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January 2020
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Chief Executive Officer's Notes
Upcoming Events
Structural Pest Control Board Calendar of Events
The Structural Pest Control Board is currently in the process of updating its examinations for all licensing types and branches. If you are interested in participating in this process, please find below a listing of the upcoming examination development workshop dates. Should you find a particular workshop, or workshops, that you are interested in attending, you may either fill out the Workshop Interest Form and email it to us at pestboard@dca.ca.gov, fax it to us at (916) 263-2469, mail it to us at 2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1500, Sacramento, CA 95815, or you can call Dave Skelton in the Administration Unit at (916) 561-8700. Once again, thank you very much for your help, we couldn't do this without you! OPES is working on the Occupational Analysis (OA) for the Applicators examination. We are looking for some Applicators (possibly 2-3 of your RA’s) who would be willing to do a telephone interview with OPES. The telephone interview will last roughly about an hour and can be scheduled at their convenience during state working hours. They will be asked questions about what an Applicator does on job daily. If you can spare a couple RA’s for this process it would be greatly appreciated! All SPCB will need is their name, license number, email, and a telephone number.
For more information, please visit the SPCB website here. Termite Academy - SOLD OUT
February 19-20, 2020
Day 1:Lite Breakfast & Check in
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Happy New Year to all of you! As we begin 2020, we expect an action-packed year and look forward to seeing many of you in the coming weeks and months ahead. We just completed our last Pest Ed in Citrus Heights this week and wanted to thank all of you who attended. It was the largest turnout in the series and wanted to especially thank the sponsors and speakers for their assistance in making the PCOC Pest Ed series successful. We have already sold out for the Termite Academy at the University of California, Berkeley in February and we will be sending out registration for PCOC Legislative Days at the beginning of next month. For the District Leaders, we will also be providing information in the coming weeks regarding our leadership forum at the end of April as well. As you all know, this normally is our busy time and we look forward to working with all of you as we continue to make this association an important tool in the success of your business. 
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A new PCOC Minute is here
In this PCOC Minute, we discuss the events of 2020!
Make sure to check out the Pest Control Operators of California YouTube channel for this new PCOC minute and for past and future PCOC Minutes.
How Does WC Coordinate with Social Security and FMLA?
Social Security.
When a worker becomes eligible for both workers’ compensation and Social Security disability insurance benefits, one or both of the programs will limit benefits to avoid making excessive payments relative to the worker’s past earnings. According to the Social Security amendments of 1965, Social Security disability benefits must be reduced (or “offset”) so that the combined totals of workers’ compensation and Social Security disability benefits do not exceed 80 percent of the workers’ prior earnings.
Reverse Offset Laws.
Fifteen states, however, established reverse offset laws prior to the 1965 legislation to specify that they would reduce workers’ compensation payments if the worker receives Social Security disability benefits. Legislation in 1981 eliminated the option for other states to adopt reverse offset laws, but exempted the existing 15 states that already had such laws in place:
Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.
FMLA.
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) is a federal law that provides workers time off to attend to serious health conditions that make them unable to perform their jobs. The time off can also be used to allow employees to attend serious medical needs of immediate family members. Although employees on FMLA leave receive no pay during their time off, they have the security of knowing they cannot be fired while they are on leave.
In situations where both the FMLA and workers’ compensation laws apply, employers must provide leave under whichever law provides the greater rights and benefits to employees. If an injured worker is eligible for workers compensation, an employer cannot require the worker to take time off under FMLA.
When FMLA and Workers’ Comp Both Apply.
In addition, workers’ compensation leave cannot be counted against a worker’s FMLA leave entitlement. FMLA leave and workers’ compensation leave can run concurrently if the reason for the employee’s absence is due to a qualifying serious illness or injury and the employer properly notifies the employee in writing that the leave will be counted as FMLA leave.
For more information, please contact the Insurance professionals of EPIC’s PCOC Insurance Program. Call us at: 877.860.7378, or, email us at propest@epicbrokers.com. Also, check out our website by clicking here.
Paul Lindsay
Senior Vice President
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
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In Memoriam
It is with great sadness to bring the news of the passing of Mike Bullert's daughter, Emily. On Friday, January 10, 2020, Emily passed away after a sudden illness. She was surrounded by her family.
The services for Emily will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020 as 12:00 pm at Sacred Heart Church in Red Bluff.
A Great Conclusion to the 2020 Pest Ed Series!
Make sure to check out the Pest Control Operators of California YouTube channel for event recaps, PCOC Minutes and much more!!
January
MONTEREY DISTRICT - January 21 @ 6:00 p.m.
