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03/25/2025

Building Skills & Giving Back: March PWIPM Recap

PWIPM

Quick Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined our March PWIPM meeting! We covered a lot of ground—from cross-training and mentorship ideas to upcoming events and personal wins. We introduced a new Soft Skills Training Series (outline attached), shared details about the PWIPM at the Park event (April 26), and launched the "Starve the Mosquitoes" blood drive (interest form attached). We also highlighted the Steps of Hope fundraiser for the Safe House Project—donation link included below.

Attachments

Meeting Notes: PWIPM Meeting

March 19, 2025

Agenda Items

  • Check-ins, personal and professional wins and struggles
  • Cross-training between office staff and technicians
  • Impact Award and industry recognition
  • Upcoming networking and training events
  • Blood drive and community engagement
  • Scholarship opportunities and vendor support
  • Launch of soft skills training series
  • Pest management professional development planning

Key Discussions and Outcomes

Impact Award and Industry Roles

Samantha encouraged nominations for the Impact Award for Women in Pest Management. Rendi and Ashley reflected on the award’s impact, including its value in advocating for compensation. The group discussed different roles in the industry, with Ashley expressing interest in better understanding technician responsibilities.

Cross-Training Initiatives

Samantha and Rendi explored the benefits of cross-training between office staff and technicians. They discussed bridging the gap between operational and field roles and touched on product development timelines and government red tape.

Support and Mentorship

Ashley, working remotely from Idaho, shared her need for motivation and connection. Samantha offered weekly check-ins for support and accountability. Rendi also expressed interest in participating, emphasizing the importance of a strong support network for women in the industry.

PWIPM at the Park – April 2025

The group discussed the annual PWIPM at the Park baseball game event. Tickets are $40, and the experience includes food, drinks, and club-level seating. Only 40 seats are available. Samantha noted that sponsorship support is possible for those who need financial assistance. Ashley is considering attending.

Blood Drive – “Starve the Mosquitoes”

Samantha introduced a Seattle-based blood drive at the Marriott with a “Sweet Suite” for post-donation treats. The event aims to create community engagement while addressing a critical need. An interest form will be sent out to identify potential participants.

Steps of Hope Fundraiser

The event will take place in Ocean Shores to support the Safe House Project. It includes a beach walk and networking activities. All proceeds go toward anti-human trafficking initiatives. Samantha mentioned exploring partnerships with 4 Shaw Distribution for awareness training.

Scholarship Development

Plans are underway to create scholarship opportunities with funding from industry vendors. These scholarships will support women in pest management with access to events, training, and career development.

Soft Skills Training Series

A new training series is in development to cover

  • Customer Service
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Time Management
  • Leadership

A speaker interest form will be circulated. Attendees were encouraged to suggest potential presenters. A new brochure will help members request support from their managers to attend.

Additional sessions focused on professional skills are planned. Ashley suggested including a motivational speaker, and Samantha welcomed recommendations.

Next Steps

  • Samantha to send out a blood drive interest form
  • Samantha to include PWIPM brochure and letter in member renewal packets
  • All attendees to suggest soft skills speakers to Samantha
  • All attendees to check wspma.com/events for details about Upcoming Events.

Upcoming PWIPM Events

  • PWIPM at the Park: Rainiers Baseball Game, April 26, 2025
  • Starve the Mosquitoes Blood Drive: Seattle, May 17, 2025
  • Steps of Hope Walk: Ocean Shores, June 7, 2025

Next Meeting

  • Date: April 18, 2025
  • Location: Zoom (Guest speaker TBD)

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