TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Month’s SBI Trivia Question Stumper:
How much money was spent spent on outdoor advertising in the U.S. last year?
For the answer, scroll to the bottom of the newsletter.
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Industry News
[[HOT TOPIC]] ISA Show Wrap-Off
The big ISA International Sign Expo 09 in Las Vegas is a few days away. For information on registration, attendance, hotels, show schedule, and more, visit www.signexpo.org. For information on one of the biggest events at this years show, just keep reading!
Cyrious Software, provider of estimating and business management software for the sign and graphics industries, has partnered with Lowen Corporation, provider of large-format, full-color vehicle wrap graphics, for Lowen's 1st Annual Certified Wrap-Off, taking place April 16-18, during the 2009 ISA show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As many as 96 professional vehicle wrap installers will compete on the show floor for the title of "America's Best Installer." Contestants will wrap six Ford Mustangs. The competition will determine who can wrap a car in the least amount of time and with the fewest errors in a sudden death style tournament. Lowen Corporation is producing this event in conjunction with ISA.
"A down economy does two things--it either motivates you or eats you alive," says Sergio DeSoto, VP of Sales & Marketing for Lowen Corporation. "Motivation seems like the best option. We are holding this event to let the world know our industry is not going to take this economy lying down. This event is proof that our industry is alive and in for the long haul. Besides that, we all really want to know who the best installer is in America!"
As a Partner in the Wrap Off, Cyrious will contribute a Cyrious Control OOB Gold system worth $3,695 to the Grand Prize package. The system includes all the documents and reports a graphics shop or installer needs to operate efficiently and present their business professionally--such as estimates, work orders and service tickets, invoices, and dozens of other documents and business reports.
The Grand Prize winner will also receive a 2009 Ford F-250 xl work truck, a truck tool box and wrappers tool set from Mac Tools, and an HP Touchsmart tx2-1020us Notebook computer from Hewlett Packard. All materials will be provided by 3M.
"The sign industry is known for creating impactful visuals in all advertising mediums, so we wanted to create an equally impactful event at the convention," says DeSoto. "And given the circumstances of the current economy, the grand prize can gain the winners entry into their own wrap installation business."
Contestants must bring their own tools and can use any they prefer. Lowen will supply propane if a torch head is used. Installer contestants will be paired off on one of six Ford Mustangs and will be given 50 minutes to complete the wrap. The installer who finishes first with the fewest mistakes (mistakes add penalty time) will move on to the next heat. Heats will continue until Friday, and on Saturday the last two contestants will compete in a grueling two hour contest to determine the winner. Best time for all heats wins. A panel of six independent sign professionals will judge. For more information on the contest including rules and regulations, please visit www.lowencertified.com.
Westinghouse Offers New Digital Signage Solutions Web Site
Westinghouse Digital Electronics, a player in the digital signage solution industry, is helping businesses to maximize their ROI and experience the dynamic power and wide consumer reach of digital signage solution products with its new and informative Web site, www.wde.com/dss. The new Web site provides detailed information on the company's full array of digital signage solutions featuring its new neonSource, neonNow and neonPlayer products that give businesses an advanced way to turn their entertainment or information displays into powerful digital signage tools.
The new Web site features an industry-unique ROI calculator that allows a business owner, VAR or System Integrator to monetize their Westinghouse digital signage solution investment. The ROI calculator allows a business to enter in their Average Monthly Profit, Monthly Cost Avoidance and Projected Percentage Increase and they will then be presented with the ROI if they purchase and use the new Westinghouse digital signage solution software and products. The site also includes a tab that describes how the financial ROI is calculated.
John Araki, Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Business Unit, at Westinghouse Digital Electronics, says, "The new Westinghouse Web site was created to give business owners, VARs and any potential customer interested in digital signage solutions a complete prospective into the details and offerings of our new software and product family. With its novel ROI calculator, the site goes a step further and truly shows a business the financial benefits to investing in a digital signage solution for their company."
The Web site provides detailed Westinghouse digital signage software product information, including a helpful Frequently Asked Questions section related to neonSource and neonNow. The site also features a video on the home page of neonSource and neonNow in action. Visitors can actually see how a business can run video or TV on a monitor and insert dynamic advertisements into the screen as well -- it provides a true "real time" demonstration and application of the software in live action. In addition, site visitors can click on different parts of the neonSource and neonNow software to see pop-up descriptions of the easy-to-use User Interface. This unique feature allows potential customers to get a real sense of the software in action and see just how intuitive and simple to use it really is.
