June 2010 News Briefs
Members of the American Pet Products Association (APPA) recently re-elected the following individuals to serve a two-year term on the organization’s board of directors: Paul Cooke of Nestlé Purina Co. in St. Louis; Glen Fleischer of Central Garden and Pet Co. in Walnut Creek, Calif.; Roger Morgan of The Bramton Co. in Dallas; William Pearson of Pearson Industries Inc. in Prattville, Ala.; Diane Peterson of Mulligan Stew Pet Food in Jackson, Wyo.; and Robert Scharf of Sergeant’s Pet Care Products in Omaha, Neb. Both Cooke and Morgan were also re-elected by the board to serve as officers for the 2010-2011 term along with Michael Farmer of Global One Pet in Grapevine, Texas. Farmer was re-elected chairman, Morgan was re-elected vice chairman and Cooke was re-elected secretary/treasurer.
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Del Monte Foods Co. of San Francisco appointed David Allen to executive vice president of operations and Larry Bodner to executive vice president of finance. Allen, previously senior vice president of operations and supply chain, will now oversee all operations and supply chain functions in addition to previous supply chain and pet operations responsibilities. Allen will continue to report directly to Nils Lommerin, Del Monte’s COO, who will continue to oversee marketing, innovation and research and development efforts.
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Ecological Laboratories Inc., the Malvern, N.Y.-based manufacturer of Microbe-Lift water garden and aquarium products, has hired David Schwartz as export manager and Peter Kalessis as microbiologist. In his new role, Schwartz will be responsible for handling the logistics for overseas shipments of Microbe-Lift products. Kalessis is tasked with identifying culture by using DNA sequencing and other scientific processes and is also responsible for product quality control, management of stock culture banks, new microbial product development and product improvements.
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Planet Dog, a Portland, Maine-based manufacturer and retailer of dog products, has hired Denise Saaf to serve as marketing manager. In her new role, Saaf is responsible for the execution of day-to-day marketing needs for the company’s wholesale business, Web presence and company store, which is in Portland. Prior to joining Planet Dog, Saaf served in the marketing department for DeLorme, a provider of mapping products, technologies and data.
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International Franchise Association President and CEO Matt Shay was recently named president and CEO of the National Retail Federation (NRF). Shay is expected to be elected formally at NRF’s June 22 board meeting. Shay will succeed Tracy Mullin, who is retiring after 17 years as NRF’s CEO. In related news, Dave Ratner, president of Dave’s Soda & Pet City, was recently elected to serve on the executive committee of the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association (RAMA). The RAMA executive committee is responsible for identifying research, educational and informational needs of retail marketers and advertisers. RAMA is a division of NRF.
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Espree Animal Products, a Grapevine, Texas-based manufacturer of natural and holistic grooming products for pets and horses, has hired Lauren Snell as sales associate. In her new role, Snell is the “face and voice” that greets Espree customers, assists in customer service duties, and serves as the new Espree Facebook page correspondent. Snell attends Tarrant County Junior College with a major in business.
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The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has appointed Elizabeth Estroff to the new position of senior vice president of communications. In her new role, Estroff will oversee all communications and media relations, including the planning, development and implementation of the organization’s external and internal communication strategies. Estroff joins the ASPCA from Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, where she served as senior vice president of corporate communications.
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Karen Miedema of Revival Animal Health in Orange City, Iowa, won PetAirapy’s Mexico Stay Getaway raffle held during Global Pet Expo in March. The drawing was open to all 2010 Global Pet Expo attendees. As the winner, Miedema will receive a three-night stay for two at the pet-friendly Xpu-Ha Palace Wyndham Resort in Cancún, Mexico.
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The American Pet Products Association and Pet Industry Distributors Association, co-organizers of Global Pet Expo, named celebrity cook Rachael Ray as this year’s recipient of the trade show’s annual “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award.” The award recognizes individuals who have the power to influence millions of people and to positively promote the joys and benefits of pet ownership. Purina, which sponsored the award ceremony held March 26 at Global, planned to make a donation to the North Shore Animal League America in honor of Ray’s commitment to animal welfare.
