Letter from the chairman

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Twenty-five years ago, a group of industry leaders came together with a shared vision. They knew if they wanted to change the tide, they would need to act and work together to promote, protect and grow the professional pest control industry in a time of adversity and less than ideal public opinion. Fast-forward to 2022 and that same organization, the Professional Pest Management Alliance, is indeed building a bright legacy for generations to come.

PPMA, the consumer marketing arm of the National Pest Management Association, is responsible for engaging directly with consumers and elevating the public’s perception of professional pest control services. We are making incredible strides. According to PPMA’s Attitudes and Perceptions Survey, 85% of homeowners across several generations believe pest control professionals play a key role in protecting public health and family health, and that pest control services protect against pest-borne diseases, food contamination and allergy and asthma triggers. Ultimately, we are encouraging market growth by educating both consumer and commercial audiences about the value and importance of professional pest control when it comes to protecting homes, health, our nation’s food supply and the vital businesses that power this country.

For a quarter century, PPMA has tirelessly focused on this mission and has been successful by strategically tailoring programs and tactics to engage with customers. Today, that means everything from a powerful public relations effort placing articles and segments in the news media, to public service announcement campaigns reaching people across the airwaves, to expansive digital advertising efforts and content sharing across multiple platforms on social media. We develop campaigns and produce videos that are engaging and entertaining while also being educational. We carefully craft our content and lean on artificial intelligence and public polling to identify trends and pests of most concern. And through it all, we drive audiences back to PestWorld.org where they can learn more about pests that can be problematic in their home or business, and we tell them to call YOU.

The efforts of PPMA elevate, promote and benefit the entire industry. Truth be told, over 25 years, we have been able to accomplish a tremendous amount of work to support you and your business. I’m talking billions of positive impressions, tens of millions of website visitors, tens of thousands of news stories and thousands of hours of PSA airtime.

We are moving the needle. In 2001, when we first asked the question of homeowners, “Have you used professional pest control services in the past year?” – 18% said yes. When we recently asked that same question, 53% said yes. That is a 194% increase in the number of homeowners reporting to use your services! While PPMA doesn’t take credit for all that growth, we are indeed a leading factor. In fact, Pest Control Technology Magazine recognizes PPMA as the number one driver of industry growth, as noted in its 2022 Top 100 issue.

This critical work is funded 100% through voluntary financial contributions from generous pest control firms, members of the supplier community and friends of the industry. These companies are fully committed and are contributing to PPMA’s legacy and to the growth of the professional pest management industry.

Are you helping to build this bright legacy? If not for the collective industry, consider doing it for your own business. And don’t just take it from me, a 25-year Guardian-level investor. Read this report to learn why others invest in PPMA, many of whom have been with PPMA from the beginning. Trust me when I tell you, it is a smart decision.

Looking back on another wonderful year, I would like to express my deep respect and gratitude to the PPMA Board of Directors for their continued leadership and service. Together, we also want to share our appreciation for the Guardianlevel investors who generously give 1/10th of 1% of their annual revenues to PPMA’s programming, and to thank our Contributors and the Supplier community for your steadfast support as well. Every dollar counts and leads to positive and powerful change. We would not have gotten to 25 years without you, and we are looking forward to doing even more in the next 25 years… together.

Regards,

Bobby Jenkins, Chairman, PPMA ABC Home & Commercial Services Austin, TX

It has been an honor serving as your Executive Director of PPMA for nearly 15 years and to have worked in this industry for over 20. Thank you for your trust as we built this organization together and for your passion and shared belief that we could elevate our industry to new heights. Just look at what we’ve accomplished in 25 years!

In 2022, we celebrated our milestone Silver Anniversary in a big way while also executing our dynamic marketing plan to drive public awareness around the value of working with professional pest control companies. When this organization was formed 25 years ago, it was built on the framework that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” We have done that, folks. And today, our tide is stronger than ever. In fact, Pest Control Technology Magazine once again named PPMA as the #1 REASON FOR INDUSTRY GROWTH! The work of PPMA has indeed prompted more people to visit PestWorld.org to learn about pests and to find pest control services.

While there will always be more work to do, I can’t wait to see what the next 25 years will bring to this fabulous industry.

So, while I pass the torch to my successor, the very talented, driven and capable Jim Fredericks, I will be watching and cheering you on as you continue to be champions and advocates for the industry. I am excited to see all that PPMA accomplishes in this next chapter.

With Gratitude and Appreciation,

Cindy Mannes Executive Director, PPMA 2001-2009, 2015-2022

When this organization was formed 25 years ago, it was built on the framework that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” We have done that, folks. And today, our tide is stronger than ever.”

Dear PPMA Supporter,

This year PPMA celebrated its silver anniversary and the organization has never been stronger. In fact, our entire industry has never been stronger, which is, in part, a direct result of the crucial work PPMA has done for 25 years to grow, promote, protect, and defend professional pest control through outreach to residential and commercial audiences, and always with an eye towards the future. This annual report illustrates all the ways PPMA has been hard at work for you in 2022. And, of course, we could not have done it without the generous financial contributions of hundreds of companies who recognize the critical impact of their participation. Thank you!

Our industry has seen transformative change over the last 25 years. Likewise, our organization is doing the same as we say goodbye to an absolute legend and valued colleague, Cindy Mannes, who was at the helm of this organization for almost 15 years. We wish her all the best in her retirement and thank her for her leadership to promote and protect our industry.

As I begin my service as PPMA’s new Executive Director, I am filled with pride to represent this essential industry and carry out our mandate to keep our families and businesses safe. I spent the last months of 2022 immersing myself in PPMA and preparing for the transition, and I am incredibly energized by the future of the industry and our One Bright Legacy. The warm welcome from the PPMA investor community has been overwhelming, and further fuels my passion for the industry and our people. We’ve hit the ground running in 2023 and look forward to the next 25 years of PPMA making an impact on the industry, helping companies grow, and helping consumers better understand the importance of pest control. We are in for some exciting times, and I am so honored to be a part of it with you.

Best,

Jim Fredericks Executive Director, PPMA