LEG DAY 2013—MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

Every year most trade associations in Sacramento have a "legislative day" where members converge on the Capitol and visit legislators' offices. This rite of spring (they actually do occur at this time of year because of the legislative calendar) is often taken for granted. This year it is even more important than usual: a new administration and more than 40 new legislators in the assembly alone! This function of YOUR trade association is vitally important for the ongoing protection of our industry. In fact, you could argue that affecting the legislative process is THE most important thing we do! The power of the pest control industry is in the VOICE of individuals working together. This activity rises up from the local level: from the district level that state senators and assemblypersons represent.

That is why the act of making appointments with your local legislators, and inviting them to our legislative reception, is so essential. The more members we have coming to Leg Day, the more effective PCOC can be. It is of great concern to me that, over the last couple of years, the number of attendees has slowly been dropping. This, at a time when the number of legislative threats against the pest control industry is starting to increase. We have an incredibly important opportunity to educate new lawmakers about the pest control industry.

It is true that our grassroots lobbying on our elected officials should not be confined to just one day. In fact, we are in the process of developing an "adopt-a-legislator" program where legislators can spend a day with a pest control professional in his/her district and learn why the public needs to hire a professional. Legislators will, in this way, learn about our responsible, professional and regulated industry.

That being said, I have observed over the years the importance that legislators place on seeing the commitment of their constituents when they take the time to come to Sacramento. Please consider making the extra effort this year to attend our PCOC Leg Day on April 24. Your participation will help educate all the new legislators who have arrived in Sacramento and remind returning lawmakers of the importance of the pest control industry to the state's economy.

NPMA has announced the 2013-2014 Board of Directors nominees. On the ballot are two PCOC members: Treasurer Robert Baker has been nominated for the Director At Large position for Region 4. Past President Lee Whitmore has been nominated for Region 4 Director.

Ken Gordon of Gordon Termite Control passed away on March 10 of an apparent heart attack. He had touched the lives of many PCOs and was a great contributor to our industry. He will be greatly missed! Graveside services will be held at Rose Hills Cemetery in Whittier at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19. A celebration of his life will follow—details to be announced at the service.

Kei Yamaguchi passed away on Dec. 25, 2012. He was the founder and president of Yamaguchi Termite Control Service, located in Los Angeles, CA. He was 94 years old, and was in the termite business for 60 years. He worked up until the day before he passed away.