What a great time of year this is as we approach the autumn months of the schedule.  This also allows us some time at PCOC to regroup after a busy spring and summer. We anticipate another eventful year on the regulatory and legislative front as well as other issues related to how we continue to improve what we do to make this a better organization. We look forward to seeing all of you at the Dana Point Board of Directors meeting on September 21st and 22nd. There will be a lot to talk about and your involvement is important as we navigate these challenging times in California. 

Chris Reardon
PCOC Executive Vice President

September BOD Golf Tournament – September 20, 2018
San Juan Hills Golf Club, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Golfer/Sponsor Registration Form

PWPM 5K Walk at Board of Directors - September 21, 2018
Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa, Dana Point, California
Please join the Professional Woman in Pest Management Committee for a 5K walk. There is a $10 donation that benefits the PWPM Scholarship. If you are interested, please meet in the hotel lobby at 7:45 am on the morning of September 21 for a beautiful coastal view walk!! Everyone is invited to join!! Donations will be accepted the morning of the walk.

Board of Directors Meeting – September 21-22, 2018
Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa, Dana Point, California
We will collect items to donate to Operation Gratitude for assembly of care packages for our troops and first responders. Click here for the wish list items. If you would like to donate money in lieu of items, we will also have a collection container for you as well. 

Committee Schedule
Announcement

Fall Pest Ed - Southern California, October 30, 2018
Double Tree by Hilton, Ontario Airport, Ontario, California
Attendee Registraiton Form (for Ontario Only)
Fall Pest Ed - Northern California, November 15, 2018
Crowne Plaza Sacramento Northeast, Sacramento, California
Exhibitor Registration Form (for both locations)
Attendees Registration Form to follow

Board of Directors Meeting – December 6-8, 2018
Hilton Palm Springs Resort, Palm Springs, California
Information to Follow

There has been a lot of discussion about the testing process for applicators this year.  I recently met with the SPCB (Structural Pest Control Board), OPES (Office of Professional Examination Services), and PSI (the organization that conducts the computer-based testing for us) to clear up some of the misconceptions and clarify a few points. 

Here are some of the points that were covered:

1. That there is a target passing rate.  There is none.  Fairness is the key to the exam and the test taking and writing process.  According to OPES, the two primary influences of the passing rate is the barrier to entry to taking the exam and who is paying for the exam.  If the exam is easy to sign up for, then the passing rate will be lower because a lot more people can take it, whether they are prepared or not.  Secondly, if the person taking the exam is paying for it, then OPES sees the exam passing rate increase.  This typically prevents the notion of sending someone to take the exam to “see what is on it” and does not prepare as much for it.  I am not saying that the industry should make their employees pay for the exam; OPES and PSI is just making a note on the passing rate, comments made by the people taking the exam, and the level of effort that is put into preparing for the exam.
   
   
2. That questions that are “bad” or “commonly missed” are not addressed.  OPES is continuously monitoring the passing rate of each question.  If a question is commonly missed or there are comments written about a specific question, OPES takes that question back to the exam writing committee to take another look at it.
   
   
3. That PSI is difficult to work with.  They have made extra efforts to work with us.  PSI has put the Candidate handbooks on their web page to help people prepare.  They have also extended their hours for us to 10:00 p.m. during the week at some locations and all day on Saturday to open up seats for tests.  People are turned away because of wearing hoods, having excess pockets, or not bringing your ID.  Again, this is due to the fairness of the test and ensuring that nobody can cheat.  PSI will also turn away large groups of candidates from a single company that sign up for testing at the same time.  This is to ensure that people are not just trying to collect questions to create a cheat sheet.
   
   
4. That OPES does not want to hear from the industry.  OPES will be creating a survey at the end of the exam and they read each and every comment, so if you have one, please put it down including comments on specific questions.  Also, if you want to participate in the exam writing process, that is a good place to express your interest. 

If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to reach out to PCOC.

Darren Van Steenwyk, M.S., BCE
Structural Pest Control Board, President
LEED Green Associate & Technical Director, Clark Pest Control
darrenv@clarkpest.com

_________________________________________________________________________________

As many of you know, there has been great interest in Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) exams. The Structural Pest Control Board has some UPCOMING EXAMINATION DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS. These workshops help the SPCB develop their licensing questions. We know this is a busy time of year for us all, but our input is important, so we hope you can participate or send someone you work with! 
Here is a list of upcoming workshops organized by license type: 

Visit California Structural Pest Control Board website for more information

New Role for Scott Baldwin

Help us congratulate Scott Baldwin in his new role with Syngenta as a Territory Manager covering the Mountain West Region (not CA which is still Nick Grisafe). PCOC would like to say "Thanks for supporting CA PMP's. You will be missed"!

