NORCROSS, Ga – More than 700 Georgia pest control company employees attended 2 1/2 days of intense workshops and presentations at the 2008 GPCA Winter Conference in Athens, Ga., Jan. 8-10.
Titled “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. Participants could earn up to 15 credits toward recertification.
“This is one of the largest conferences we’ve produced,” said Executive Director Valera Jessee. “Our outstanding lineup of speakers and pertinent topics made for one of the most successful conferences as well.”
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 enthusiastically 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 1950’s 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,” explains GPCA President, Cliff Nipper.