The Web site will also feature live case studies throughout the year that highlight real world business applications and usages of the Westinghouse digital signage solutions. A link to a Westinghouse Digital Purdue University Calumet case study is here: http://dss.wde.com/v1/wordpress/?p=323.
Richard Heyderman of Multi Dimensional Resources Receives Humanitarian Award
Richard Heyderman, CEO of Multi Dimensional Resources, was presented with the Angelwish Humanitarian Award by Shimmy Mehta, Angelwish's Founder/CEO at a ceremony held at the Hackensack University Medical Center recently. Angelwish is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to brightening the lives of children with HIV/AIDS,
"In October of 2006, Angelwish was presented with an incredible opportunity to distribute thousands of children's holiday presents that would otherwise not get delivered because another organization decided to end their 20 year old toy drive," explains Mehta. "Fortunately, we were introduced to Richard Heyderman of Multi Dimensional Resources who gave us his support immediately when he realized the impact this could have on the children if we didn't work together to do something."
In addition to Mr. Mehta and Mr. Heyderman, other officials on-hand for the presentation included Faye Zealand of AIDS Resource Foundation for Children, Marcy Sedlacek of Montefiore Medical Center, and Dr. Julia Piwoz of Hackensack University Medical Center.
"A humanitarian gives of himself regardless of compensation, and improves the lives of those in need through selfless, courageous, creative, and compassionate acts," says Mehta. "These are all elements that describe Richard Heyderman. Giving us access to Multi Dimensional Resources' 102,000 square foot warehouse, his staff and their expertise allowed us the ability to receive and distribute over $726,000 worth of toys and gifts to children living with HIV/AIDS all over the country since 2006. In appreciation for these efforts and his support over the years, we presented Richard with the Angelwish Humanitarian Award."
In addition to Mehta and Heyderman, other officials on-hand for the presentation included Faye Zealand of AIDS Resource Foundation for Children, Marcy Sedlacek of Montefiore Medical Center, and Dr. Julia Piwoz of Hackensack University Medical Center.
Angelwish recognized Heyderman for distributing tens of thousands of toys and gifts to children impacted by HIV/AIDS, during the past several years. The toys were warehoused and distributed across the country, to scores of care centers that treat children suffering with HIV/AIDS.
Heyderman, a 20-year veteran with a stellar reputation for creating award-winning in-store marketing, has used the mantra "Move Beyond" to create a new direction in POP displays, retail store fixtures and packaging.
SGIA Announces PDAA Merger
The Professional Decal Application Association (PDAA), comprised of graphic installers, is merging with SGIA in an effort to expand services, support, and business opportunities for PDAA members. The organization will evolve to SGIA's Professional Decal Application Alliance; maintaining the PDAA acronym, dues, referral and certification structure.
"This is the perfect way to develop a higher profile for PDAA and its members," said Michael Robertson, SGIA's President and CEO. "It will allow the SGIA community to offer customers and clients the most extensive total imaging solutions available."
Building on SGIA's extensive professional resources, additional services will be created for PDAA members, including, business management information, marketing resources, employment listings, work safety information,iImproved access to the SGIA community, expanded referral network, and expanded applications gallery.
"This is an exciting time for both PDAA and SGIA communities," Robertson said. "While PDAA members gain extensive resources and market opportunities, SGIA graphic printers are able to connect with certified installers to grow their businesses."
New Appointments
WAC Lighting
co-founder and CEO Tony Wang has appointed Shelley Wang to President. In her new position, Ms. Wang will oversee all operations of WAC Lighting Company, including WAC Lighting North America and W2 Architectural Lighting, its architectural division specializing in specification grade commercial products. She will coordinate all sales, marketing, development and administrative activities, in conjunction with the firm's state-of-the-art manufacturing campus in China.
Meetings and Events
APRIL
April 15 - 18: ISA International Sign Expo 2009. Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Center, Las Vegas NV. For more information, visit www.signexpo.org.
April 27 - 28: United Application Standards Group testing. 3M headquarters, St. Paul, MN. To learn more, call 612-209-9703 or visit www.uasg.org.
MAY
May 5 - 7: Lightfair International 2009 Tradeshow and Conference. Jacob Javits Center, New York, NY. Learn more at www.lightfair.com
May 27 - 30: The Society for Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD) 2009 Conference & Expo. San Diego, CA. For information, visit www.segd.org/conference/index.html
Sponsored Links
Earl Mich Company --
Specializing in a wide variety of quality sign supplies & lightning fast wholesale graphics. Bringing you the products you need to succeed for over 76 years! Most items ship SAME DAY! www.earlmich.com
This Month's Trivia Answer:
In 2008, advertisers spent $6.99 billion on outdoor advertising.