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Nanosilver, microscopic “nanoparticles” of silver that are used in a wide range of consumer products to kill bacteria, causes toxicity to fish, according to a Purdue University study released in March. The study found that nanosilver, when it was suspended in solution, proved toxic and lethal to fathead minnow test subjects. Ron Turco, professor of agronomy and the study’s co-author, said it is unclear how nanosilver exposure might affect human health.
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Groomers Helper, a pet safety and positioning system, became available for purchase in the United Kingdom and Ireland in March. The product, produced by a Margate, N.J. company by the same name, has a distribution agreement with Christies Direct, based in Northern Ireland. Groomers Helper was also slated be on display at Interzoo, a trade show in Nuremberg, Germany, from May 13 through 16.
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Dog camp franchisor Camp Bow Wow of Boulder, Colo., retained 5W Public Relations of New York to handle strategic planning, media relations and a marketing communication campaign for the brand. Camp Bow Bow launched Bow Wow Behavior Buddies, an in-home dog training program, in May.
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The Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists (APAWS) declared April 1 through 7, 2010 as Pooper Scooper Week in an effort to educate people about the importance of cleaning up after their dogs. Dangerous parasites, such as roundworm, can be transmitted through dog feces, posing a risk to people of all ages. APAWS encouraged those who are unable to clean up dog waste on their own to find a member company that offers pet waste cleanup services.
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Animal Airways recently announced the extension of its Pet-Flight Management Service to all methods of flight including cargo, checked baggage and in-cabin. The service helps people make appropriate travel plans for themselves and/or their pets. Animal Airways also provides ground handling services, ticketing and shuttling.
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Vetericyn Inc. of Rialto, Calif., has entered a marketing partnership with celebrity dog trainer Cesar Millan. Under the deal, Millan will appear in advertisements and marketing videos for Veterincyn’s line of animal wound care products for dogs, cats, horses, birds, reptiles and other pets. In turn, Vetericyn sponsored the Ask the Vet section and has taken out full-page ads in Millan’s bimonthly magazine and weekly fan newsletter.
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The nonprofit Canine Health Foundation’s latest video release, “Nutrients to Promote Physical Recovery in Active Dogs,” features Dr. Brian Zanghi. Recorded at the October 2009 National Parent Club Canine Health Conference in St. Louis. Click here to view the video.
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MMI Genomics Inc., the manufacturer of the Canine Heritage breed identification test, has become a sponsor of the American Kennel Club’s Canine Partners program. The Canine Partners program allows owners of mixed-breed dogs to participate in competitions held by AKC-affiliated dog clubs nationwide and access many AKC programs and services, including the AKC’s pet lost and found recovery service. The Canine Heritage Breed Test is designed to help mixed-breed dog owners identify their dog’s breed composition by cross-referencing their pooch’s DNA with that of more than 100 AKC recognized breeds.
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Merial’s Frontline Plus and its agency Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness have launched a new marketing campaign and corresponding website. The tagline is “There’s Killing and then there’s Complete Killing,” which highlights the brand’s ability to kill fleas at all three stages of the lifecycle, according to Merial. The multi-channel campaign includes television, print and integrated digital platforms.
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Pet accessory manufacturer 26 Bars and a Band, of Walnut, Calif., has signed a distribution agreement with Jappell of Kasugai-shi, Japan. Under the agreement, Jappell will distribute the company’s Avant Garde retractable leashes and harnesses as well as the new Paul Frank retractable leashes throughout Japan. Jappell planned to test market the rest of the Paul Frank collection, which includes collars, traditional leashes, charms and beds, throughout April.
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Happytails Canine Spa Inc., a Los Angeles-based manufacturer of spa, grooming and wellness products for dogs, reported in April that it inked a distribution deal with Holistic Pet Source of Nashville, Tenn. Under the agreement, Holistic Pet Source will distribute Happytails products in Tennessee, North Carolina and Kentucky. Happytails cited Holistic Pet Source’s commitments to independent pet stores, natural and organic products and quality service as factors that drove the partnership.
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The Pet Industry Distributors Association recently added two new distributor members: Best Friend Products Corp. of Chalfont, Pa., and Manchester Products of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. The trade group also added Scooter Z’s Corp. of Tukwila, Wash., as an affiliate member and Atlas Manufacturing LLC/Atlas Aquatics of Bossier City, La., as an associate member.
