TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Month’s SBI Trivia Question Stumper:
What company won the Inc 5000 award for the fourth consecutive year in a row?
For the answer, scroll to the bottom of the newsletter.
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Industry News
[[HOT TOPIC]] Agfa Acquires Pitman
The US printing industry went through some changes last month when Agfa Graphics acquired the assets of the Harold M. Pitman Company, a leading US supplier of prepress, industrial inkjet, pressroom, and packaging printing products and systems. The acquisition increases Agfa Graphics’ revenue in the US to more than $500 million.
Agfa’s fifteen primary product lines will now increase to forty-three with the addition of twenty-eight primary product lines from Pitman. The new product lines provide Agfa with a presence in the pressroom field and strengthen the company’s presence in packaging. Agfa’s inkjet offerings will also be improved through the addition of a vast range of media, new inks, and wide format printing systems.
“Pitman’s strong distribution network and broad portfolio of products and systems, combined with our leading technology, will provide us with promising growth opportunities in this strategically important region. One glance at Pitman’s extensive catalog is enough to understand that we will considerably expand our scope,” said Stefaan Vanhooren, Agfa Graphics’ president. “One of the main drivers behind this decision was the fact that we gain a unique opportunity to significantly grow our inkjet business.”
Agfa is also looking forward to more opportunities for growth and synergies, partnerships with world-class vendors, and intensifying value-added services through the acquisition. Pitman’s expertise in Internet selling offers benefits for Agfa, as well. “Not only for Agfa is this the right thing, but it’s the right thing for the Pitman Company, and it’s the right thing for our customers because it’s all about bringing services and products that you can wrap around the customer. The more you can give him, the more value you add,” said Paul (Peter) Schmidt, Jr., chairman of the board for Pitman, during a press conference.
Pitman will continue to operate as a subsidiary of Agfa Corporation, and the company and its brand will be maintained. “We have always taken great pride in our tradition and a commitment to excellence here at the Pitman Company. And as part of the Agfa family I think the entire organization now looks ahead to a continued quality service of our industry, our customers, and all manufacturer partners,” said Jim Sause, president of Pitman. “There are growth opportunities, there is a diverse product portfolio, there are seasoned industry veterans.”
For more information about the acquisition, visit www.agfa.com and www.pitman.com.
New Interactive Screen in Times Square
A whole new interactive and viewing experience is now available in Times Square thanks to the joint efforts of Sony Corporation of America (SCA) and News Corporation. A new 35-foot-by-40-foot, state-of-the-art digital 10 mm LED screen is located at the intersection of Broadway and West 43rd Street.
Framed by the News Corporation logo at the top and the Sony logo at the base, ESI Design created the media master plan, which includes video templates, an interactive experience for the sign, and branding motion graphics for News Corporation and its divisions.
The screen shows video content such as movie trailers, newscasts, and commercials. The interactive consumer experience is also brought to the next level through submitted responses to poll questions via text messaging; competition in a real-time Playstation 3 game broadcast on the screen; and the ability to send personalized responses to open-ended questions and post photos directly to the screen.
The screen’s first, big presentation was FOX Sports’ coverage of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game 2010 on July 13. Now visitors to Times Square can see a variety of content and advertising onscreen.
“The Sony brand is one of the most recognized in the world,” said Gregg Walker, senior vice president, Corporate Development, SCA. “It’s appropriate that we’re back at the center of Times Square, one of the most popular destinations in the world, to showcase the strength and breadth of Sony’s entertainment and electronics assets. The best part of the new arrangement is the creative, interactive experiences we’ll be able to create for the public in this extraordinary space.”
For more information, visit www.sony.com.
segdDESIGN is an Award-Winning Publication
segdDESIGN, the SEGD’s international journal of environmental graphic design, recently won awards from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and Sappi Fine Paper North America.
The publication won the ASAE’s Gold Circle Award for Excellence in Association Communications, Magazine category. The Gold Circle Award competition is the premier association communications award. Entries are judged based on established criteria for excellence in association communications, and more than 80 judges nationwide participated in the 2010 program. segdDESIGN won the top honors in the small association category.
“segdDESIGN is among Gold Circle Award winners who have taken their publications to the next level, integrating the fundamentals of effective communication with elements of creativity, design, technology, and innovation,” says Cecilia Sepp, chair of the ASAE’s Communication Section Council.
The segdDESIGN’s printer, The YGS Group, received a Judges Award in the sheetfed category for the Sappi Fine Paper North America’s 2010 Printers of the Year competition.
“We’re proud to receive these awards and to continue publishing a world-class magazine that illustrates the scope and value of environmental graphic design,” says Ann Makowski, SEGD’s interim executive director.
To view segdDESIGN online, visit www.segd.org/#/publications/index.html. Subscriptions are available on the SEGD Web site or by calling 202/638-5555.
Check Out the Latest in “Green” Lighting in a New Bulbrite Video
Lighting distributors, specifiers, and consumers can now get a glimpse of Bulbrite’s latest energy-efficient lighting designs in a new video. The video reviews a broad range of new lamping styles, including halogens, CFLs, and LEDs.