Scott can be reached at  Scott.Baldwin@syngenta.com

We will be collecting "wish list" items to donate to Operation Gratitude, the 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-based organization that sends care packages to our military and first responders. We will have a container at our board of directors meeting in September in which you can drop off your donated items. If you are interested in donating, please contact Sarah at sarah@pcoc.org.

Here is a list of items that Operation Gratitude is in need of: 

• All-purpose wipes (single & 30-ct. packs or less)
• Batteries (AA and/or AAA)
• Deodorant (travel size, non-aerosol)
• Drink mix (Individual serving packets)
• Gum
• Hand warmers
• Jerky (individual bags)
• Lip balm
• Pencils (mechanical preferred)
• Playing cards
• Powder (travel size)
• Puzzle books (7" x 10" preferred size)
• Sewing kits (travel size)
• Socks (black, crew length)
• Sunscreen (travel size, non-aerosol)
• Handmade "With Love" items
  • Cool ties
  • Knit or crocheted hats
  • Scarves
  • Paracord survival bracelets

If you wish to purchase wish list items online, here is the link to the Amazon Wish List.  

*Please remember to enclose a personal letter of appreciation for the receiver of the care package. 

In addition, the cost to ship one care package is typically around $15. At our September board of directors meeting, we will have a container where you can drop your pocket change to be sent to Operation Graditude to help cover the cost of shipping the care packages. 

How to Conduct a Job Hazard Analysis

A job hazard analysis is an exercise in detective work. When conducting a job hazard analysis, you try to discover the following:

• What can go wrong?
  
  
• What are the consequences?
  
  
• How could it arise?
  
  
• What are other contributing factors?
  
  
• How likely is it that the hazard will occur?

You can conduct a job hazard analysis on any job. To get the most out of your efforts, first consider the following types of jobs:

• With the highest injury or illness rates
  
  
• With the potential to cause severe or disabling injuries or illness, even if there is no history of previous accidents
  
  
• Where one simple human error could lead to a severe accident or injury
  
  
• That are new to your operation or have undergone changes in processes and procedures
  
  
• Complex enough to require written instructions

Where do I begin?

1. Involve your employees. Your employees have a unique understanding of the job. This knowledge will help identify hazards. Involving employees will help minimize oversights, ensure a quality analysis, and get workers to “buy in” to the solutions because they will share ownership in their safety and health program.
   
   
2. Review your accident history. Review with your employees your worksite’s history of accidents and occupational illnesses that needed treatment, losses that required repair or replacement, and any “near misses”—events in which an accident or loss did not occur, but could have. These events are indicators that the existing hazard controls (if any) may not be adequate and deserve more scrutiny.
   
   
3. Conduct a preliminary job review. Discuss with your employees the hazards they know exist in their current work and surroundings. Brainstorm with them for ideas to eliminate or control those hazards. If any hazards exist that pose an immediate danger to an employee’s life or health, take immediate action to protect workers. Do not wait to complete your job hazard analysis.
   
   
4. List, rank and set priorities for hazardous jobs. List jobs with hazards that present unacceptable risks based on those most likely to occur and create the most severe consequences. These jobs should be your first priority for analysis.
   
   
5. Outline the steps or tasks. When beginning a job hazard analysis, watch the employee perform the job and list each step as the worker takes it. Be sure to record enough information to describe each job action without getting overly detailed. You may find it valuable to get input from other workers who have performed the same job. Later, review the job steps with the employee to make sure you have not omitted something. Point out that you are evaluating the job itself, not the employee’s job performance. Include the employee in all phases of the analysis—from reviewing the job steps and procedures to discussing uncontrolled hazards and recommended solutions.

It may be helpful to photograph or videotape the worker performing the job. These visual records can be handy references when doing a more detailed analysis of the work. If you find that a job is too complex or hazardous for you to develop solutions in-house, contact an expert.

Depending on the type of problem, you consult with your insurance company, the local fire department or private safety and health consultants. In addition, OSHA offers assistance through its regional and area offices. For more information on job hazard analysis and other safety procedures, please contact the PCOC Insurance Program professionals of EPIC at (877) 860-7378 or email us at ProPest@epicbrokers.com.  Also, check out our website at www.pcocinsurance.com.

Paul Lindsay
Senior Vice President 
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

Charles Clark
January 6, 1927 – September 15, 2018

With sorrow and also in warm observance of a life fully lived, we report the passing of Charles Clark, age 91, the founder of Clark Pest Control, who passed away peacefully Saturday at home in Lodi, California surrounded by his family.