CHAIR: Michael Reid – Cardiff Pest Control
cardiff@cruzio.com ~ (831) 475-4214
El Palomar, 1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY DISTRICT - January 21 @ 6:30 p.m.
CHAIR: Gilbert Alvidrez - Downtown Pest Control
downtownpestcontrol@gmail.com ~ (909) 802-0052
El Sombrero, 3550 Santa Anita Ave., El Monte
DIABLO VALLEY DISTRICT - January 28 @ 6:30 p.m.
CHAIR: Gordie Zilke – Valley View Termite Control
valleyviewtc@gmail.com ~ (925)787-2118
Location varies – contact Chair for location
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY DISTRICT - January 29 @ 6:00 p.m.
CHAIR: Tarry A. Howard- Hydrex
tarry_h@hotmail.com ~ (818) 437-6584
Los Toros Restaurant, 21743 Devonshire St., Chatsworth
February
SAN BERNARDINO/RIVERSIDE DISTRICT
February 5: Social Hour @ 5:30 p.m. and Dinner @ 6:00 p.m.
CHAIR: Ryan Pena – Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control
ryanp@craigandsons.com ~ (909) 335-1486
Mexicali Bar & Grill, 1690 Spruce St, Riverside
VINTAGE COASTAL DISTRICT
February 9: Social Hour @ 6:00 p.m. and Meeting/Dinner @ 7:00 p.m.
CHAIR: Billy Gaither – Van Hooser Enterprises
beetleman@comcast.net ~ (707) 410-8117
Location varies – contact Chair for location
BAY AREA DISTRICT
February 12: Social Hour @ 5:30 p.m. and Dinner @ 6:00 p.m.
CHAIR: Allen Kanady – Omega Termite & Pest Control
allenrobert@omegapest.com ~ (510) 544-5913
El Portal Restaurant, 2028 Lewelling Rd., San Leandro
SAN DIEGO DISTRICT - February 12 @ 5:30 p.m.
CHAIR: David Hinrichs – Lloyd Pest Control
david.hinrichs@lloydpest.com ~ (619) 668-1953
Country Inn & Suites, 5975 Lusk Blvd., San Diego
CENTRAL VALLEY DISTRICT - February 13 @ 4:00 p.m.
CHAIR: John Painter– Dustin Pest Control
John@dustinpestcontrol.com ~ (559) 275-2253
Location varies – contact Chair for location
ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT - February 13 @ 6:00 p.m.
CHAIR: Heidi Aguilar-Alvarez – Your Way Fumigation
heidi@ywfumigation.com ~ (951) 232-2388
Dave & Busters, Irvine Spectrum
SOUTHERN VALLEY DISTRICT - February 13 @ 6:30 p.m.
CHAIR: Patrick Clark - Clark Pest Control, Bakersfield
pclarkzapbugs@aol.com ~ (661) 635-3535
Chalet Basque Restaurant, 200 Oak St, Bakersfield
BIG VALLEY DISTRICT - February 19 @ 7:00 a.m.
CHAIR: Travis Mickel – Clark Pest Control
tmickel@clarkpest.com ~ (916) 674-2900
Stones Gambling Hall, 6510 Antelope Rd, Citrus Heights
SANTA CLARA VALLEY DISTRICT - February 19 @ 6:30 p.m.
CHAIR: Janet Thrasher – Thrasher Termite/Pest Control
jthrasher@thrashertermite.com ~ (408) 354-9944
Drying Shed, 402 Toyon Ave., San Jose
SHASTA DISTRICT - February 28 @ 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
CHAIR: Mike Bullert - Big Time Pest Control
mbullert@bigtimepestcontrol.com ~ (530) 242-8830
Riverview Country Club, 4200 Bechelli Lane, Redding
Please fill out this form if you plan on attending
March
MID CAL DISTRICT
March 10: Class @ 4:00 p.m. and Meeting/Dinner @ 5:00 p.m.
CHAIR: Brad Delk – Delk Pest Control
bdelk@delkpestcontrol.com ~ (209) 465-5656
Location varies – contact Chair for location
VENTURA DISTRICT - March 18 @ 7:00 p.m.
CHAIR: Rudy Ayala – Spearhead Pest Control
rudy@spearheadpestcontrol.com ~ (805) 746-4547
Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, 600 East Esplanade Dr., Oxnard
CENTRAL COAST DISTRICT - March 19 @ 6:30 p.m.
CHAIR: Dave Watkins – O'Connor's Pest Control
dwatkins@oconnorpest.com ~ (805) 482-2782 x205
F. McLintocks, 750 Mattie Rd., Pismo Beach
April
LOS ANGELES/SB HARBOR DISTRICT - April 16 @ 6:30 p.m.