To comply with US Congress legislation mandating that all general service light bulbs be up to 30 percent more energy efficient than current standards require, Bulbrite is introducing its Eco-Friendly Halogen A19. For those consumers looking for CFL lighting, a variety of high-performance compact fluorescent light bulbs are available in a broad range of sizes and styles. Bulbrite’s Chandelier LEDs provide an energy-efficient alternative to traditional chandelier light bulbs. They are available in a candelabra base and give off high-quality Warm White light.
In addition to these products, the video also highlights the new TURBO series of LEDs from Bulbrite. With an innovative cooling system featuring pure anodized aluminum thermal fins, these LEDs offer heat-sink technology that eliminates the need for large, aluminum heat sinks and clunky aluminum housings.
To view the video and learn more about Bulbrite’s energy-efficient lighting products, visit http://tinyurl.com/29fvnqe.
End of Summer Contests
The summer may be coming to a close, but there are still some sign contests that are as hot as ever.
Lucite’s Carry Me! Design Competition 2010
Lucite International is inviting people to create a contemporary handbag using Lucite¨ acrylic materials. The company is looking for a modern interpretation of the Lucite vintage handbags of the 50s.
A panel of four judges will look at each entry to determine the winner. To enter, visit http://lucitelux-carryme.com and fill out the online entry form. Participants must also submit three, hi-resolution, 300 dpi JPEG photos of their design.
The deadline for entries is October 29, 2010. The winner will receive $5000, and two runner-ups will receive $1000 each. Lucite hopes to make prototypes of the winning designs for display alongside vintage handbag collector Caryn Scheidt’s personal assortment of Lucite vintage handbags at a 2011 exhibition in New York City.
SGIA 2010 Golden Image Competition
SGIA is now accepting entries for the Golden Image Competition at the 2010 SGIA Expo in Las Vegas. The contest celebrates industry-leading excellence and covers every item created by the specialty imaging process.
All entries will considered for “Best in Show” and will be on display for the duration of the Expo in Las Vegas. Winners will be chosen at the Expo, as well.
SGIA printer members receive one free entry. Additional entries are $30 each. Deadline for entries and payment is September 24, 2010, and all print samples should be sent to the SGIA Depository in Las Vegas.
For complete rules and entry guidelines, as well as a full list of categories, visit www.sgia.org, keyword: GoldenImage.
Job Opportunity
Looking for a new and exciting opportunity? If you have experience in the sign industry and thrive on building business-to-business sales, this may be your answer.
SALES MANAGER
Requirements::
á Knowledge and experience in the sign industry is essential, especially in the interior architectural signage markets with strong networking skills
á Understanding of specification and bid process
á Strong sales leadership abilities, key customer-focused, and relationship skills with a proven track record
á Bachelor’s degree preferred, with a minimum of 5+ years of relevant sales experience
This opportunity offers a positive culture and an excellent compensation/benefits package.
All responses will be held strictly confidential. Please submit your resume, references, and salary requirements to : careers1605@yahoo.com.
New Appointments
IDS Menus announces that Russ Fragala is the new Chief Operating Officer. He will be responsible for operating the IDS operation worldwide. Fragala comes from a real estate/finance background, and also started and operated one of the largest landscape companies on Long Island, New York.
KMA Design founder and chief executive officer Barbara J. Martin has been named to the Presidential Who’s Who Among Business and Professional Achievers. She was also recently honored with the Seton Hill University Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award. Martin found KMA in 1996 and has over twenty-five years of experience.
Matrix Frame USA has opened its North American headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Andre America, founder and owner of Matrix Frame in The Netherlands, has partnered with Jack Thomas, founder and owner of Thomas Sign Creations, the Matrix Frame dealer in North Carolina, to set up the new company. The headquarters will have a showroom, a conference/training room, and a fully stocked warehouse.
Oracal USA has promoted Lisa Humrich to marketing manager. Humrich will lead the marketing staff and oversee development and management of Oracal’s marketing strategies for its line of premium graphic marking films and digital printing media throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. She has eighteen years of sales and marketing experience and joined Oracal as marketing product analyst in 2008.
Rowmark, LLC announces the appointment of Tom Hogan as CFO. Hogan will oversee all domestic and international finance and accounting functions for Rowmark and other divisions within the company. He previously served as CFO at Findlay Industries.
Scala has appointed Tom Nix as vice president of American Operations. He will oversee the US, Latin America, and Oceania regions. Prior to joining Scala, Nix served as vice president and general manager of Dynamax Technologies, and director of business development at alternative media agency Main Street Direct.
WAC Lighting announces the appointment of Thomas Wang to international sales manager. Wang will be responsible for residential and commercial sales and working with sales agencies, distributors, designers, and specifiers. Wang previously worked in the international sales department, and has also held positions as accountant and sales assistant.
Meetings and Events
SEPTEMBER
September 22-23: The Illinois Sign Association Fall Conference will be conducted at Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Bloomington, Illinois. For more information, dial 414/529-4235.