Mr. Clark was born in Stockton, CA. in 1927, and grew up there (as well as in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland), during the Great Depression. In January, 1945, having turned eighteen, he joined the United States Navy, where he served in the South Pacific during the intense, final months of World War II.  

Returning to Stockton after the war, Mr. Clark launched the company that bears his name in 1950; and beginning with a single truck, Mr. Clark eventually grew his business into the largest privately held pest control firm west of the Mississippi. One of his proudest accomplishments was the many jobs he created, which made it possible for so many people to support not only themselves but their families. 

Always a progressive-minded businessman, Mr. Clark is credited with helping to develop the modern-day pest management industry. He was appointed by California Gov. Jerry Brown to serve two terms as a member of the Structural Pest Control Board in 1979 and 1982, and recently received the Harvey Logan Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC).

Mr. Clark, who was known to his family, friends and acquaintances as “Charlie”, was a modest and unpretentious man. He had a gift for storytelling, and a lifelong enthusiasm for reading and learning new things. In later years he and his wife Shirlene traveled extensively with their numerous friends; and listed journeys to such places as Istanbul, London, New Orleans, Alaska, the pyramids of Egypt, and the island of his ancestors, Ireland, as among his favorite destinations. 

A decades-long member of Woodbridge Country Club, Mr. Clark was a low-handicap golfer for much of his life, as well as an avid fly-fisherman and outdoorsman who loved equally the pre-dawn serenity of a duck-blind and a boisterous hand of gin rummy with his pals. As a small boy he witnessed Babe Ruth play an exhibition baseball contest, and remained not only a life-long aficionado of the game, but a resolute San Francisco Giants fan. 

Mr. Clark was also a generous philanthropist who donated to a wide array of organizations ranging from Ducks Unlimited to the Women's Center-Youth & Family Services of Lodi to the American Civil Liberties Union. 

Charlie Clark leaves behind his loving wife of 63 years, Shirlene; four sons, Charles III “Trey” (Kathleen), Jeffrey, Joseph (Darlene), and Terrence (Toni); six grandchildren, Franklin, Matt, Kelli, Harper, Charlie Grace, and Katie Rose, and his brother William; as well as Trista Stanley and many, many beloved nieces, nephews, colleagues and friends. Mr. Clark also leaves the company he built, loved, and stayed active in until the final year of his long and notable life. 

September

SAN GABRIEL DISTRICT
September 18– Social Hour starts at 5:30 p.m., Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.
CHAIR: Gilbert Alvidrez – Downtown Pest Control
downtownpestcontrol@gmail.com • (909) 802-0052
El Sombrero, 3550 Santa Anita Ave, El Monte

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY DISTRICT 
September 26 – Social Hour starts at 5:30 p.m., Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.
CHAIR: Tarry Howard – Hydrex
tarry_h@hotmail.com • (818) 437-6584
Los Toros Restaurant, 21743 Devonshire St., Chatsworth

DIABLO VALLEY DISTRICT – September 25 @ 6:30 p.m.
CHAIR: Gordie Zilke – Valley View Termite Control
valleyviewtc@yahoo.com • (925) 787-2118
Zio Fraedo's, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill

CENTRAL COAST DISTRICT (Formerly known as SANTA BARBARA DISTRICT)
September 27 @ 6:30 p.m.
CHAIR: Dave Watkins – O’Connor Pest Control
Dwatkins@oconnorpest.com • (805) 482-2782
F. McLintocks, 750 Mattie Rd., Pismo Beach

October

SAN BERNARDINO / RIVERSIDE DISTRICT
October 3 – Social hour starts @ 5:30 p.m., meeting starts @ 6:00 p.m.
CHAIR: John Burnard – Compass Pest Management
jpburnard1@msn.com  •  (951) 688-8066
La Casa Ortega, 1690 Spruce St, Riverside

VINTAGE COASTAL DISTRICT – October 4 @ 7:00 p.m.
CHAIR: Tyler Merritt – Hitmen Termite & Pest Control
tmerritt@hitmenpest.com • (707) 526-6055 
Contact district chair for meeting location

SHASTA DISTRICT – October 9 @ 12:00 p.m.
CHAIR: Shawn McFarland – Trinity Termite & Pest Control
trinitytermite@yahoo.com • (530) 222-6990
Vittles Restaurant, 2385 North St., Anderson

MID CAL DISTRICT
October 9 – Class starts @ 4:00 p.m., dinner is @ 5:00 p.m.
CHAIR: Brad Delk – Delk Pest Control
bdelk@delkpestcontrol.com • (209) 465-5656 
Stockton Country Club, 3800 West Country Club Blvd., Stockton

