GPCA Hosts Winter Conference and Recognizes Award Recipients

ATHENS, Ga. – The Georgia Pest Control Association's (GPCA) 2026 Winter Conference themed, "Sustainable by Design," held in Athens, Ga., Jan. 13-15, emphasized the GPCA’s foundation pillars: growth, professionalism, community & advocacy.

GPCA staff and executive committee created opportunities for the Winter Conference, which included business topics, wildlife courses, interactive panels and Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) updates for growth & professional development.

A welcome reception, allied meet & greet and membership meeting were built into the schedule for engaging conversations. The Winter Conference welcomed 575 attendees, which included over 60 vendor companies and 55 speakers.

Trip Martin, founder of GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group, attended as a speaker and Chris Gorecki, chair of the Structural Pest Control Commission (GSPCC), provided a rules & regulations update. Several GDA staff attended and participated in a GDA update class taught by Derrick Lastinger, vice chair of GSPCC, and a company inspections class provided by state inspectors.

Another highlight of the Winter Conference included the recognition of award recipients. This year, GPCA provided a special recognition for Timothy Taylor, who worked in the GDA for over 30 years. Taylor passed away on Nov. 19, 2025. The Legacy Impact Award was presented to the GDA Structural Pest Control Division Team on his behalf.

2025 Awards included:

• Administrative Professional: Bonnie Davis, Northwest Exterminating
• Outstanding Pest Management Professional: Patrick Morris, Massey Services
• Woman of Excellence: Tiffany Raines, Bug Busters
• PestVets Veteran of the Year: Charlene Mertz, Nisus (not pictured)
• Hall of Fame: Roger Lemaster, Cook’s Pest Control