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Nominations: 2016 Board of Directors Elections
Nominations are due March 25.
Whether it's through navigating compliance issues, developing training and professional development programs, or advocating on our industry's behalf before local governments, we need your thoughts, ideas and dedication to help continue to advance pest management professionals in our province. SPMAO Board members have provided input on areas such as government rules and regulations, municipal affairs, education, health and safety, pesticides licensing and recertification and wildlife management. By nominating yourself or a colleague to the SPMAO Board, you can make a difference in the pest control industry. The Board meets quarterly and hosts conference calls during the busy season. Attendance at the majority of meetings is required. Nominations should be sent to spmao@pestworld.org no later than Friday, March 25 at 12 noon for consideration. The election will take place at the Annual General Membership Meeting to be held at Home Hardware Pest Control, Markham, ON at 12 noon on April 5, 2016.
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Annual General Meeting in April
Join us for the next meeting coming up in April 5, 2016 and receive an update on your association, learn about issues impacting your business and network with association members.
April 5, 2016
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Home Hardware Pest Control
3400 14th Avenue, Unit 3
Markham, ON
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Structural Pesticide Licensing Course
Pest Certified is offering two three-day courses in March that are designed to help students pass the Ministry of the Environment pesticides licensing exam.
March 7-9, 2016 Days Inn 366 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, ON Fee: $395 plus HST
March 21-23 Best Western 161 Chisholm Drive, Milton Fee: $395 plus HST
The courses will review the Ontario Pesticides Act, safety protocols, IPM principals, and math calculations for mixing and applying product. Pest biology and habits and safe use and selection of pesticides will also be covered. Students need to apply for the licensing package which contains the study material prior to the course commencement. Applications for the licensing material and exam are to be sent here.To register, please email jeff.twinn@rogers.com or phone 519-719-8262. Sign up early as space is limited.
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Register Today: Pest Management Canada
The Canadian Pest Management Association is proud to present Pest Management Canada 2016, featuring two days of networking, education, exhibits, and your opportunity to meet with fellow pest management professionals from across the country.
Educational Highlights
- From Handcuffs to Handshakes: Leadership Lessons From Over 30 Years of Handling Humans
- Understanding Your Legal Rights & Minimizing Your Liabilities
- Diversity in the Pest Management World: From Employees to Customers
- Creating Your Integrated and Laser Focused Marketing Plan - Your Road Map for the Future
- Cockroaches: A Three Pronged Look Into Control Methods, Health Issues, and the Future
- Creating a Replicable Bed Bug Treatment Protocol
- Understanding Customer Expectations and Surpassing Them
- Carpenter Ants and Fire Ants: More Than Just Nuisances
- Situational Awareness: An Approach to Safety in Unknown Conditions
- Developing a Professional Rodent Pest Management Program
Hotel Reservations
A four minute walk from Casino Nova Scotia, the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront is only 1.3 km from the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. To make your hotel reservations, please call 800-943-6760 by March 17 to receive the rate of $166 per night. After March 17, rooms and rates are subject to availability. The Exhibit Hall
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Experts Urge Caution As Zika Virus Spreads
As concern over Zika virus, an emerging mosquito-borne disease, continues to grow, NPMA is urging the public to take precautions now to help curb problems during the warmer months when biting mosquito populations tend to increase.
"We recognize that local vector transmission of Zika virus has yet to be confirmed in the continental U.S., but the number of reported travel-related cases continues to increase," said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. "We are monitoring the situation closely and working to help educate the public on ways to not only avoid contact with mosquitoes when traveling to regions where the disease is present, but also how they can eliminate breeding grounds at home as spring and summer approaches. Read more here.
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Health Canada Launches New Pesticide Mobile App
PR Newswire, January 25, 2016
Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency launched a new mobile app that allows individuals to access pesticide labels that have been registered for use in Canada. This app will help homeowners, farmers, industry, as well as provincial and federal organizations look up specific details of the pest control product they are using from the convenience of their smartphone or tablet. The most up-to-date health and safety information will be right at their fingertips with this new user friendly tool.
Users will be able to save their searches as well as download product labels to their 'Favourites' for access, even when they are offline. 'Favourites' will also auto-update whenever users access them when online. Pesticide labels can be searched based on various factors including product name and active ingredient. The directions found on pesticide labels are important as they contain detailed explanations on proper product use and what precautions should be taken to avoid injury.
