NPMA Celebrates 75th Anniversary During PestWorld ’08 in Washington

Rob Lederer, executive vice president of NPMA (second from left) and NPMA incoming president Bruce Carter cut the ribbon to open today's ceremony. Also on hand were Raleigh Jenkins (far left), Kevin Kordek (second from right) and Mike Rottler (far right). (Photo: Chuck Bowen) A pair of murals painted by artist/entertainer Michael Israel during opening ceremony. (Photo: Chuck Bowen)

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — It’s only fitting that this year’s PestWorld conference takes place in our nation’s capitol — the site of the first such convention 75 years ago this month.

“We meet today in celebration of 75 years of professionalism, 75 years of networking, 75 years of friendship, 75 years of industry leadership and 75 years of moving the industry forward,” said NPMA Executive Vice President Rob Lederer, who set the tone for this year’s convention, which takes place through Saturday at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, in suburban Washington, D.C. Lederer spoke during Wednesday's opening ceremony, which was sponsored by Bayer Environmental Science.

On Oct 2, 1933, 50 members of NPMA — which at the time was called the National Association of Exterminators and Fumigators — gathered at the Continental Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Lederer commended the industry’s past presidents, board members and members for their role in shaping the association. In addition, the Pinnacle Award -  which normally is presented annualy to one individual who has helped shape the pest control industry - instead was presented in honor of the 74 past presidents of the association. Eighteen past presidents were in attendence at PestWorld and were recognized on stage.

“Today, the association has more than 6,000 member companies throughout the world, boasts the world’s largest convention and exposition, year in and year out, and represents nearly every segment of the industry,” Lederer said. “We’ve had a decade of surplus budgets, a dedicated and stable staff, good and growing relationships with state and international associations, and the number of people involved in the association’s various committees and organizations have never been better than they are today.”

Following Lederer’s opening remarks, Bayer Environmental Science presented the 2008 Young Scientist of the Year Awards. Attendees were then treated to a hypnotic and high-energy performance by entertainer/artist Michael Israel, whose paint splashing resulted in a pair of dazzling murals.

Other highlights included the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which preceded exhibit floor hours, where attendees checked out the latest products and services from leading manufacturers.

PestWorld 2008 continues through Saturday. Cal Ripken Jr. spoke at Thursday's opening session, sponsored by Dow AgroSciences. Friday’s general session, sponsored by FMC Professional Solutions, brings together two veteran politicos — Bob Beckel, a political consultant and analyst, and John Kasich, an author and former congressman — for a friendly debate. On Friday, attendees will have the opportunity to visit the O. Orkin Insect Zoo at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, for a party sponsored by BASF.

In addition to these events, PestWorld 2008 features numerous educational sessions and networking opportunities.