SAN DIEGO DISTRICT – October 9 @ 5:30 p.m.
CHAIR: David Hinrichs – Llyod Pest Control
david.hinrichs@lloydpest.com • (619) 668-1953
Country Inn & Suites, 5975 Lusk Blvd., San Diego

BAY AREA DISTRICT
October 10 – Social hour starts @ 5:30 p.m., dinner is @ 6:00 p.m.
CHAIR: Allan Kanady – Omega Termite & Pest Control
allenrobert@omegapest.com • (510) 544-5913 
El Portal Restaurant, 2028 Lewelling Rd., San Leandro

CENTRAL VALLEY DISTRICT – October 11 @ 7:00a.m.
CHAIR: John Painter – Dustin Pest Control
john@dustinpestcontrol.com • (559) 275-2253
Yosemite Falls Cafe, 4278 W Ashlan Ave., Fresno

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT – October 11 @ 6:00 p.m.
CHAIR: Heidi Aguilar-Alvarez – Your Way Fumigation
heidi@ywfumigation.com  • (951) 232-2388
Dave & Busters, Irvine Spectrum, Irvine

SOUTHERN VALLEY DISTRICT – October 11 @ 6:30 p.m.
CHAIR: Patrick Clark – Clark Pest Control
pclarkzapbugs@aol.com •  (661) 635-3535
Chalet Basque, 200 Oak St., Bakerfield

MONTEREY DISTRICT – October 16 @ 6:00 p.m.
CHAIR: Michael Reid – Cardiff Pest Control
cardiff@cruzio.com • (831) 475-4214
El Palomar, 1336 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

BIG VALLEY DISTRICT – October 17 @ 7:00 a.m.
CHAIR: Sean Bradley – Neighborly Pest Management
sean@neighborlypest.com • (916) 782-3767
Stones Gambling Hall , 6510 Antelope Rd., Citrus Heights

SANTA CLARA DISTRICT – October 17 @ 6:30 p.m.
CHAIR: Janet Thrasher – Thrasher Termite & Pest Control
jthrasher@thrashertermite.com • (408) 354-9944
Drying Shed, 402 Toyon Ave, San Jose

LOS ANGELES / SOUTH BAY HARBOR DISTRICT
October 19– Social Hour starts at 5:30 p.m., Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.
CHAIR: Greg Bausch – American City Pest & Termite, Inc.
greg@americancitypest.com •  (310) 542-8622
Alpine Village, 833 Torrance Blvd., Torrance

NPMA update: so, what is PPMA?

The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) is an investor-driven organization that has been successfully marketing the value of professional pest control to consumers for nearly 20 years, resulting in positive exposure for our industry and the growth of our residential and commercial markets.

We ARE making an impact in the attitudes, opinions, and buying decisions of residential and commercial customers. We have increased awareness of the value of professional pest control services and protected our reputation through ongoing national and local media outreach, innovative advertising campaigns, social media engagement, public service announcements and more. It’s work that is only possible because of the generous contributions of hundreds of investor companies who understand that their participation is making a huge impact on the industry.

Our mandate is to:

• Grow the market by encouraging consumers to call a professional
• Counteract activist efforts on both national and local levels by being prepared to instantly respond on behalf of the industry
• Increase awareness of the role professional pest control plays in preserving the public’s quality of life – in terms of health, property, safety and time management

____________________________________________________________________________________

Mark Your Calendar for PestWorld 2018 October 23-26 | Orlando, Florida
 
Every year, NPMA gathers thousands of pest management professionals from across the globe to offer opportunities for information sharing, provide access to the latest products, services, and technologies in the 100,000 square foot exhibit hall, and generate critical thinking in world-class educational sessions.

Join us as we celebrate this year’s PestWorld in Orlando!

WHO ATTENDS PESTWORLD?

• Owners and managers of pest management companies
• Pest management technicians and sales representatives
• Product manufacturers and distributors
• Industry researchers, educators and students

WHO EXHIBITS AT PESTWORLD?

• Manufacturers and Distributors of Products and Equipment for Pest Control, Rodent Control,
• Termite Control, Mosquito Control, Bed Bug Control, Nuisance Bird and Wildlife Control, and Lawn Care
• Mold Remediation Suppliers
• Companies that Provide General Services and Products for Small Businesses such as Cell Phones, Credit Cards, Insurance, Legal, and Security Video Systems
• Vehicle Equipment and Accessory Suppliers
• Computer Systems Technology Vendors
• Human Resource Consultants

Get Connected

Follow NPMA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SnapChat to keep in touch with us before, during, and after the conference.

