Click here to see photo slideshow.It's never hard to recognize an all-star. All-stars are the ones whose skill, commitment, and enthusiasm set them apart from their peers and elevate the performance of their entire team. In 2006, BASF, The Chemical Company launched the Termidor^® termiticide/insecticide All-Star Technician program to identify and recognize the country's exceptional termite technicians. The second annual Termidor All-Star Technician program brought these outstanding performers together to celebrate the best technicians the pest control industry has to offer.

"After the success of the 2006 Termidor All-Star Technician program, we were eager to begin the search for the 2007 team," said Bill Baxter, Business Manager for BASF. "With nearly 100 entries received, it was difficult to choose only 16 winners. Each of this year's nominees should be very proud of the tremendous effort they put forth on a daily basis."

The 2007 Termidor All-Star Technicians were nominated by their managers and coworkers, who were asked to describe in 500 words or less how the nominee exhibited three key characteristics: knowledge of termite biology and proper termite defense techniques; value to the pest management company in terms of the technician's role in business development, team morale, or other contributions to the company; and exemplary service to their customers. Judges received nearly 100 entries and selected 16 exemplary candidates to join the All-Star ranks as the second annual Termidor All-Star Technician team:

• Tod Confer, J.C. Ehrlich Co., Pleasant Gap, PA
• Charles Gragg, Orkin Pest Control, Springfield, MO
• Chris Bush, Home Pest Control Company, Inc, West Columbia, SC
• John Saxton, Jr., SST Exterminators, Surprise, AZ
• Jose Nestor Rodriguez, The Hitmen Termite & Pest Control, Inc., Santa Rosa, CA
• Christopher Sillinger, B&B Exterminating Company, Inc., Jacksonville, FL
• Cory Oakford, Permatreat Pest Control, Fredericksburg, VA
• Miguel Ocequeda, Western Exterminator Company, Anaheim, CA
• Herbie Yancey, Terminix, Plantation, FL
• Howard Mauldin, McKenzie Pest Control, Inc., Lake Charles, LA
• Michael Howell, Orkin Pest Control, Pikeville, KY
• Christopher Lebrecht, Bob Jenkins Pest Control, Inc., San Antonio, TX
• R.J. Hyatt, Middleton Pest Control, Inc., Largo, FL
• Kim Clark, Action Pest Control, Vincennes, IN
• James Kendzulak, Viking Termite & Pest Control, Bridgewater, NJ
• Rodney L. Williams, Orkin Pest Control, Doraville, GA

The 2007 Termidor All-Star Technicians were honored during a three-day all-expense-paid stay in San Francisco. From July 9 - 11, the team was treated to an awards dinner banquet, breakfast with 12-time MLB All-Star Frank Robinson, an excursion to Alcatraz Island, and, of course, attended the 2007 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at AT&T Park.

Jessica Miner Killian, President of B&B Exterminating Company in Jacksonville, Florida said, "Chris [Sillinger] had a wonderful time in San Francisco and I have enjoyed hearing all of the fun details. It is inspiring to see him smiling proudly as he shares his All-Star experiences with his co-workers and family."

"The Termidor All-Star Technician trip to San Francisco was excellent! BASF set up a first class event with awesome food, great lodging and a day of sightseeing around the city," added J.C. Ehrlich All-Star Technician Tod Confer.

BASF would like to thank everyone for their efforts in making this a rewarding and memorable event!

Click here to learn more about the 2007 Termidor All-Star Technician team!