News Headlines

When members of the National Pest Control Association (NPCA) listen to President Linden Griffin talk about his plans for the coming year two things are quite evident. First, Griffin doesn't think on a small scale, and second, he does a lot of thinking.

"I have a full platter of ideas in store for the NPCA in 1993 and beyond," said Griffin, owner/president of Griffin Pest Control, Kalamozoo, Mich. Griffin hopes to redefine the role the NPCA plays in the vital areas of industry education and legislative affairs to include a better relationship with the fast-growing and increasingly influential state associations.

"Ten years ago the NPCA was the sole source of information regarding legislative activity and education but that has all changed," said Griffin. "The state associations have grown and are dealing with these matters on their own. The NPCA needs to lend its expertise to the state associations and serve as a clearinghouse for information."

To support this idea Griffin has proposed an ambitious plan which calls for the NPCA to implement a legislative software package offering state associations monthly reports on pending legislation and environmental activity.

"We would like to help state and local associations assess current legislative activity in their respective area and prepare them with the proper response," said Griffin. "Ideally, the program will be able to alert them to any damaging legislation or "hidden agenda" ahead of time so they can react appropriately."

MASTER TECHNICIAN PROGRAM. On the education front, Griffin is banking on the introduction of the Master Technician certification program to heighten the value of NPCA membership. The three-level program is designed to produce capable, well trained technicians to assure customers, as well as the public, that the technician performing a service in their home or business is a true professional in all respects.

"The Master Technician program contributes to the long-range growth of the industry, as well as providing financial benefits to the business owner," said Griffin. "This recognition of competence can be resold by owners to customers, primarily when PCOs enter the bidding process for accounts.

The comprehensive program will cover a wide range of pest control training situations, including health care facilities, multiple family dwellings, FDA/USDA facilities, food service outlets, industrial and institutional settings, and hospitality (hotels) facilities.

Griffin also plans to institute an NPCA Speakers Bureau to enhance the association's visibility throughout the industry. Knowledgeable speakers from all disciplines within pest control will be available to serve as a resource for state and local associations, and other interested groups.

Research efforts on behalf of the industry will also garner support under the Griffin administration, particularly as it pertains to the foundation of an Urban Entomology Research Program and a permanent fund-raising effort to support the Phil Spear Research Fund.

The Urban Entomology Research Program, under the direction of NPCA Executive Vice President Harvey Gold, will attempt to pro-actively secure additional funding from the federal government to continue and start up extensive research programs focusing on IPM.

"This is a win-win program for the structural pest control industry," said Griffin. "Not only do pest control professionals benefit from the IPM research but the public gains as well because IPM programs are environmentally responsible."

LEADERSHIP TRAINING. Also included in Griffin's plan for 1993 are programs devoted to leadership development and management training for the next generation of NPCA and state association leaders. The New Officer Training Program is designed to offer instruction to newly elected state association officers and potential candidates in the areas of organizing and conducting a meeting, rules of order, use of resources and other related topics.

To meet the industry's future needs for solid, responsible leadership Griffin plans to implement the Leadership Development Group. Aimed at the younger generation of NPCA members, the program will attempt to meet the needs of new pest control operators and develop the business and technical skills of the next generation of NPCA leaders (those under 40).

"The NPCA needs to be attractive to the next generation of PCOs and tie into the talented younger market," said Griffin. "PCOs also need to focus on strengthening the business side of their operation and that is what we hope to accomplish with the Leadership Development program."

If that wasn't enough, Griffin also envisions expanding the NPCA's computer services and video advertising program.

With all Griffin has planned for 1993, NPCA members can look forward to a year of change and the opportunity to improve not only their business standing, but the industry's standing as well. Despite his many goals, Griffin expresses regret that his vision doesn't extend further.

"When my term as President of the NPCA expires, I don't want to leave any stone unturned," said Griffin. "When it is all over I want people to say I served the association to the best of my ability."