2015 PROGRESS REPORT

POWERINGTHE SIGN AND GRAPHICS

INDUSTRY

WHAT’S INSIDE

PLUGGING IN AT ISA SIGN EXPO 20154FLIPPING THE SWITCH ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION8SHINING A LIGHT ON THE INDUSTRY12CHANGING THE CURRENT ON RESTRICTIVE CODES16

2015 PROGRESS REPORT

2015 has been a strong year for many of the companies in the sign and graphics

industry. It doesn’t mean that it’s been free of challenges — but the foundation

for continued growth and success has been laid as we progress in the new year.

As the sign and graphics industry’s largest association, the International Sign Association (ISA) devoted its year to helping companies make the most of its opportunities. We’ve done this by improving some existing programs and growing others. We’ve also created new initiatives designed to help companies overcome their most pressing challenges.

This 2015 Progress Report highlights how ISA brought you value in 2015 through:

• Plugging into the latest products, ideas and contacts for your business at ISA International Sign Expo 2015• Flipping the switch on new educational programs to find, keep and train qualified workers• Shining a light on industry insights through research and white paper initiatives • Changing the current of restrictive sign code regulations by building relationships with planners and

local officials, and responding to a Supreme Court ruling affecting communities around the country

Success comes from the involvement of members like you and our

partnership with ISA Affiliated Associations. None of it would be

possible without you, and we are grateful!

Here’s to a strong, successful 2016.

Robert Mattatall 2016 ISA Chairman of the BoardPresident, Mattatall Signs, Ltd.

Lori Anderson President & CEO,International Sign Association

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PLUGGINGThe latest products, ideas and contacts for your businessAt the sign and graphics industry’s largest event, ISA International Sign Expo, sign and graphics professionals found sparks on the diverse trade show floor showcasing the latest advancements in the industry, learned valuable insights from thought leaders and made crucial connections in a variety of events.

INAT ISA SIGN EXPO 2015

213,000The equivalent of 4.5 football fields!

square feet of NETWORKING ON THE SOLD OUT TRADE SHOW FLOOR

ADVANCING BUSINESS“It was another great ISA International Sign Expo.

We left the show with many new business leads and

sold several pieces of equipment while on site in Las

Vegas. We’re already looking forward to next year!” MARTY FANGMAN, CET COLOR

LASTING CONNECTIONS“The ISA Networking Reception for Custom and

National Sign Companies at ISA Sign Expo is the

most important hour of my year.”LANCE COSSEY, SCOTT SERVICES

ISA Sign Expo 2015

97 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

THE LARGEST SHOW FLOOR IN HISTORY!

SAID ISA SIGN EXPO IS IMPORTANT TO THE SUCCESS

OF THEIR BUSINESS

88% of exhibitors

MADE A PURCHASE FROM AN EXHIBITOR within six

months of the show

75% of attendees

WOULD RECOMMEND ISA SIGN EXPO TO A COLLEAGUE

97% of attendeesCAME TO SEE THE LATEST

TECHNOLOGY

74% of attendees

600 COMPANIES EXHIBITING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES

19,000 INDUSTRY CONTACTS UNDER ONE ROOF

WERE COMPANY OWNERS, PRESIDENTS OR EXECUTIVE

LEVEL EMPLOYEES

57% of attendees

TRADE SHOW FLOOR SESSIONS4177 EDUCATIONAL

SESSIONS WITH

Source: ISA Sign Expo 2015 Post-Show Attendee/Exhibitor Surveys; ISA Sign Expo 2015 Registration Data & Demographics

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When Mandy Wisner of Southern Signs, Inc., purchased a new printer during ISA’s Sign Expo, it was like adding a new employee. “We just sit back and watch it work,” she said. It allowed Southern Signs to expand into political printing, adding another important stream of revenue by printing directly to substrates.

Southern Signs has pursued new products via trade shows in the past and considers them a great opportunity to expand business. When she and her husband purchased Southern Signs, Inc., from family members in 1999, she had little knowledge of the industry. “We saw all the equipment for vinyl cutting and printing. We ended up purchasing a printer and a plotter and started from scratch.”

ISA Sign Expo offered Mandy the opportunity to help decide among the many printer options to diversify her business. “It’s really cool to come and see things actually working and see what’s going to work for your business. I needed something kind of specific, and I was able to find that. It’s been wonderful.”

“ I’ve always liked to come and see what’s going on in the

industry, see new products, meet new people who speak

your language. You get this many people together who

know the lingo — you can’t get that anywhere else.” MANDY WISNER, SOUTHERN SIGNS, INC.

ISA Sign Expo Builds

BUSINESS

Made Important ConnectionsNetworking events, some targeted based on specific interests — such as print or digital signage — helped generate long-lasting and productive relationships among sign and graphics industry professionals. In 2015, hundreds more attendees and exhibitors in a sold-out trade show floor joined the pool of potential business connections.

