BugBytes Vol. 5, Issue 9

March 20, 2023

Posted By: Lydia Crabtree in Bug Bytes,

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Vol. 5 Issue 9, March 20, 2023

~ Leadership Program Applications Available ~
~Professional Women in Pest Management SPRING FLING~
~ Economic Survey ~
~Honey Bee Program for Honey Bee License~
~ Pesticide Clean Day Event ~
~ Summer Conference Hotel Block Open in Disney ~

Professional Women of Pest Management
Don't miss out on the next opportunity!
Spring Fling!
April 27, 2023
4 PM to 6 PM
Arrow Exterminators National Training Center
15021 Hwy 92
Woodstock GA 30188
$15 for any who want to attend!
Click on the banner above to register!
(NO CEUS AVAILABLE)

Even though no CEUs were given, the Georgia Women in Pest Control Lunch and Learn, March 8, 2023, was a great success. The event was attended by a wide variety of GPCA and non-GPCA members. We heard from Ashley Marratt and Andrew Hancock about their business and how they help the community. About 23 people participated.

Pre-Registration is Manadatory

Question? Contact Ricky Hayes

Click on ad to register.

DEFENDING USE OF
LEAF BLOWERS

Thanks to the great work of Senator Shawn Still, the Landscape Equipment and Agricultural Fairness (LEAF) Act, SB 145, cleared the Senate Monday with a 37-16 vote. In addition to having the support of every Republican Senator, it also garnered support from six Democratic Senators, showing great bi-partisan support. Among the most vocal Democratic supporters is Senator Derek Mallow of Savannah. He has been a solid voice on this issue and has heard from several landscape businesses in his district. UAC membership also weighed in with emails to lawmakers, helping show broad support for this important industry issue. We thank you.

UAC agreed to have a provision added to the bill that requires the preemption language to be renewed in eight years.
We were very pleased to have UAC members Mark Thelen (pictured with Mary Kay Woodworth and Senator Still) and Todd Guilmette come to the Capitol to meet with senators on this issue.
We were joined by Rick Bell of Arrow Exterminators as the Georgia Pest Control Association is also among the supporting organizations.
The bill establishes that there shall be no prohibition or regulation of the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers during hours allowed for all power equipment.
Opponents of leaf blowers from Atlanta and Decatur worked the hallways to try and defeat the bill.
We have prepared information to share with lawmakers about the importance of protecting the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers.
Language in the bill reflects the confusion that would exist with varying ordinances that would also lead to increased costs for compliance.
UAC had this letter placed on the desks of all senators.
Now that the LEAF Act has passed the Senate, it moves to the House and will receive a committee hearing in the coming days.

Thank you to these groups who are in support of the LEAF Act (SB 145):

Georgia Chamber of Commerce
Georgia Agribusiness Council
Georgia Farm Bureau
Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association
Georgia Green Industry Association
Georgia Pest Control Association
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
National Association of Landscape Professionals

Jump-start your career success and promotions by utilizing the prestigious Leadership Program, now open. Applications are accepted until March 31, 2023.

Apply Now

Employee Survey

Owner Survey

Save the Date

For the Summer Conference at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort!
June 26 - 28, 2023.

Monday, June 26th - Wednesday, June 28th, 2023
1000 West Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista Florida 32830-8403240
IN-PERSON ONLY

Hotel Booking and Reporting: You are able to book reservations by calling the Disney Group Reservations Phone Team at (407) 939-4686 or by using GPCA's group online booking microsite: https://mydisneygroup.com/gpcaam2023

Disney World Park Tickets:
Group Discounted Disney World Park Tickets can be purchased here.

You can link your hotel reservation and your tickets to the park by utilizing these instructions:
Linking a Reservation to MyDisneyExperience
Making Theme Park Reservations