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GPC Pet Products of Muscatine, Iowa, launched a “direct response” marketing campaign in March for its World’s Best Cat Litter brand. The campaign, which is slated to run through September, is comprised of one- and two-minute television spots that refer consumers to one of several URLs, such as getworldsbest.com, where they can learn more about the product and download a rebate coupon. Paul Zobel, director of sales and marketing, said the direct response approach allows the company to showcase its product and speak to the consumer on its own terms.
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Petfinder.com, an online database of adoptable pets, launched an iPhone app in March. The application, which is available in the iTunes App Store, provides iPhone and iPod Touch users with the opportunity to browse Petfinder.com’s network of adoptable pets while on the go. The app, developed by Phunware Inc., determines the user’s location and allows him or her to view adoptable pets in the area or nationwide.
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The Center for Consumer Freedom, a nonprofit watchdog organization, has launched a new website which is dedicated to analyzing the Humane Society of the United States’ activities and “keeping the group honest.” The website includes a blog, interactive document library and information on HSUS-related organizations and staff. The center recently ran an ad in the New York Times that claimed the HSUS gives less than one-half of 1 percent of its $100 million budget to pet shelters and directed readers to the new website.
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BestDoggieStyles.com, an online retailer of dog apparel and accessories, opened for business in early 2010. The website, founded by Vallery White, is dedicated to providing dog owners with an array of canine fashion options, from hooded sweatshirts and T-shirts to dresses and tuxedos. The Englewood, Colo.-based company expected to begin offering dog walking and washing to local residents in the near future.
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Land O’Lakes Purina Feed of St. Louis, kicked off its “Live From Lexington” blog contest on March 1. The contest invites horse lovers to showcase their blogging skills for a chance to attend and report live from the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, scheduled for Sept. 21 to Oct. 11 in Lexington, Ky. The contest, which is also sponsored by Equisearch and Active Travel, was slated to end May 31.
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Canidae Pet Foods Inc.’s Responsible Pet Ownership blog recently celebrated its one year anniversary. The blog provides pet owners with information on an array of pet care and behavior topics. The company, which is based in San Luis Obispo, Calif., said it began the blog as a way to help educate pet owners on proper pet care and nutrition.
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The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) of Manasquan, N.J., has launched a Twitter account. Followers of @CFAcatlover will receive up-to-date news and information about the association and feline health care issues. CFA said a Twitter account is a dynamic way to help the association keep in touch with the more than 93.6 million cat owners in the U.S.
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SpongeTech Delivery Systems Inc., the New York City-based manufacturer of Uncle Norman’s Pet Bath Sponge, reported in April that it has licensed its trademark, The Smarter Sponge, to Rockstar Holdings Inc. Rockstar will use the trademark to help sell SpongeTech products in North American malls, beginning with the Kings Plaza Shopping Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. SpongeTech estimates that its products are available in more than 45,000 North American retail locations in the drug, food and mass retail channels.
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Sally Verhagen of Hardware Hank in Little Chute, Wis., touted pig ears as an “unconventional product” that sold well in the hardware store, in a Hardware Retailing article. Although Hardware Hank doesn’t do much with pet supplies overall, the pig ears have boosted repeat visits and attracted new customers to the store, Verhagen told the publication.
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Nano Pet Products LLC of Wilton, Conn., has inked a distribution deal with International Pet Trade Service of Waalwijk, Netherlands. Under the agreement, IPTS will distribute Nano Pet’s Dog Gone Smart pet products throughout Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg. IPTS will initially distribute Dog Gone Smart pet beds and crate/bench pads, with distribution of the line’s apparel and accessories expected to begin later this year.
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Qian Hu Corp. Ltd. of Singapore reported net income of about $1 million on sales of about $16.6 million for its first quarter ended March 31, compared to net income of about $1 million on sales of about $16.5 million in the year-ago period. By segment, Qian Hu reported ornamental fish sales grew 4.2 percent to about $8.8 million, pet product sales fell 9.1 percent to about $5.8 million, and plastic bag sales increased 16.7 percent to about $2 million. The company attributed the decline in accessories sales to a delay in the deliver of goods from Chinese suppliers following the Chinese New Year as a result of a labor shortage and increasing material costs.
