INDIANAPOLIS – Participation by fumigation businesses in the Commitment to Excellence program sponsored by Dow AgroSciences has increased by 18 percent in 2005. A total of 125 fumigation businesses, located exclusively in California, Florida and Hawaii, are CTE-certified this year, up from 103 in 2004.
Additionally, 83 businesses that were certified last year are again certified in 2005. Businesses participating in the CTE program are recognized for making a commitment to excel in the area of whole-structure fumigation with Vikane gas fumigant, manufactured by Dow AgroSciences.
Dow AgroSciences instituted the Commitment to Excellence program in the late 1990s to raise the standards for whole-structure fumigation. Currently, licensed fumigators must demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of fumigation by passing a detailed exam on fumigation practices to qualify their business as a member of the CTE program. Even if a business is named a CTE member one year, its fumigators must pass an updated exam annually in order to remain certified, which means CTE members are always current on the latest and most advanced fumigation techniques. Additionally, CTE members must own and operate specific fumigation equipment, including specialized fumigation monitoring devices, and also undergo a mandatory annual on-site inspection.
“Dow AgroSciences is very pleased and encouraged that so many fumigation businesses have chosen to pursue Commitment to Excellence certification in 2005,” said Drew Ratterman, marketing manager for Dow AgroSciences. “CTE-certified companies offer property owners peace of mind knowing that highly trained professionals will efficiently solve their drywood termite problems.
“The list of CTE members and criteria for membership is not static. As further evidence of its commitment to excellence, Dow AgroSciences is working with the industry to continue to raise the standards.”
Many fumigation businesses use CTE certification in their marketing efforts as a point of differentiation, including Pestguard Termite and Pest Control, Sarasota, Fla., certified in both 2004 and 2005.
“We’ve found being CTE-certified has given us a competitive advantage in the marketplace,” owner Roger Mensing said. “We market CTE certification to customers to gain their confidence, to show them we cared enough to exceed the minimum standards for product usage. If we voluntarily exceed expectations, we hope that says to customers we will exceed expectations for the job itself.”
For more information about the Commitment to Excellence program, including a method of verifying 2005 fumigation business certification, visit www.vikanecte.com.