Pijac honours industry leaders

Some pet industry leaders were recognised at Pijac’s annual Top2Top conference. Laura Nativo, dog trainer and pet advocate, of Hallmark’s “Home & Family” presented eight awards. Marcie Whichard, vice president of animal care and education from Petco, received the prize for the Pet Advocate of the Year. He initiated Petco’s Think Adoption First programme, which manages 3 500 adoption partner relationships. Chris Buerner, president of Quality Marine, was recognised with the prize for the Programme Innovator of the Year. As a key member of panels setting industry standards, Chris has raised the bar in the marine industry for the conservation of marine ecosystems and promoting a responsible aquarium trade by developing a certification programme for overseas fish collectors, collection areas and exporters. Tom Edling, vice president of veterinary medicine, Petco, was honoured with the prize for the PIJAC Ambassador of the Year. He is the head of the PIJAC Zoonoses Committee, providing health and care information to the industry and the general public to prevent the potential transmission of disease from pets to humans. Doug Poindexter, president of the World Pet Association Pet Industry, received a prize as Leader of the Year. He has transformed the industry with his leadership skills – from creating the Aquatic Experience show, the first of its kind, and serving on multiple pet industry boards to growing the World Pet Association (WPA), which now produces one of the top industry trade shows in the country. Jim Boschee, CFO of the World Pet Association, was honoured with the prize of the Presidential Award of Excellence. As the head of the PIJAC Membership Development Committee, he has been instrumental in ensuring that every member of the pet industry has a voice in local, state and national legislation. Bob Vetere, president and CEO of the American Pet Products Association, received the prize of Chairman’s Award of Excellence. He has used his tremendous leadership skills to align industry goals and create industry-wide initiatives, including the Pets Add Life (PAL) campaign and the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI). Bill Brant, president of Gourmet Rodent, was awarded with Lifetime Achievement Award. As an educator, entrepreneur and state-cabinet-level advisor, his achievements as an industry activist and successful business owner are legendary. Nestlé Purina Petcare was honoured with the Pet Effect Award. Nestle Purina Petcare has invested $30 million in pet welfare, helping nearly 2.2 million pets in pet welfare organisations. More than half a million cats and dogs found homes through the company’s Rally to the Rescue network of ambassadors alone.