12/15/2025

Bright Minds Chart a Bright Future: VPMA Sets Bold Course for the Year Ahead

Bright Minds Chart a Bright Future: VPMA Sets Bold Course for the Year Ahead

 The Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA) convened its Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, and invited guests for a high-impact Board Planning Meeting designed to build on the successes of 2025 and illuminate a strong path forward for 2026. Guided by newly installed President Shannon Harlow-Ellis, ACE, the Association’s brightest minds came together to envision a vibrant future for VPMA’s members and the broader pest management profession across Virginia.

Harlow-Ellis opened the meeting by reaffirming VPMA’s commitment to its mission and vision—promoting ethical, environmentally responsible pest management and serving as the premier resource supporting the industry statewide. With renewed energy and focus, leaders evaluated committee charters, re-engaged both seasoned and emerging contributors, and established major organizational goals for the year ahead.

Reflecting on a Year of Achievement: 2025 Highlights

VPMA celebrated a series of accomplishments in 2025 that demonstrate the Association’s momentum and its capacity for continued growth.

Virginia Pest Management Summit Success

The 2025 Summit marked the 20th presentation of this long-loved meeting, bringing together professionals from across the state for a refreshed, re-energized, and highly engaging program. Attendees praised the Summit’s quality and dynamic sessions, noting that they “couldn’t wait to return to their seats for each presentation.” Many shared that they received practical, immediately applicable information to strengthen both their business operations and technical work. With strong engagement, updated branding, and a new venue, the Summit reinforced its reputation as a cornerstone event for Virginia’s pest management community and positioned it for continued growth in the years to come.

Spring Recertification Webinars Meet Industry Needs

VPMA’s Spring Recertification Webinars continued to deliver high-quality, timely training serving both members and non-members across Virginia. These virtual programs remain one of the Association’s most effective avenues for reaching a broad audience and supporting the ongoing recertification needs of the pest management profession.

Petition for Rulemaking Gains Support

VPMA’s petition to revise Category 8 certification received strong backing, including support from the current Commissioner of Agriculture and 27 public comments from industry members. This effort highlights VPMA’s role in elevating issues that impact members’ ability to hire, train, and certify technicians, ensuring these concerns are brought to the attention of regulatory partners along with proposals for meaningful, practical change.

Cat 8 Prep Course Achieves Outstanding Success

VPMA collaborated with VDACS to deliver comprehensive study materials and expert-led instruction to 45 course participants—all of whom successfully passed the Category 8 exam. Given that the typical Cat 8 pass rate is in the low 30% range, this remarkable 100% success rate underscores the exceptional quality of the preparation, guidance, and review provided in the course.

Strategic Areas of Focus for 2026

1. Education

VPMA will continue expanding core educational programs, including WDI Certification, Master Technician training, recertification webinars, the annual Summit, and the Jeffrey M. Johnson ACE Prep Course.
New for 2026, VPMA will launch a WDI Inspector Recertification Course, designed not merely as a refresher but as an advanced “201-level” program that will renew voluntary WDI certification for an additional two years.
VPMA aims to be a true training partner for members by offering professional-level education that equips technicians to meet customer needs, while reducing the burden of developing extensive in-house training. Professional branding materials—including program logos—will be developed to highlight this commitment to excellence.

2. Legislative & Regulatory Affairs

VPMA will maintain strong engagement with VDACS, state and federal lawmakers, and EPA partners to navigate regulatory changes and advocate for the profession. With many newly elected or re-elected Virginia state legislators, 2026 provides an important opportunity to introduce VPMA to leadership and position the Association as a trusted resource on small business and pest-related issues that representatives and senators may encounter.

3. Professional Development

Programs such as the STM Admin Conference, ACE Prep Course, and the Leadership Excellence & Action Program (LEAP) will continue to advance leadership and professional excellence within the industry. These initiatives help PMPs build personal and professional skills that support career advancement, strengthen communities, and expand business opportunities.

4. Connections & Community Growth

Recognizing significant opportunities to reach thousands of Commercial Applicators and Registered Technicians across Virginia, VPMA will prioritize outreach and engagement efforts statewide. VPMA not only supports the industry through education and advocacy, but also works to create a strong sense of community among pest management professionals. In 2026, VPMA will host regional spring hands-on training events in each of the four geographic areas of the state, along with Fall 4x4 Social events to encourage networking and relationship building.

Reinvigorated Committee Engagement

A defining focus of the Board Planning Meeting was the effort to re-energize committee membership by blending experienced leaders with fresh perspectives. Strengthened charters, clarified goals, and renewed volunteer engagement will enable committees to deliver more impactful, mission-aligned work throughout 2026.

This initiative aligns with VPMA’s Five Pillars to Improvement—Staff, Board of Directors, Committees, Members, and Community—and sets the stage for greater efficiency, innovation, and industry-wide influence.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Year on the Horizon

“Our brightest minds came together to envision an extraordinary year ahead,” said President Shannon Harlow-Ellis. “With renewed enthusiasm, clear goals, and the combined strength of experienced leaders and new voices, VPMA is poised to shine even brighter in 2026.”

VPMA will continue developing its 2026 action plan, focusing on elevating member value, expanding educational opportunities, strengthening advocacy, and fostering a thriving community of pest management professionals across Virginia.