As my time as PCOC President comes to an end this month, I have been reflecting on what a year it has been. A lot has transpired this year with the sale of the building, Chris Reardon’s departure, the hiring of our new CEO Michael Wilson, the challenging legislative year we are having, and personal struggles in my own life with my wife’s health. Even as the year began, I knew I would not be able to do it on my own.  I am so grateful that each member of the Executive Committee stood up and helped drive our association forward. Every member gave their all -- and then gave even more to PCOC. 

In addition to the Executive Committee, I would like to thank a number of people for their support and hard work. Sarah Conrad stepped up, filled in the gaps after Chris left, and did whatever needed to be done. I would also like to thank just a few of the so many that made a difference this year: Mike McKenzie, Chair of the Strategic Planning Task Force, Jen Fox, Chair of Membership Committee, Darren Van Steenwyk, Chair of Legislative Committee, Sylvia Kenmuir, Chair of Rodenticide Task Force, Blair Smith, Public Relations Committee, and Jim Steed, PAPCO Chair. Please know my list is not complete and I am leaving out so many people who contributed to the success of my term. To all of you I say, "Thank you!” It has been an immense pleasure working with each one of you who made a difference this past year. 

I know that the association is in good hands with Michael. He has worked hard to take the reins of PCOC and I am confident that he will do an excellent job leading us into a healthy and successful future. Our President Elect, Mary Hernandez, is well equipped and positioned to take over as President of PCOC. I know that she and the Executive Team will continue to do great things for our association in the coming year.

Speaking of the future, while I may be heading toward the end of my career, I know that the future of the pest control industry is bright, as I have made a point of meeting some of the newest and youngest members of PCOC at each district meeting I attend. There are many young people emerging in the industry that are getting their licenses and building their careers, their companies, and some even their own businesses. I look forward with optimism to the future they will build for PCOC, our industry, and the customers we serve.

Lastly, while raising our children, Mary and I always encouraged them to, "Leave the campsite better than you found it!”  As I turn the gavel over to Mary on Friday night June 23, I pray that I have left PCOC just a little bit better than I found it!

On that note, I would like to encourage you to strive to do the same. Get involved where you can and stay involved. PCOC needs you to continue to move our association and our industry forward. As a long-time member, I have always gotten more out of PCOC than I have ever put into it. I can confidently say that it is absolutely worth it to give your time and energy to make PCOC stronger. In turn, you will grow professionally, make your business stronger, and make the industry stronger for the next generation of pest control professionals. 

Years ago, I stumbled across this quote by Teddy Roosevelt. It has been a guiding light for me over the decades as I have devoted my time and energy to serve PCOC and our industry. 

"Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere.”

-       Theodore Roosevelt

Thank you for giving me the opportunity and privilege to work "to improve the conditions within our sphere.”  It has been an honor serving as your President, and I look forward to continuing to be involved in the association with all of you.

Greg Augustine
PCOC President

As a competitive long-distance runner since the age of 12, I have first-hand experience of how important it is to associate oneself with a knowledgeable coach and/or mentor. In my case, the individual helped me see beyond myself and what I could become. The introduction to my coach unlocked access to a new world of potential role models. In fact, my very first practice exposed me to participating side by side two eventual Kentucky state champions in cross country and track. It is undeniable in my case that my association with them helped me emulate their good training habits and more importantly develop the mental toughness necessary to compete over my long running career. 

 I see a lot of parallels in the athlete/coach connection and that of an association/member relationship.
At their core, associations exist to foster strength and unity in working toward common goals in each
industry. It was not lost on me during my recent travels to District meetings up and down California
that PCOC President Greg Augustine would take time out to identify the youngest professional in the
room, take a picture with that individual and then spend time to encourage them in their fresh pursuit
of success in the pest management industry.

While this exchange cultivated a genuine bond between Greg and these new participants in our
industry, it demonstrated to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that the association leadership framework
provides the coaching and encouragement that helps produce successful individuals and businesses in
our marketplace. In almost every District speech Greg would finish his comments about industry
obligations with the wise words of President Theodore Roosevelt who said, "Every man owes a part of
his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to
withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions with his sphere.” I
believe another Roosevelt quote also captures the essence of Greg’s special moments with the youngest
amongst us. Roosevelt is said, "Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

Before proceeding any further, I must "state for the record” it is quite apparent that President Roosevelt
never had the opportunity to meet PCOC President-Elect Mary Hernandez. If he had, the initial quote
above from President Roosevelt who most likely have been worded quite differently. However, that
said, there is no doubt that President-Elect Hernandez will also inspire countless new and seasoned
colleagues as she crisscrosses California and beyond this next year. I look forward to learning from
Mary’s style of motivation and encouragement that is sought by so many PCOC members that attend
industry events and gatherings. These words of wisdom from association leaders like Mary drive
member learning and growth.

Reflecting on my own experiences, the transformation from coaching for me did not only occur in my
running but in my development as a person. What started out that fall afternoon with my new
teammates that included two future state champions in 1976 turned out that skinny 6th grader would
finish his high school athletic career six and half years later in 1983. The route led me to 2 Kentucky
state track championships that included state records in both the 1600 and 3200 meter runs along with
a Kentucky cross country championship that was captured by 52 seconds. Throughout that journey, the
confidence in myself grew significantly. It was amazing how just putting one foot in front of the other
just a little bit faster than others transformed my journey over the years.