Joining us in Orlando? Be sure to use the official hashtag #PestWorld2018 and let us know you're coming!

Thank You Sponsors

For more information, please visit NPMA's PestWorld's website

*NEW* NPMA Login for Joint Membership

LOGIN: Email or Personal ID

PASSWORD: npma

Frequently Asked-For Websites

Department of Fish & Game
https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/

Department of Food & Agriculture
www.cdfa.ca.gov

California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)
www.cdpr.ca.gov

DPR on Facebook
www.facebook.com/capesticideregulation

DPR on YouTube (see "playlists" for videos pertaining to new surface water regulations)
www.youtube.com/user/californiapesticides

DPR on Twitter
twitter.com/ca_pesticides

DPR LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/company/california-department-of-pesticide-regulation

Healthy Schools Act
http://apps.cdpr.ca.gov/schoolipm/

Structural Pest Control Board
www.pestboard.ca.gov

Find Your Legislator
www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html

NPMA's QualityPro Accrediation Application
www.npmaqualitypro.org/apply

Alain Parcan, Market Hardware, Inc.
September 2018

In the constantly evolving world of Web Marketing, can your business really afford to overspend on an outdated Web Marketing strategy like Pay-Per-Click?

Full disclosure – Yes, there are certain situations where Pay-Per-Click marketing can be very effective for pest control professionals. But more often than not, it’s become cost-prohibitive for most businesses in 2018. Instead, savvy business owners are finding far more success implementing a strategy known as Retargeting.

Here’s a primer…

Ever noticed when you surf the Internet and visit a specific site, an ad from that site starts to pop up periodically when you visit other Websites? Chances are it’s happened to you already today. And, it’s one of the biggest Web Marketing game-changers for 2018 – one that can work to get you more business this year.

Retargeting is 2018’s best Web Marketing strategy for putting your business back in front of consumers who have previously visited your Website or even just searched for your products or services. It combines two specific tools: Site Retargeting and Search Retargeting.

What is Site Retargeting? When someone visits your Website and leaves, they get tagged as “Interested Consumers.” Then, as they visit their favorite News, Weather and Sports Websites on the Web, they see your ad, which in turn reminds them to return to your site and contact you.

What is Search Retargeting? When someone searches for your products or services, but doesn’t find your business listed, they are identified as an “Interested Prospect.” They are then exposed to your display ad over time as they browse the Web on their favorite media properties.

By combining both tools, you can greatly increase the chances someone interested in your services ends up calling you. Retargeting is a perfect replacement for traditional Pay-Per-Click efforts because it focuses your advertising on people who are familiar with your brand or have already shown interest in pest control service. The main difference is you’ll pay a fraction of what it costs to show up in Sponsored search results, netting you a much better ROI than Pay-Per-Click in today’s market.

Here’s the catch…

Retargeting isn’t a good enough strategy on its own. It performs best when run in conjunction with other marketing efforts like Search Engine Optimization or even traditional marketing strategies. Those efforts will drive traffic to your site, and retargeting will increase the likelihood that each of those visitors ends up calling to use your services. Without a steady flow of traffic to your site, there won’t be enough people to retarget to.

I’m convinced! How much does it cost?

Not much – as low as a penny per ad view. But, a better way of looking at this topic would be to consider what percentage of your monthly marketing budget should go toward Retargeting. According to a recent study from advertising firm Marin Software, the majority of marketers spend roughly 10% of their budgets on Retargeting. Budgets typically range somewhere between $500 and $1000 per month, which would sufficiently ensure your ad is displayed enough to get a steady flow of leads. Like most Web Marketing strategies, talk to an expert who can work with your budget to maximize your ROI on a Retargeting campaign.

The final word

Retargeting is typically favored by marketers and business owners who have the time to monitor their spending, target data, and ROI – and have the chops to actually design and test ads. If you’re looking for something you can ‘set and forget,’ you probably shouldn’t try to manage a Retargeting campaign on your own. It takes time to keep track of all the data that comes through in order to optimize a campaign, so consider hiring an expert to manage your campaign and help design your ads. It’s a small investment that can pay big dividends by driving stronger results.

Consider Retargeting as another tool in your marketing toolkit to help you take your business to another level this year.

For more Web Marketing education like this, please be sure to join the upcoming Educational Webinar for PCOC members. 

This is the registration link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2888415240203635458

Alain Parcan, Director of Marketing for Market Hardware, Inc., contributed this article. Alain brings nearly 10 years of experience in educating businesses so they can market themselves more effectively. Market Hardware helps small businesses compete on the Web and offers special discounts for PCOC members. You can reach Alain’s team at 888-381-6925.