| June 2014 | Past Issues | Advertise | Affiliates Search | PCOC.org |
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL
As the summer season approaches, I wanted to use this space to let you all know that we at PCOC are doing a number of things that will focus the activity of pest control on pest control professionals. I am always comforted when I visit with legislators or state regulators by their reaction of amazement about our industry: how a trade association pioneered the regulation of an industry. This is truly unique and is worth instant credibility! I usually continue their education by letting them know about the licensing requirements in all three branches and the role that DPR, the Structural Pest Control Board and the Ag Commissioners play. I conclude by pointing out that it is a no brainer for the consumer to hire a professional. The public also needs to be educated about pest management, especially given the concerns and responsibilities toward our environment. When a person buys over-the-counter products from home improvement and hardware stores and the label reads "use 2 ounces," invariably they will use 4 ounces on the theory that it will do the job twice as effectively. That is why PCOC constantly emphasizes our "Hire A Professional" campaign — the theme of which is that for safety all around, the environment, pets and individuals, people need to hire a trained and responsible professional. Our new enhanced website will focus on the benefits of hiring a professional. The consumer will be able to see that the best decision in any environment is to hire a pest management professional. We will, in the coming months, be making it much easier for them to do just that! An enhanced search engine will give them all the information they need to find a PCOC member in their area. Unfortunately, we do not have a huge advertising budget. The PCOC Media Committee is working on ways that we can get the word out. Bumper stickers is one idea. Another is through Public Service Announcements (PSAs) , which radio stations will run. (They have to run a certain number during a week as part of their licensing agreement.) We also plan to explore the possibility of enlisting the help of DPR in this program since it will curb some of the abuses that take place in the over-the-counter pesticide use. Hiring a Professional is a vital concept that we all need to keep in our minds as we explain our industry to outsiders. It's an exciting challenge! |
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