A Call to Service—In Advocacy and Employment
Emily Thomas Kendrick, Arrow Exterminators
As we begin 2026, I’m struck by how service defines what our industry represents. Whether protecting public health through professional pest management or supporting those who’ve served our nation, commitment to a greater purpose runs deep in our community.
This issue highlights two critical areas where NPMA continues to lead: advocacy and workforce development. Both require the dedication and strategic thinking that make our industry successful.
Our public policy team tracked nearly 300 bills affecting our industry in 2025, with rodent control legislation emerging as a particularly challenging battleground. From Massachusetts to California, we’ve seen proposals driven more by emotion than science, threatening access to essential tools that protect public health.
The good news? Our State Policy Affairs Representatives (SPARs) are making a difference. Through coordinated grassroots efforts and persistent education of lawmakers, we’re shaping policy rather than simply reacting to it.
With the 2026 midterm elections approaching—narrow margins in Congress and gubernatorial races in 36 states—the political landscape will shift. We must be ready. Join us March 15-17, 2026, for Legislative Day, where you’ll engage directly with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and help advance critical priorities like state pesticide preemption. Your presence amplifies our collective voice when it matters most.
While we defend our industry through advocacy, we’re also strengthening it through strategic workforce development. Military veterans and their spouses represent an exceptional talent pool that aligns remarkably well with our industry’s needs. Their problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, reliability, and leadership capabilities are transformative.
Programs like PestVets and SkillBridge provide structured pathways to connect this talent with our industry. The success stories speak for themselves, from entry-level technicians to executives like Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jacob Kulzer, last year’s David Cooksey PestVet of the Year Award recipient.
Both advocacy and workforce development require commitment, strategy, and action. I’m proud of what we’re accomplishing together and optimistic about where we’re headed. Thank you for your continued engagement in building an industry that protects communities while creating meaningful careers.
