CALLING ALL PEST CONTROL COMPANIES IN CALIFORNIA ....WE NEED YOUR TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURES TO MAKE OUR INDUSTRY THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY

In writing my first article as President of the Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC), I am excited by the potential that exists within the professional pest management industry in California and throughout our country. Our association supports our mission statement which is “Through environmental stewardship and legislative and regulatory advocacy, we are able to do our jobs to protect people, property, and our food supply”. As our volunteers and companies involved with this association work tirelessly on our behalf, we all benefit from these efforts. This is why I believe we are all responsible for joining and supporting our PCOC association. We need your time, talent, and your treasure. Every individual has something to give to keep our association strong, to protect our industry that continues to provide each of us with an honest living and protects the families and businesses we serve.

Over the years serving on various committees, and during my 6-year journey on the executive committee, I have experienced fantastic industry events. I have met great folks in this industry, and have collaborated with colleagues on ways to enhance this association's efficiency and outreach. Your leadership team is ready for the challenges we will face in the upcoming year.

My goal this year is to develop a new strategic plan with the assistance of a professional facilitator. I want to lead PCOC into the next 1, 3, and 5 years with organizational structure, modernization, efficiency, and new blood. Let our focus be result-driven outcomes that build on our recent successes. Each committee needs to have a set structure that ensures the best outcome and efficiency. For example, what we have achieved from the recent changes from one legislative committee to a separated legislative committee and a regulatory committee. We need to engage and mentor the next generation of members and leaders. Being relevant is key to a strong membership. Being transparent is vital to growth. Let’s embrace technological advancements to make participation, event and dues payments, registrations, online CEU courses and our website easier to access and to ensure that technology is meeting the needs of our members.

I am so honored to have this opportunity to serve this amazing association. I look forward to meeting and listening to the needs of our industry. We all have challenges and that is why leadership, staff and other members are only a phone call, email or text away.  It takes a village and we need every pest control company to join and get involved. California leads our nation in pest control issues and we need every voice and every membership dollar to fight the fight and keep our industry strong.  My hope is that 2023-24 will be a year of growing our pest control village and creating lifelong friends along the way.

Mary Hernandez
PCOC President