Tar Heel Pest Management News
February  2017
Thank You for the 2017 PCT School!
PCT School Attracted More Than 900 Attendees

The 2017 Pest Control Technicians' School was one of the best yet! We had more than 900 attendees join us in Durham, and we thank everyone who made the event such a success!

A special thank you to our sponsors below for your support in making our 67th PCT School so great!

In This Issue



NCSU Scholarship Awarded

The North Carolina Education Foundation of the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) recently awarded a scholarship to Michael Fisher to assist in the continuation of his studies at North Carolina State University (NCSU). Fisher is a PhD 
student studying entomology.
The North Carolina Education Foundation awards $1,500 annually to students attending North Carolina State University. The scholarship was presented at the NCPMA Pest Control Technician's School in Durham on Jan. 24.
Fisher is a PhD student who is focusing his research on microbial content of the bed bug gut and its potential role in insecticide resistance. He is a Board Certified Entomologist and holds the rank of Lt. Commander in the United States Navy's Medical Services Corps. Upon graduating, he will be stationed in Peru.

2016 Technician of the Year Awards
Congratulations to our 2016 Technician of the Year Winners!

At the 2017 PCT School in January, NCPMA Board Member John Adkins presented High Point's Mike Fain (pictured right) with the award for the pest management phase and Charlotte's Jason Allen (pictured left) with the award for the wood-destroying insect phase.
Fain works for Go-Forth Pest & Lawn in High Point where he's been recognized for his leadership, commitment to his customers and outstanding customer relations. He holds a North Carolina Pest Control License as well as a NC Wood Destroying Insects Report (WDIR) Accreditation.
Allen has worked at Terminix SC since 2000 and is known for his natural leadership ability and exemplary customer relations. He is experienced in both pest management and wood destroying insects and holds a Certified Applicators Card.  He has completed WDIR Training, Advanced Keyman Training School and WDO School.

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Training Employees: Tips for Staying Current
Keeping Pace in a Dynamic Industry

By Marty Roberts
 
T raining and development are among the top factors  millennials use to rank the attractiveness of a job or company as a place to work. And 46 percent of employees  say their company's training courses make them more likely to stay. 

It's no secret that pest management is an ever-evolving field. The rules, regulations and best practices are constantly changing, and it seems new technologies and innovations emerge every day. As a result, ongoing training is particularly important for pest management businesses.

In this day and age, pest management professional technicians are no longer "exterminators," but true professionals. Gone are the days of the 'baseboard jockey' who was programmed to make pesticide applications along every available baseboard, regardless of whether or not there were even pests present. Present day technicians are professionals who are required to have extensive knowledge on everything from pests, to pesticide applications and equipment, to laws and regulations, in order to perform their services safely and effectively.

We try to stay up to date by going to all training on a local, state, and national level which includes the NCPMA PCT School, spring and fall workshops, NPMA Pestworld and wildlife expo.  We are also a member of Quality Pro which has some great training in their toolbox.
We try to at least have one meeting a week to discuss changes in our industry or just stay current in the areas we have already done in the past.

Getting manufacturers and suppliers to come in and train is also a very  great way to keep up with new products.
 
As this industry continues to shift and evolve, we as pest management companies cannot afford to view employee training as box to check. If businesses want to survive and thrive, they must fully incorporate training and development into their company culture. In the pest management industry, we must become life-long learners. The industry is always evolving, and staying abreast of changes to technology, inspection and application techniques and equipment is a necessity. Building a culture of learning today is helping to train for success in the future.

--Marty Roberts is the Vice President and General Manager for Rid-A-Bug Exterminating Co. Inc. in Hamptonville . In addition, he serves on the NCPMA Board of Directors. 
NCPMA Scholarship
Encouraging the Next Generation 

We know that pest management is a family industry, and we want to encourage the next generation of pest management leaders.

That's why NCPMA offers scholarships to members and their family members annually. Since its creation in 2005, we've provided more than $150,000 to help students pursue their post-high-school academic goals.

Visit the NCPMA website today to learn more about the NCPMA Past President's Scholarship and how you or someone you know can apply.
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NCPMA In the News

Check below to see NCPMA's latest news mentions about our 2017 Pest Control Technician's School. 

Bladen Online: "North Carolina Pest Management Association Holds 67th Annual Pest Control Technician's School"

PCT Magazine: "NCPMA Event Attracts Hundreds to Triangle"
Upcoming Events
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