It is undeniable that the same sort of advancement is true for members that progress individually as
their companies prosper through their association relationships. As we adapt to new challenges and
opportunities, PCOC will continue to be the heart and soul of the $3.4 billion pest management industry
in the state of California. Celebrating our 80th Anniversary at our Expo next week, it is clear PCOC has a
long bench of goodwill ambassadors that will continue for many years to help individuals and companies
to succeed in all aspects of life.

Michael E. Wilson
Executive Director
Pest Control Operators of California

All Event Information can be found at WWW.PCOC.ORG/EVENTS

I would like to express my gratitude to the association for actively participating in addressing the proposed regulations on Site Decontamination (specifically, the eye wash issue) in response to DPR. Our collective efforts in voicing our concerns have been acknowledged. PCOC has also submitted a comprehensive letter outlining various points and objections along with their reasoning. DPR will now be required to address all the feedback received. It is anticipated that DPR will respond to the group-submitted form letter collectively, while also addressing the detailed letter point by point. As this process will take some time, we are uncertain about the timeline for the next steps. Furthermore, the nature of these next steps depends on DPR's response to the issues raised.

In addition to our involvement in the response to DPR on the Decontamination Site regulations, PCOC is actively monitoring and opposing several bills that are currently progressing through the legislature. These bills are being driven by environmental activist groups with the aim of regulating pesticide use in urban areas. Here are the bills that have been under our watch:

AB 363 (Bauer-Kahan): Neonic re-evaluation: This bill mandates DPR to complete its re-evaluation by the end of this year and develop mitigation strategies for problematic use patterns by mid-2024. However, the timelines outlined in this bill pose a significant challenge and are unrealistic. Based on history and what we know about the re-evaluation process, DPR will not be able to meet these deadlines which may result in non-compliance or hasty decisions without proper scientific backing.

AB 652 (Lee): Environmental Justice Advisory Committee for DPR: This bill proposes the establishment of an advisory committee to provide input and recommendations to the department, ensuring the protection of all groups potentially affected by pesticide exposure. The scope of potential reach of this group to influence DPR is one that we do not know.

AB 1322 (Friedman): Second Generation Anti-Coagulant and Diphacinone: This bill introduces an additional definition of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and mandates its adherence before the use of Second Generation Anti-Coagulants (SGAR) or diphacinone. It also calls for the re-evaluation of diphacinone to assess exposure pathways and sublethal effects, as well as the establishment of a 10% detection rate on representative species before lifting the re-evaluation status. DPR has already proposed re-evaluation of diphacinone for different reasons, just the timing is what it is.

PCOC is maintaining communication with DPR regarding these bills. We disagree with these bills primarily because they contradict the Governor's veto message on AB 2146 from last year, which emphasized that all pesticide-related matters should be handled by DPR rather than through legislative processes. We will continue our active opposition to these bills and make every effort to safeguard our interests. If necessary, we will mobilize the association through a Voter Voice campaign on any or all of these bills, reaching out to our membership for support.

Darren Van Steenwyk, M.S., BCE
PCOC Legislative Committee Chair
Regional Entomologist
Sprague Pest Solutions
1 661-610-8725
dvansteenwyk@spraguepest.com

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To better understand course of employment rules it helps to look at the exceptions.

When someone gets injured on the job, the connection — or nexus — between the job and the injury is usually clear and indisputable. But sometimes, it’s not. For example, say you work at home, and you tripped over your dog on your way to pull some fabric samples down from a shelf to take with you to a customer. Just such a claim was at first denied by the workers’ compensation judge, then paid on appeal.

Exactly what does course of employment mean? We can probably understand the concept better by looking at the exceptions.
The following rules relating to course of employment should help clarify things a bit:

1. Idiopathic Injuries
   Idiopathic refers to an injury of unknown origin. When someone has a stroke or heart attack while at work, for example. Unless there is some sort of connection to a job function, such an injury would be considered idiopathic. Injuries like these are not compensable.
2. The Going and Coming Rule
   With some exceptions, an injury incurred while driving back and forth to work is not covered, unless driving is part of the job.
3. Dual Purpose and Special Errand Exceptions
   On the other hand, if an employee is on an errand on behalf of the employer while going to or leaving work, this would be an exception of the going and coming rule.
4. Premises Exception
   Even if the employee is not yet officially on the clock, if an injury occurs on premises owned or provided by the employer, there would be coverage.
5. Proximity or Special Hazard Exception
   This exception would apply if a hazard existed such that if not for the hazard an employee would not have been injured. For example, if employees are required to drive down an unsafe road to get to work. This is often a contentious and difficult exception to interpret.
6. Off-Duty Injuries
   Injuries that occur when employees are on a break may be compensable. It depends on when, how often such breaks are taken and if they are permitted. Also, injuries that occur when someone is attending a seminar away from the office or on a business trip may be covered even while on break.
7. Horseplay
   Injuries from horseplay can be barred from compensation. The facts need to be examined but, in general, the person initiating the horseplay would be denied benefits.
8. Injuries by Third Persons
   Accidents or injuries caused by the intentional or negligent actions of third parties are compensable.  

For more information or help, contact the Insurance professionals of EPIC’s PCOC Insurance Program.

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