-term business partners," CEO Donaghy said. "I could not be happier that we are able to continue in that spirit, now that Residex has separated from Western."

After Western Pest Services announced the sale of its pest control business to Rollins in March, Donaghy had six weeks to negotiate and close the purchase of the Residex division. "Everyone offered their support," said Donaghy. "The Sameth family, who owned Western, and Western’s management gave me a green light to present a bid. Members of Speckoz, which is a trade organization to which Residex belongs, provided capital. Speckoz turned on a professional team who knew our industry perfectly and knew how to acquire a distribution business in just six weeks. Rollins acted as the facilitator to iron out the terms of the acquisition and help steer us through all the complexities."

The acquisition marks a turning point for the Speckoz group, which is a purchasing co-op composed of independent regional distributors throughout the country. "Speckoz covers every region of the United States and the Caribbean. It is a superior group of entrepreneurs and managers who know how to run a distribution business and keep customers happy," said Donaghy.

Speckoz did not invest directly in Residex, but a majority of owners did invest and will be "passive" owners into the future. "Residex has its own identity, just like each of the other Speckoz members. It is a testament to Residex that they wanted to invest in another distribution company run by one of their peers," said Donaghy.

UPF&DA show attendees report solid first quarter

PONTE VEDRA, FLA. – With optimism running high after a solid first quarter, members of the United Producers, Formulators & Distributors Association met in April at the Marriott Sawgrass Resort to catch their breath before heading into the busy summer season.

Overall, the mood was upbeat for virtually all of those in attendance at the three-day conference, which featured a diverse array of speakers including Bill Fotsch of The Great Game of Business; Allen James of Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE); and Keith Brush of Future Scientists and Engineers of America (FSEA).

Keynote speaker Fotsch kicked off the conference with an animated presentation on the benefits of open book management, an innovative approach to business designed to get employees to "drive the numbers" by teaching them to think and act like owners. In a nutshell, he said, open book management enhances the lives of employees and improves company profits by "directly engaging them in the business."

Allen James, executive director of RISE, discussed escalating product registration and user fees, litigation relating to the Endangered Species Act and various water quality issues. "Many states are using (user fees) purely as a revenue stream to offset losses through their regular budgeting process," he said, a practice RISE opposes. Endangered Species Act litigation has "tremendous potential to damage our industry," James added. "We have copycat suits popping up all around the country."

Following James on the program was Brush, who urged conference attendees to get involved in educating the next generation of scientists as a way to counter the efforts of anti-pesticide activists opposed to the pest control industry.

FSEA partners local businesses with local schools to help stimulate interest in science, engi-neering and technology. During the past decade, more than 40,000 students and 400 businesses have participated in the program including Veatch Chemicals and Target Specialty Products, two UPF&DA member companies.

The response to the program has been "incredible," according to Lon Records, president, Target Specialty Products, Santa Fe Springs, Calif. "The goal for each one of our branches is to have at least one school enrolled in the program," he said. "It creates a nice dynamic between industry and the community."

Brush pointed out that scientific illiteracy has played into the hands of anti-industry activists. "If we had more of the population who had an understanding of science, we’d have fewer activists," he said. "We need a scientific literate population."

For approximately $150 per student, FSEA provides after-school education in the sciences for interested students. "I think there is a lot of power in having your company represented at local schools," Brush said. "It will pay dividends for your company. We’re trying to build a scientifically literate work-force."

UPF&DA is so convinced about the merits of the program that it donated $10,000 to FSAE to support its ongoing education efforts. To learn more about the organization, visit www.fsea.org.

During the general membership meeting on the final day of the conference it was announced the board of directors had approved the creation of the Malcolm Stack Integrity Award, named after the founder of Bell Laboratories, Madison, Wis. Nomination forms will be distributed this fall, with nominees reviewed at the March 2005 board meeting and the winner announced at the Annual Spring Conference in April.

In other UPF&DA news:

• At last year’s Spring Conference members of UPF&DA agreed to donate $20,000 to the families of service people killed or injured during the war in Iraq. "It’s the least we can do as an association given the sacrifices so many families have made in answering our nation’s call to duty," Records said. "It’s a way to thank our troops for their bravery and willingness to serve."

• A by-law change was approved that will allow honorary members to retain voting power and hold elective office.

• Phil Davis of Valent BioScience, Libertyville, Ill., was welcomed into the association.

• UPF&DA agreed to select a representative to participate in a "Distributor Council" being created by Responsible Industry for Sound Environment (RISE).

Next year’s Spring Conference is scheduled for April 20-22 at the Marriott Starr Pass Resort in Tucson, Ariz. For additional information contact UPF&DA Executive Director Valera Jessee at 770/417-1418.

New Jersey announces proposed rules for school pest management law

Metuchen, N.J. — The New Jersey Pest Management Association joined Governor James E. McGreevey in April for an announcement of proposed rules that will implement landmark legislation governing the management of pests in and around public, private and charter schools. Also in attendance were representatives from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, State Senator and bill sponsor Barbara Buono and environmental and education groups.

The byproduct of cooperation between NJPMA, bill sponsor Sen. Buono (D-Middlesex), the New Jersey Environmental Federation and the New Jersey School Board Association, the "School Integrated Pest Management Act" will require schools to adopt and implement a pest management policy that stresses rigorous sanitation and building maintenance, and targeted, precise applications of low-impact pesticides. The plan must be consistent with the model developed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

"The pest management industry is pleased to join Gov. McGreevey, Sen. Buono and NJEF to support this landmark legislation," said Phil Cooper, chairman of NJPMA’s government affairs committee. "The pest management practices outlined in the bill are already being widely utilized by pest management professionals to prevent and manage pest infestations in and around schools."

