NORCROSS, Ga. — More than 700 Georgia pest control company employees attended two and half days of intense workshops and presentations at the 2008 Georgia Pest Control Association Winter Conference in Athens, Ga., January 8-10.
Under the theme of “Industry Changes: Adaptation or Extinction,” the conference included presentations on school treatment programs, “green” movement, generic vs. branded products, loss of WDO inspections, mosquito control and more. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Jerome Goddard, Dr. Moray Anderson, Dr. Brian Forschler, Dr. Dan Suiter, Jim Chase, Rick Bell and many others.
“This is one of the largest conferences we’ve produced,” said Valera Jessee, the association’s executive director. “Our outstanding lineup of speakers and pertinent topics made for one of the most successful conferences as well.”
At the conference, GPCA honored Dr. Horace Lund, founder of the University of Georgia Entomology Department, for his many works and contributions to the pest control industry in Georgia. Dean Scott Angle announced that the Lund Professorship in Entomology has been established.
The professorship will support the industry through enhanced and expanded research programs in structural and urban pest management. This partnership between GPCA and the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is endorsed by the Lund family, and ultimately will enable GPCA to more effectively address the critical issues facing the industry.
Dr. Lund’s support of the pest control industry dates back to the 1950s, when he helped draft legislation establishing the Georgia Pest Control Act, which required licensing of pest control operators and regulation of the profession.
“We feel especially pleased to honor Dr. Lund’s many contributions to our industry with this professorship,” said GPCA President Cliff Nipper.