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For in-depth coverage of these topics and other
sign industry topics, check out
www.signshop.com
ATTENTION ADVERTISERS and SUBSCRIBERS:
Coming up in the May 2009 Lightfair and SEGD Shows issue of
Sign Builder Illustrated,
feature articles on:
ADA Design
Architectural Wayfinding
Digital Printing Fabrics
Electric Sign Codes
Gold Leaf Marketing
LED Architectural Lighting
Neon Transformers
Vinyl Banners
ATTENTION ADVERTISERS and SUBSCRIBERS:
Coming up in the June 2009 issue of
Sign Builder Illustrated,
feature articles on:
Dimensional Monuments
Fluorescent Lighting
Inflatables Installation
LED Power Supplies
Vehicle Graphics Software
Vinyl Lamination
Contact your ad sales representative to reserve your space today.
As the premier e-newsletter for the sign industry, SBI Update encourages readers to send feedback on what you like, what you'd like to see, and any other comments you might have. To do so, send an e-mail to Managing Editor Chris Ytuarte at cytuarte@sbpub.com.
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© 2009 Simmons-Boardman Publishing
345 Hudson St., 12th Floor • New York, NY 10014
212-620-7200
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The CaptiVue product line continues to advance as Trans-Lux develops more ways for sign companies and their customers to be successful. Yet as new features and benefits are introduced, the legendary quality of CaptiVue remains the same. Trans-Lux has made the CaptiVue line even stronger with a number of product enhancements. Find out more by clicking here: CaptiVue
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Tetra PowerStrip
LED Lighting System GE Lumination introduces the new Tetra PowerStrip LED Lighting System that replaces fluorescent tubes in box, cabinet and pylon signs. This remarkable LED system offers reduced maintenance costs, improved energy efficiency and brilliant, uniform light. Come see a live demo at ISA Expo 2009, April 16-18 in Vegas at booth 4158. To learn more, visit us at:
www.lumination.com/powerstrip.php
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L&L Offers Industry's Largest
Trade Discount L&L Industries was founded with the goal of providing cost effective dimensional plastic letters to the sign industry at prices that wouldn't give customers sticker shock. With the industry's largest trade discount and individualized customer service, L&L is doing just that. For more information, call Eric Leone or Ron Erbele at 1-800-228-9986. www.ll-letters.com
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PUBLIC AUCTION & Webcast Event
WED, APRIL 8 @ 10:05 a.m. (EDT)
ImagePoint, 7430 Industrial Rd., Florence, KY Visit www.stopol.com or call (440) 498-4000 for a complete catalog and to sign up for this event! Thermoformers PVI Model, Shuman Vacuum former, 2006 Cincinnati 175 ton Press Bake, Welders, Spray Booths and Ovens, Screening Equipment, Rolling Stocks, Finished Goods and Much More! Preview day before the sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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The NEW UJV-160 from Mimaki is a roll-to-roll large format UV-curable inkjet printer with an optional flatbed attachment for printing on rigid materials. The UJV-160 utilizes an environmentally-friendly, ultra-low heat emitting UV-LED curing technology to accommodate heat sensitive media like PVC. The UJV-160 is all about giving you more - more options, more software, more resolution, more media choices. For information, click here: Mimaki USA
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Sign Builder Illustrated
Goes Digital With live hyperlinks to video clips, advertiser information, and other features, SBI Digital offers the newest online technology with the familiar layout of a hardcopy issue. To view an example, click on:
SBI Digital Magazine
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Sign Builder Illustrated:
The How-To Book Vol. 1 Learn secrets to fabricating neon, illuminating with LED, sandblasting signs, applying paints, cutting and printing vinyl, and more in this 288-page, full-color reprinting of Sign Builder Illustrated's trademark How-To articles. To visit the How-to Book Web site, click on: SBI How-To Book
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Sign Builder Illustrated
Buyer's Guide 2008
Published twice per year in March and September, the Buyer's Guide lists manufacturers, distributors, and sign companies that comprise the industry in the U.S. and Canada. SBI Buyer's Guide
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Sign Builder Illustrated presents:
Vehicle Graphics 101 Check out this special SBI supplement for all the information you need to get started, get good, and get profitable in the world of vehicle graphics. From wrap schools and required tools, to marketing your skills and paying the bills, this How-to supplement has it all. Check out the digital version here:
Vehicle Graphics 101
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Westinghouse's Digital Signage Site