According to Cooper, the new law recognizes the need to protect children from pests, reflected in the inclusion of a provision that allows for emergency treatments to immediately address potentially dangerous pest infestations without providing prior notice.

The new law also requires schools to notify parents and post signs at least 72 hours prior to certain pesticide applications and retain treatment records for three to five years, depending on the type of treatment. Current rules already require that those applying pesticides in and around schools be certified by DEP or supervised by someone who is certified.

"This legislation is supported by both environmental groups and pest management companies alike," Buono said. "I applaud the New Jersey Pest Management Association for their willingness to work with me on this vital measure while keeping the strength of the bill in tact. Their commitment to safeguarding New Jersey’s schools and students from unnecessary exposure to pesticides should be commended."

North American Alliance raises the bar

New Castle, Del. — Five regional companies that have been on the vanguard of fumigation services have formed the Food Protection Alliance (FPA) to raise the standard for quality fumigation and related food protection services for customers in North America.

The five companies are Royal Fumigation Inc., New Castle, Del.; Fumigation Service & Supply, Inc., Westfield, Ind.; Research Fumigation Company, LLC, Reserve, La.; Professional IPM Services, LLC, Salina, Kan.; and Clark Pest Control, Lodi, Calif.

"In today’s global market, it is incumbent upon all participants in the food industries to do everything we can to get food safely from field to market. Establishing the FPA is a big step forward in meeting this challenge, as our companies bring to the table advanced technology, professional expertise and the commitment to work in a way that better safeguards our food supply and preserves value for our customers from coast to coast," said Roy Richardson, president and founder, Royal Fumigation.

The FPA is the outgrowth of a long-term working relationship among these companies and formalizes their exchange of ideas. The Alliance will build on each member’s specific fumigation technologies and procedures to offer customers more efficient and effective treatment options that can be put into practice across industries, including the agricultural, agrifood, pharmaceutical and bio-engineering sectors.

"We are excited about offering clients nationwide an unprecedented level of service and support. All five FPA member companies approach fumigation services and food facility pest management with an uncompromising dedication to quality and we are always looking for ways to capitalize on the benefits of technology to help us do the job better," said John Mueller, vice president, Fumigation Service & Supply.

The alliance is in the process of developing procedural manuals for a variety of fumigation and food-safety processes that protect fruit, grains, bulk commodities, livestock, industrial facilities and more. Cross-training among the companies to ensure that high standards are met is part of the joint effort.

For more information about the alliance, visit www.fpalliance.com.

Bayer offers free Maxforce Fire Ant Killer Granular Bait with TopChoice purchase

MONTVALE, n.j. — Until Sept. 30, pest management professionals will receive a free 2-pound bottle of Maxforce Fire Ant Killer Granular Bait with the purchase of two 50-pound bags of TopChoice fire ant treatment from authorized Bayer Agents.

The non-repellent active ingredient in TopChoice interferes with ants’ nervous system. TopChoice’s unique mode of action enables this Domino Effect to gradually kill the ants both outside and inside the mound, making it an ideal product for use with Maxforce bait, which also has a delayed action kill and Domino Effect.

Academy 2004 features hands-on business management sessions

DUNN LORING, VA. — The National Pest Management Association’s Academy 2004, to be held July 22-24 at the Westin La Paloma in Tucson, Ariz., will focus on topics directly affecting pest management businesses.

This meeting is a great way for the current and future leaders in your company to network with other industry leaders, learn about business management trends and explore the future of the pest management industry.

Highlights of Academy 2004 will include a panel of leading industry researchers with new information about future pest-management-related trends, a world-renowned market researcher with information about what the typical customer of the future will want and many more experts offering hands-on advice about how pest management companies can grow, change and expand in the coming years.

For more information call 703/573-8330 or visit www.pestworld.org.

NPMA reappointed to Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee

Dunn Loring, Va. — The National Pest Management Association has been reappointed to the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee, a prestigious EPA advisory committee. Bob Rosenberg, vice president of government affairs for NPMA, will serve as the industry representative. NPMA is the only non-agricultural applicator association to be appointed.

The PPDC provides a forum for a diverse group of stakeholders to provide feedback to key EPA officials on various pesticide regulatory, policy and program implementation issues. Topics of discussion at past meetings have included: inerts disclosure, reduced risk pesticides, labeling, minor uses, ecological standards, fees for service, experimental use permits, measures of success, endocrine disruptors, consumer brochures and outreach to the public and several implementation issues emanating from the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.

Membership to the committee includes key environmental and public interest groups, states, tribes, pesticide manufacturers and trade associations, user and commodity groups, and public health and academic institutions. NPMA has been a charter member since its inception in 1995.

Pi Chi Omega donates to Heifer International and World Wildlife Fund

WEST LAFAYETTE, IND. — Pi Chi Omega, the professional pest management fraternity, made donations to both Heifer International and the World Wildlife Fund on May 1.

Heifer International is the organization helping needy people by providing them beehives, teaching them to care for the bees as well as marketing the honey, thereby improving their standard of living. This donation is designated to a project in Honduras.

The World Wildlife Fund is actively involved in a project in Mexico, saving the forests that are the winter quarters of the Monarch butterflies.

Over the past several years, Pi Chi Omega members, concerned citizens and friends of the fraternity have raised in excess of $20,000 for these causes.