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Munchkin Inc., the parent company of Bamboo pet products, reported that the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan has acquired a significant minority stake of common stock in the company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Munchkin’s chairman and CEO Steven Dunn said the pension fund’s strong financial backing and established global footprint will be invaluable as the company reviews potential acquisitions and looks to expand international distribution.
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Nestlé reported global sales of Nestlé Purina PetCare grew 4.6 percent organically to about $3 billion for its first quarter ended March 31, 2010. The company reported key brands, including Pro Plan, Purina One, Friskies, Beneful, Purina Dog Chow and Fancy Feast, continued to perform well as did newer products, including Felix Sensations and Purina One Actilea, a product that reinforces cats’ immune systems.
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Woodstream Corp. of Lititz, Pa., a portfolio company of Boca Raton-based private equity firm Brockway Moran & Partners, acquired Zareba Systems Inc., a provider of electric fencing for animal containment. Woodstream will add Zareba’s brands to its existing Fi-Shock line. Zareba’s products, used to contain and deter horses, livestock and small animals in the agricultural, hobby farm and lawn and garden markets, are sold primarily through farm-agricultural retailers and do-it-yourself centers in North America and the U.K.
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Sho Clothes, a dressage boutique in Wellington, Fla., held its second annual Sho & Tell Expo in March, providing attendees with a chance to meet representatives from equestrian businesses. The event featured a fashion show, raffles, door prizes and dozens of vendors, including Cavalor, Grand Prix Feed, Peak Performance Nutrients, Performance Saddlery and others.
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Dressage Olympian Courtney King-Dye’s fellow riders and aficionados are coming to her aid. Members of the dressage community raised $17,000 for King-Dye’s medical care during the Top Shelf Dressage Under the Stars competition after she recently suffered a skull fracture when a horse she was training slipped. She remains in a coma since the injury. Donations and well-wishes can be mailed to Courtney Dye at 2442 Muir Circle, Wellington, FL 33414.
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Eastman Chemical Co. will purchase Genovique Specialties Corp., a company that manufactures benzoic acid and sodium benzoate, which are antimicrobial preservatives used to lengthen the shelf life of animal feed and other products.
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A bill that would strike the term “pit bull” from Ohio’s statutory definition of dangerous dogs has gone before the Ohio House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Sponsored by Rep. Barbara Sears, R-Lucas County, House Bill 79 changes state law to no longer single out “pit bull” dogs as vicious. Ohio law currently states that if a dog “belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull”, it is automatically deemed dangerous.
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The New Orleans City Council recently introduced an ordinance that, if passed, would require owners or keepers to spay/neuter all dogs older than six months. The council had planned to discuss, and possibly vote on, the ordinance at its meeting on May 6. Those wishing to obtain an “intact dog permit” would need to adhere to a list of conditions including, but not limited to, paying appropriate fees, proving the dog is microchipped and not allowing female dogs to breed before reaching 18 months old or to have more than one litter per year. Fines would be imposed on those who did not comply.
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California Assembly member Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) completely amended AB 2743, changing it from proposed legislation about emergency medical services to an unrelated proposal to prohibit pet-allowing landlords from establishing rental policies that would require tenants and would-be tenants to debark or declaw their animals as a condition of occupancy. The proposal calls declawing cats “cruel and unnecessary” and would subject landlords in violation of the act to civil penalties up to $2,500 payable to the individual harmed by the violation.
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Pet writer Mordecai Siegal, of New York City, died on April 1. Born in 1935, Siegal authored and edited more than 30 pet books, including “The Cornell Book of Cats” and “Dog Spelled Backwards,” and wrote columns for a variety of media outlets, including GoodNewsForPets.com. He served as the president of the Dog Writers Association of America from 1994 to 2000 and was twice presented with the DWAA Distinguished Service Award (1987 and 2000). In 2007, Siegal was inducted into the Dog Writer’s Hall of Fame.
Suzanne Foley, co-owner of Precious Pet Supplies in Sarnia, Ontario, died at age 65 in mid-March. Donations may be made to Hospice Village, Windsor Essex Humane Society or T.L.C.-Animal Aid.
Elizabeth Smith died at age 70 in mid-March. Smith and her late husband Leonard owned L.C. Smith Pet Supplies in Delmar, Fla. Contributions may be made to the Tufts Veterinary School in Medford, Mass.