Three Industry Leaders Recognized at Univar International Reception

ORLANDO, Fla. — Univar Director Latin America Benjamin Gomez recognized three industry leaders at PestWorld’s International Reception, sponsored by Univar Environmental Services.

The first award, the inaugural Global Ambassador Award was presented to Rob Fryatt, director of Xenex Associates and former director of the Confederation of European Pest Management Associations. Cited as “a person who was a global ambassador for the pest management industry before we even realized that we were a global industry,” Fryatt has made career of promoting and enhancing the professionalism of the industry. He is fluent in multiple languages, has spoken at pest management meetings around the world, chairs a group that is developing uniform service standards for the European industry, and is a good friend and supporter of NPMA.

Alberto Ponjoan was recognized as a champion for uniting the pest management industry. Ponjoan has choreographed partnerships between the Spanish and Catalonian associations with NPMA, pioneered new methods and technologies in Spain, including heat treatments, bed bug sniffing dogs and green pest control, and served as president of the Spanish and Catalonian pest control associations and on the CEPA Board of Directors.

Finally, Norman Cooper was presented with the Global Ambassador Lifetime Achievement Award. When Cooper started in the industry, Gomez said, “he guided his technicians with the premise that if you’re not going to be the best, leave – because we are going to do whatever it takes to be the best.”

Throughout his career, Cooper submerged himself in the pest management industry. He represented the industry in a professional and positive light domestically and internationally – speaking on the industry’s behalf in countries such as Japan, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, the U.K., Israel, Singapore, China, and Ecuador.

Before Gomez stepped down from the improvised stage on the Swan Terrace, NPMA President Billy Tesh asked him to stay and presented him with an NPMA award, thanking him for his commitment stating, “Without Univar’s commitment and you, this would never have happened. Thank you from NPMA.”