Message from the President

Nicholas Holland,

President

February 2026

Welcome to the Winter edition of the APMA Newsletter.

While we are in the middle of winter with a few months to go and I am sure more snow and cold temperatures to come; planning for the spring for my company is well under way. When you run a company, it amazes me how far out you have to think about things and when the day rolls around it is what it is. I made the decision 6 months back. Happy planning and more patience for everyone if it doesn’t quite go right.

On February 10 th Alberta Environment and Parks is holding an advisory meeting in Edmonton. The APMA is there representing our industry. We have conducted a survey from the membership so that we can present a unified voice. On the next newsletter we will provide an update for everyone on the event.

Our upcoming workshop is on Thursday March 26 th . Jeff Watts from Bird-B-Gone/Pelsis will be running the workshop and also presenting on the education day. The workshop is limited to 30 participants.

Our spring education event is on Friday March 27 th . Our keynote speaker is Sarah Latyn from Target Specialty Products. She will be speaking on bed bugs.

Registration for the events will open on February 23. At our last event we were at capacity. In general terms the capacity is around food. We have to provide a firm commitment of numbers two weeks prior. If we overshoot with the number, we still have to pay the bill. Register early so that we can make sure we pick a number that accommodates everyone.

Both the APMA and CPMA will be holding President Elect nominations this spring. Keep an eye out for the information. Volunteers are what keeps our associations strong.

I am looking forward to this APMA President Elect cycle. On the side lines I am aware of a few people who have expressed interest. This is the time to start those conversations.

It’s time for new leadership, a fresh path with the support of our board. Will it be you?

Welcome to the Holiday edition of the APMA Newsletter. I am not sure where the year went but I do hope that 2025 was great and that you have even better targets and aspirations for 2026.

With each year I gain new business experiences and lessons that I take to the next obstacle. This year I learnt a powerful lesson from one of my children.

Emma and her buddy Naddi love to draw on the whiteboard on our fridge. They are quite the artists with felt markers. The girls drew a picture followed by the words ‘All storms run out of rain’. I can tell this is such a powerful phrase. We have all been there, some crazy obstacle is in front of us, and we can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Too often it is usually followed by ‘why me’. It is with wisdom and life experience we realize that all storms run out of rain. So next time you are being tested keep this in mind.

Last week I had the pleasure of being a guest presenter at SAIT in Calgary. I presented to the entrepreneurship class my business lessons from the past 16 years. I drive past SAIT on a fairly regular basis, but I don’t go into SAIT per say. As I was finding the room for my presentation, I had the joy of touring the grounds. I was blown away at what amazing facilities they have for the youth of today. We should all be proud at the investment Alberta has made into public institutions such as SAIT. It will serve generations of Albertans in the years to come. The young adults I presented to have dreams of being a buddy entrepreneur one day. I hope their passion and inspiration takes flight.

My question is simple how are you planning to serve your community in 2026? Volunteering is a powerful way of giving back to the communities where we all work and play.

Shifting gears, this past fall the APMA held there half annual education event and workshop in Red Deer, Alberta. This was a record attendance of just over 200 participants. I would like to thank all our guest speakers and the volunteers that made this event the success it was.

Mark your calendars. The next workshop will be held on Thursday March 26th, 2026. Jeff Watts from Bird-B-Gone/Pelsis will be hosting the workshop and presenting on the education day. The education event will be held on Friday March 27th, 2026. Details will follow. Keep an eye out on FB and the newsletter for further information.

In the spring the APMA will be holding nominations for President Elect. The person who is selected will be President Elect for one year, learning the role of President. They will serve as President for two years, followed by one year as Past President. If this is of interest to yourself or anyone that is in your circle keep an eye out for further announcements prior to the March education event.

From my family to your family I hope you find time to slow down and take the time to reflect on the year, what is important to you and create memories over this holiday season.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone in the spring in Red Deer.