September 27-October 1: The Manufacturing Makes it Real Tour, sponsored in part by ShopBot Tools, will travel to each of North Carolina’s seven Economic Development Partnership regions and will stop at two-three sites each day for mini-celebrations. Presented by North Carolina State University’s Industrial Extension Service, manufacturers from around the region will be recognized for the products they make, and each company will have the opportunity to contribute an item to be presented to the Governor at the end of the tour. VIPs from state and local government, the university system, and state organizations will be taking the tour. For more information, visit www.ies.ncsu.edu.
OCTOBER
October 3-6: GRAPH EXPO 2010, the year’s largest graphic communications exhibition and conference in the Americas, takes place in Chicago’s McCormick Place South. For additional details, check out www.graphexpo.com.
October 7-9: Digital Signage Expo (DSE) will hold its first Industry Forum at Rancho Bernardo Resort & Spa in San Diego, California. In addition to educational workshops and motivational industry keynotes, the two-day program will provide networking opportunities. To learn more, visit www.digitalsignageexpo.net/digitalsignageexpo/industryforum.aspx.
October 13-14: The Signage Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati College of Business, Architecture, Art, and Planning will be conducting the 2010 National Signage Research & Education Conference (NSREC) at the Kingsgate Marriott in Cincinnati, Ohio. For details, visit www.thesignagefoundation.org.
October 13-15: Go all in at the 2010 SGIA Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada and see the broadest range of innovative technologies and applications driving the specialty imaging industry. Register now at www.sgia.org/events/current_expo/sgia10.
Sponsored Links
Radocy Inc. --
For over 50 years, Radocy Inc. has been a sign industry source for telescopic cranes that are user friendly, cost effective and dependable. www.radocy.com
This Month's Trivia Answer:
US LED won the 2010 Inc 5000 award. The award is presented by Inc Magazine to America’s fastest-growing, privately-owned companies.
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For in-depth coverage of these topics and other
sign industry topics, check out
www.signshop.com
ATTENTION SUBSCRIBERS:
Coming up in the September 2010 issue of
Sign Builder Illustrated,
feature articles on:
Electronic Digital Signs
LED Modules
Sandblast Fabrication
HDU Sign Blanks
Estimating/Business Management Software
Vinyl Tools
ATTENTION ADVERTISERS and SUBSCRIBERS:
Coming up in the October SGIA Show 2010 issue of
Sign Builder Illustrated,
feature articles on:
Dye Sublimation Digital Printing
RIP/Digital Printing Software
Vehicle Graphics Installation
Video Displays Marketing
Polycarbonates Fabrication
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 Associate Editor Ashley Bray at abray@sbpub.com.
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© 2010 Simmons-Boardman Publishing
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LED Lighting for the Largest Channel Letters New Tetra¨ PowerMAX from GE combines bright white light output with unparalleled uniformity across the sign face. Money saving features include: superior surface area coverage that enables using fewer strokes of LEDs per sign, simple 2-wire installation, long life, greater energy efficiency and remarkable performance for the largest channel letters. Lumination.com
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Get New Clients with ADA Signs Welcome to the most powerful sign engine on the web, signmojo.com! Over 30 styles, 56 colors, and 1800+ products. Customize, proof, and order your signs online! Go to www.signmojo.com/signup. By adding our link, you & your customers can place orders. We make the signs and then send you a check!
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ShopBot’s BT32 and BT48 Buddy ShopBot Tools, Inc. scaled down its full-size PRSalpha and PRSstandard CNCs into the more compact PRS CNC systems, the BT32 and BT48 Buddy. The systems are designated PRSalpha or PRSstandard. They incorporate many of the same features of ShopBot’s full-size systems, but weigh less than 1000 lbs and occupy less than 20 sq. ft of floor space. The PRSalpha provides speed and accuracy for precise cutting, milling applications, and 3D carving. It features cutting speeds of up to 600 ipm. The PRSstandard allows small-production shops to incorporate a CNC into their projects. For more information, visit: ShopBot Tools
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Your Best Value in Wholesale Foam-core Monument Signs DeSign Stone¨ Monument Signs offers over 60 standard models and thousands of unique sign shapes using our component sign system at www.u-designit.net. All signs include sturdy aluminum posts and sleeves and feature easy two-person installation using our unique “Quick Connect” and no messy adhesives, affordable wholesale prices, and quick two-week production. Call (877)463-7000 or visit online for more information: DeSign Stone¨ Signs by Howard Industries
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Outsourcing to Bloomingdale Signs by Tomorrow can allow your company to expand product mix without the expense of additional machinery. We offer GRAND FORMAT roll-to-roll printing up to 16' wide and FLATBED printing up to 6.5' x 10.5' at WHOLESALE PRICES.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE: www.bloomingdalesigns.com
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Sign Builder Illustrated
Buyer's Guide 2009
Published twice per year in October and April, 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
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 presents:
It's a Wrap! 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:
It's a Wrap!
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Times Square Screen