Signs of the Times - September 2013 - (Page 81)

INDUSTRY Association INSIGHT The International Sign ISA Advances Industry Issues Around the World S ummer can be a time to slow down and relax. But ISA and its Affiliated Associations actually have stepped it up during the past few months to build important relationships on several fronts on behalf of their memberships. First, I was among four sign representatives and ISA staff that participated in a Manufacturing Summit, sponsored by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The three other sign representatives who took part—Beth Gillispie, Acorn Signs; Dave Miller, Nova Polymers; and Lisa Peterson, Federal Heath—had never gone to Capitol Hill to lobby Congress. I had had the privilege of doing something similar many years ago in another industry. While my previous experience had been rewarding, it did not prepare me for the significant voice that the sign industry would have at this event. NAM had arranged for a broad segment of manufacturers to participate, but with ISA’s coordination, the sign industry was among the most heavily represented. NAM had prepared conversations to focus on immigration, tax laws and infrastructure issues. While these issues certainly are a concern to the sign industry, we were able to share specific issues that impact our industry in particular. We were able to talk about the Dark Sky movement—an initiative to limit lighting at night, including signs. We were able to convey how this will negatively affect our industry and more importantly, our business customers. We also were able to convey how important quality signage is to a business’ success. Being able to share these issues was extremely valuable, and many of the Representatives and Senators expressed their appreciation. However, I think one of the biggest benefits was in helping those who make laws understand that there IS a sign industry and that we have a positive effect on business and our communities. Participating in the NAM Summit was the beginning step in building relationships that I believe will bear much fruit as we continue to tout the benefits of signage and our role in the larger manufacturing sector. Not only were we able to build relationships on Capitol Hill, but our involvement with the National Association of Manufacturers will yield fruit for many years to come. ISA also is at work around the globe. In this era of social networking, our world has gotten significantly smaller and it’s easier than ever to conduct business with partners just about anywhere. That’s one of the reasons that ISA traveled to Serigrafia in Brazil this summer. Brazil is becoming an important global player with its sign industry growing and raising the levels of professionalism. ISA recently entered into an agreement with Serigrafia to conduct educational training at its 2014 event. You’ll also see representatives from Serigrafia at the 2014 ISA International Sign Expo. SEPT 2013 EDITION ISA has taken the lead in building these important relationships with federal officials and with sign industries around the world. But it’s up to all of us to continue to foster relationships within our industry. And there’s no better place to do that than at regional industry events. Several ISA Affiliated Associations held their annual expos and meetings this summer and many more are scheduled throughout the fall. These events provide valuable networking time for distributors and suppliers to meet with customers and for sign companies to meet with their peers. As we head into fall, I urge you to get involved in building relationships at all levels: with local peers, with the business community in the areas you serve and with elected officials. ISA and your local Affiliated Association are providing the tools to help you do so, but it’s up to you to take advantage of them. By Harry Niese • • • Chairman, ISA Board of Directors. | STATS • FACTS Retail sales are expected to gain 4-4.5 percent in the second half of 2013 and increase even more in 2014, according to Kiplinger’s Economic Outlook. • WWW.SIGNS.ORG / 81 http://WWW.SIGNS.ORG http://WWW.SIGNS.ORG

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Signs of the Times - September 2013

Signs of the Times - September 2013
Contents
ST Update
Technology Update
Who Uses the Phone Book?
Vinyl Apps
Strictly Commercial
Lighting Techniques
The Moving Message
Technology Review - DGS 3D POP store system
Technology Review - KIP C7800 poster printer
Design Matters
New Products
When the Cheering Starts
Enter the ST Intl. Sign Contest!
Starting at the Bottom
LED Lamps for Box/Cabinet Signs
The Aria’s 260-ft. Pylon Sign
Industry News
Advertising index
Editorially speaking

Signs of the Times - September 2013