Users can download the app on their mobile device using the link here.
If you have any comments on the app, or suggestions for improving the app, please include them in the app's comments section on your device's app store.
If you have any questions, please contact the PMRA's Information Service. Read the full article here.
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SPMAO Annual Conference Survey Results
The survey on SPMAO's Annual Conference went out to attendees in February and found that the event was popular again this year. Most of those who responded had attended Annual Conferences in prior years and had a good experience. Other results are summarized here:
- 90 percent rated the conference as good or excellent.
- 93 percent found the conference to be a good value.
- 67 percent would like to bring more technicians to the conference in the future.
- 80 percent rated the educational program highly.
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There's A New Clue About What's Killing Honeybees Around the World
CBS News, February 5, 2016
One question that has had scientists buzzing in recent years is, "What is killing the bees?" Many reports have documented the mysterious decline in honeybee populations around the world, with research focusing on possible causes including parasites, a type of pesticide called neonicotinoids, and other factors. Now, research out of the University of Exeter in the UK and the University of California, Berkeley, reveals another explanation: the spread of a viral disease, inadvertently helped along by humans.
The study, published in the journal Science, found that European honeybees are the main source of Deformed Wing Virus, which has spread through bee hives around the world. The researchers determined that the spread of this insect pandemic is largely fueled by human trade and transportation of bees. Read the full article here.
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Bats Standards Compliance Course Offered at Rutgers University
In partnership with the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA), the Rutgers University Office of Continuing Professional Education will be offering the Bat Standards Compliant Course in New Brunswick, NJ on Wednesday, March 30, 2016. The purpose of this training is to define Standards of Practice and establish a minimum uniform standard for Wildlife Control Operators (WCO's) when performing bat-related work to resolve conflicts between humans, bats and structures. Please visit the website to register or to receive more information.
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North America Food Safety Summit April 20-21, 2016
Food Safety Leaders from across North America are joining together to tackle safety & quality issues in the food industry. Make sure you have a spot front and centre to network with these professionals. They need your help to keep food safe for consumers. Assist in preventing food-borne illnesses and product contamination while boosting your brand. Leaders in attendance from: High Liner Foods, Loblaw Companies Inc, Wal-Mart Canada, E.D. Smith Foods, Ganong Bros, Trophy Foods + More.
SPMAO Members receive 20% off the cost of registration using VIP Code: SPMAO20. Visit the website for more information.
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Special NEBs Discount for Canadian Members
As part of your membership benefits, SPMAO members can now take advantage of a special discount of 15% off of all NEBS business products. For more than 30 years, NEBS has helped Canadian companies with all of their business needs.
NEBS products include:
- Cheques and forms that help you manage your day-to-day business
- Promotional products and print marketing to help get you noticed
- Personalized, quality apparel to outfit your team
- And much more!
To order, call 1.800.461.7572 or shop online at nebs.ca. Save 15% on all new orders by using your Member Code 47766.
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Have You Updated Your Member Profile?
The NPMA website, www.npmapestworld.org, has gotten a facelift. You will find it easier than ever to access your benefits online using your member login. Here are the top five things you can do as of today...we'll be adding a lot more features over the next few months! - You can update your own member profile
- You can tell us what you want to hear about
- You can print your membership certificate (but only if you are the primary contact for your company)
- You can add new staff to your membership listing (but only if you are the primary contact for your company)
- You can update your company information (but only if you are the primary contact for your company)
You should have received an email in the last few weeks which included your login information. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact NPMA at 800.678.6722 or npma@pestworld.org.
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 Coming in March: NPMA's New Field Guide App
The printed NPMA Field Guide is the industry's leading resource for pest professionals. Now thanks to NPMA's new Field Guide App buyers will have access to hundreds of pest photos, biology, behavior and control methods right on their tablet or phone for just $4.99.
Technology has irrevocably changed the way a business works. Today most pest control companies expect employees to use mobile devices to respond to customers quickly. With the Field Guide App, technicians will be able to use a phone or tablet to email a staff entomologist at NPMA directly with pest identification questions or send a fast email to clients that includes photos of pests. A notes section within the App makes adding protocols, notes and standard operating procedures used for clients simple and efficient. Users can also add their own photos for use as future reference or sales tools
The NPMA Field Guide App can be downloaded by anyone with a need for identifying pests and researching pest problems. Look for more detailed information on purchasing the app in coming months!
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