CHAIR: Greg Bausch – American City Pest & Termite Inc.
greg@americancitypest.com ~ (310) 542-8622
Marie Callendar’s, 15466 S. Western Ave, Gardena
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| Name/Company/District |
Member Type |
Join Date |
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| Ms. Tiffany Ardisana Golden Hills Pest Control Big Valley District |
R | 1/7/2020 | ||
| Mr. Jose Sandoval HomeTeam Pest Defense Diablo Valley District |
R | 1/7/2020 | ||
| Mr. Richard Drews Drews Pest Control Big Valley District |
R | 1/9/2020 | ||
| Ms. Jamie Smith Certemy, Inc. Orange County District |
A | 1/10/2020 | ||
| Mr. Ricardo Gastadello HomeTeam Pest Defense San Bern/Riverside District |
S | 1/13/2020 | ||
| Mr. Michael Balanzategui Genesis Termite & Pest Control, Inc. Central Coast District |
R | 1/16/2020 |
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
If the New Year isn’t enough to spark interest in setting lofty goals for the months ahead, a change in the decade surely will. As we welcome 2020 and all of the potential opportunities that lie before us, it’s important to understand what the objectives for your business are and how you plan to achieve them.
When it comes to staying relevant online (where potential customers are looking for your service), there are a few key Web Marketing tactics that every business should follow in 2020. To help you reach greater success this year – and this decade, be sure to implement these 4 tactics:
SEO
We used to say that running a Search Engine Optimization campaign for your pest control business was a great way to get a step ahead of your competition. After hearing that more than 55% of small businesses invested in SEO in 2018 (which is only expected to increase in 2020), it’s clear this is the new standard for getting noticed online.
The main goal of an SEO campaign is to build relevance for your company online in the area you serve. This style of marketing gets your pest control Website on page one of Google, which gets your phone ringing and your operation moving. A good SEO campaign will help your company keep up with the competition; but a great SEO campaign – which should combine onsite optimization with offsite tactics – will give your company a major upper hand.
A Review Generation Strategy
When your potential customers are in need of a treatment or consultation, they tend to begin their search on Google. Once they find your company and its competitors, they’ll need to choose one provider. Sometimes, the deciding factor that tips the scales is online reviews. Next time you search for your company online, take a look at your Google star rating. Is it close to 5? Do you have more than 10 reviews? In 2020, you want to be able to answer ‘yes’ to both questions.
If you don’t currently have a strategy in place to drum up positive reviews, this is the year to get it going. A good place to start is by putting links to the most popular review platforms (Google, Facebook, etc.) on your website. You can take it a step further by having review generation be a part of your client’s experience, whether that’s your technicians reaching out after an appointment or a link to your Google listing from your company’s external emails.
Mobile Load Speed
Google doesn’t always make it clear what they’re looking for when they rank websites in search results, but they did make one thing clear back in 2018: page one websites need to load quickly on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. A search engine’s main goal is to give users the best experience possible when responding to a query; providing a website that takes forever to load, meaning, 5 seconds or more, is not delivering on that goal. Considering the fact that 75% of searches are done on mobile devices, you can’t afford to ignore this trend. In 2020, it’s essential that your site be optimized for the mobile experience.
Focus on Customer Experience
It’s often said that it costs 5 times more to attract a new customer than it does to keep a current one. With this in mind, make sure that your company is doing what it can to keep your customers happy and coming back for more. One strategy we always recommend is posting educational content about your service to your website. An FAQs page, a blog, or detailed services pages are all opportunities to give potential customers the information they’re looking for while also establishing your company as a reputable business. Customers will begin to look at your company as a resource, which ends up paying for itself.
When you build trust between your customers and your business, customers start to talk. Whether it’s with their friends or in online reviews, happy customers become “influencers” that bring additional prospects to you at no extra cost. While high Google rankings or online ads can do a good job at getting your name out there, nothing compares to good-old-fashioned word-of-mouth advertising. To put this into numbers, Forbes reports that increasing customer retention rates by 5% increases profits by 25% to 95%. Whether you’re offering client discounts, referral perks, or educational content, do your best to make your customer feel taken care of.
There are times where a “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” mentality applies to a situation, but marketing your pest control business is not one of them. In a changing marketplace where more people are taking to the Web to find services that they need, you owe it to your company’s success to keep your Web Marketing strategies current and up-to-date with the latest best practices.
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.
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| Pest Control Operators of California 1510 J Street, Suite 230 Sacramento, CA 95814 
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