Signposts Blog

Designated Blogger: Kenny Peskin, ISA State & Local Government Affairs Manager

We've long been making the case that reasonable and effective sign codes are vitally important to the success of small businesses and communities. It's just common sense. While there have been many examples of cities across the U.S. temporarily loosening up their sign codes to promote economic activity during these difficult times, there are unfortunately other instances where cities and towns just don't get it. Earlier this year, local officials in Madison, Wisconsin revised the city sign code, including the imposition of very restrictive electronic message center (EMC) regulations.

Designated Blogger: David Hickey, ISA Government Relations Director

Here at ISA we track sign codes across the country every day. With increasing regularity, a particular type of sign is often singled out for attack - the electronic message center, or EMC. Some cities are banning these types of signs entirely, or placing moratoriums on their use. Many of these regulations severely restrict the use of EMCs, limiting the time change to once every minute, or 20 minutes, or even just once per day. Of course, these kinds of draconian restrictions can often defeat the purpose of an end user purchasing this kind of sign in the first place. For many ISA members, these limitations on EMCs are hurting business. 

Designated Blogger: David Hickey, ISA Government Relations Director

For more than two years now, ISA has been working with several states that want to ban or severely restrict the use of mercury-added neon tubes. It has been a constant and not always successful endeavor, with Vermont enacting a ban and other states moving in that direction. 

That’s why we were pleased that months of effort with officials and other stakeholders in Rhode Island have finally paid off with a year-long exemption for mercury-added neon signs in the state. This exemption is for ISA members only. Previously adopted legislation in Rhode Island would have effectively banned mercury-added neon signs by imposing a mercury dosage limit lower than the minimum level necessary for proper operation (100mg vs. 10mg).

Designated Blogger: Tom Allen, Allen Industries, Inc.,
Southern States Sign Council President

The Southern States Sign Council and International Sign Association are gearing up for the Southern States/ISA Sign Show, September 24-26, in Atlanta, Georgia. We encourage sign industry professionals throughout the Southeast U.S. to register today and join us to experience first-rate sign industry education, special events and networking! This is your chance to meet with subcontractors, installation companies, national sign companies and more. Learn more and register at www.signs.org/SSSS today!

Designated Blogger: David Hickey, ISA Government Relations Director

Now more than ever, the on-premise sign industry should be interested in and aware of what is happening in Washington, DC. The fact is that federal lawmakers are becoming increasingly interested in regulating virtually every aspect of business, and this includes sign companies and our products.

Designated Blogger: Rich Gottwald, ISA Vice President of Education and Technical Initiatives

Everything is available in electronic form today. Bank statements. Invoices. Newsletters. Photos. Invitations. Purchase orders. Investment reports. Product catalogs. You name it, it’s in your inbox online.How to break through the clutter? Send a letter in the mail.

Designated Blogger:
David Hickey, ISA Director of Government Relations

A highly contentious battle rages in one of our nation’s most prominent cities, threatening huge consequences for the sign industry. In Los Angeles, California, the city council is considering a proposal to completely ban all new digital signs, and greatly restrict the number, size and height of new signs all over the city.

Designated Blogger:
Kenny Peskin, ISA State & Local Government Affairs Manager

Memorial Day has a great deal of symbolic meaning to most Americans. Besides that its primary purpose to recognize and remember the casualties of military service, Memorial Day marks an important time on the calendar. For some, it’s the start of summer; for others, it means the approaching end of the school year; still others think about the appropriate time to wear shorts, sandals, or seersucker.

Designated Blogger:
Lance Clark, ISA Director of Membership

I’ve had the opportunity over the course of my career to have worked in several different industries. In every industry, including the sign business, it seems there are always a couple hundred major players that you know by name—you may know them only indirectly or by reputation, but you know that it is important for you to know them.

Designated Blogger: 
Sapna Budev, ISA International Relations Manager

This year’s Expo has been particularly thrilling for me as ISA’s international relations manager. One of our goals at ISA is to foster the development of sign associations worldwide. We know that the best way to serve our members is to have local representation in their region – people who are connected to the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in that sign marketplace.