FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 12, 2012
For more information contact:
Holly VonLuehrte
(502) 573-0450

 

Commissioner Comer honors Roy Rich for service on Pest Control Advisory Board

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 12, 2012) – Today, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer named Elizabethtown businessman Roy Rich an “Honorary Commissioner of Agriculture” in recognition of almost a quarter-century of service to the Commonwealth.  Rich, who owns the successful business E-town Exterminating, is resigning as chairman of Kentucky’s Pest Control Advisory Board.

“It has been an honor and privilege to work alongside Roy Rich,” Commissioner Comer said. “He is one of those rare individuals who found great success in private business and then gave back every bit as much to his state and local community.”

Commissioner Comer noted that the Pest Control Advisory Board has done significant work for the Department of Agriculture.  The Board reviews commercial structural pest control, conducts enforcement proceedings, and makes written recommendations for further action to the Department.  The Board also reviews licensing within the pest control industry.

“The job can be thankless and time-consuming, but Roy Rich did it with an unmatched passion and work ethic,” added Commissioner Comer.  “He will be sorely missed.”

Unlike many pest control operators, Rich began his career as a regulator.  After graduating from Campbellsville University in 1967, he worked as a pesticides director at the Department of Agriculture.  He later went to work for Orkin and in 1976 founded his own pest control business on Gray Street in Elizabethtown, where he worked long hours alongside his wife, Brenda.

Roy and Brenda Rich’s son, Shawn Rich, took over as CEO in 2003 and now manages the daily operations at E-town Exterminating.  The business is located on Ring Road and has grown to more than 20 employees, several of whom have been with the business more than 30 years.

“Roy Rich is a legend in the agriculture community,” Comer concluded.  “He is my friend and trusted advisor.  I’ve got his number and will use it regularly.”