Learned the Latest SkillsEducation sessions and the new game changer sessions, designed to change the way you approach your business, left participants with clear strategies to build their skills and improve business operations. Presentations included some of the industry’s top experts and demonstrations of the latest innovations.

Showcased the Newest ProductsExhibitors showcased some of the industry’s most advanced products in print, digital signage, LEDs, vehicle wrapping and more for attendees like Randy George, Allied Electric Sign & Awning. Randy used his time on the trade show floor wisely: “We’re an expanding operation, and we wanted to upgrade our fleet. We’ve been talking to companies over the phone, looking at product descriptions online. We came here to talk to people in person and get a feel for the products up close.”

HANDS-ON DEMOS“We really enjoyed being able to get our hands on

the equipment, seeing live demos and getting to

question the vendor about the products in person.”TIFFANNI SANSTRA, MIDTOWN SIGNS LLC

EDUCATING THE WORKFORCE“No other expo can compete with

ISA Sign Expo. The scope of all the exhibitors

and the wealth of knowledge that you learn in

the classes are overwhelming.”JOSHUA BARNETT, INK’D OUT LLC

LOOKING AHEAD Once again sold out, ISA Sign Expo 2016 took over the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, April 20–23. The trade show floor featured the latest in new technologies and products in over 219,000 square feet for 600 exhibitors. The industry’s leading thinkers addressed key business challenges and opportunities at more than 77 educational events. Increased networking opportunities, including the ISA Rocks: THE Industry Party, brought together the whole industry for business and fun.

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Empowering your current and future employees to help build your businessAs your business grows, finding new workers — and replacing retiring workers — is an issue that must be solved for the industry to thrive. This past year, ISA confronted these issues head on, guiding the industry with new training programs and career resources.

FLIPPING THESWITCH

ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION

Trained the WorkforceOnline learning provided employers an opportunity to educate an entire staff or just a select few while saving time and money. On-demand courses in the ISA Sign Academy (www.Signs.org/Online) offer the best training and education available in the industry and are designed to supplement your company training program. Plus, webinars on topics that affect the industry, such as critical labor laws or the Reed v. Town of Gilbert Supreme Court ruling, offer cutting-edge expert advice for business leaders.

Found New WorkersJob openings, jobseeker resumés and unique programs such as Hiring our Heroes debuted through ISA’s new Career Center (www.Signs.org/Careers). Expanding partnerships with the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and SkillsUSA continued to introduce teachers, career counselors and administrators to the sign and graphics industry and the career potential at a sign and graphics company. These educators are the bridge to students and a vital part of our strategy.

Recognized Key SkillsHundreds of high school and technical school students took advantage of a new program to demonstrate their knowledge and talent to potential employers. The “ISA Digital Badge” assesses 15 different skills, ranging from welding and construction to advertising and design. These badges provide a new way to validate the competency of the future employees you are looking to hire. Keep an eye out for these digital badges to appear on resumés, and find more information at www.Signs.org/GetBadge.

One of the most pressing issues facing the sign and visual communications industry is replacing retiring workers in both skilled and management positions. Encouraging young leaders to engage in the future of the industry, 34 young professionals came together as the inaugural “ISA Elite.” The group received leadership training and access to exclusive networking opportunities to further their engagement in the sign and graphics industry. The program was so successful that a number of Affiliated Associations have created their own Elite programs. As you can see, the ISA Elite are excited to be a part of the industry; are your employees?

ELEVATED THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS

77% see a clear career path

91% see the work as exciting and fulfilling

ISA Elite: By the Numbers

Source: Survey of 2015 ISA Elite

Know an inspiring young leader in the industry? Nominate them — or yourself — to the ISA Elite program

later this year at SignExpo.org/Elite.

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BUILDING THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTUREThe numbers don’t lie: Baby boomers are retiring while the sign and graphics industry is growing. A lack of skilled workers could stunt growth. Sign Manufacturing Day, in its third year in 2015, brought high school, community college and technical school students together to explore the possibilities of a career in the sign and graphics industry.

LOOKING AHEAD Workforce development programs for the sign and graphics industry will focus on:

• Expanding ISA’s career center and job board as the “go to” resource for job seekers and employers

• Developing future employees’ skills through educational programs like Sign Manufacturing Day and

encouraging their success with tools such as the digital badge

• Launching an assessment program for sign and graphics companies to evaluate training needs of employees

PARTICIPATE IN SIGN MANUFACTURING DAY 2016 ON OCTOBER 7!

Contact workforce@signs.org for details.

For more information on engaging, empowering and elevating a future

workforce, visit www.Signs.org/CareerCenter.

Sign Manufacturing Day: By the Numbers

2,200STUDENTS

TOURED ISA MEMBER

COMPANIES

34

43COMPANIES

LOCATIONSCONSIDER A CAREER IN

MANUFACTURING

81%said Sign

Manufacturing Day made them

Source: ISA Survey of Sign Manufacturing Day Attendees 2015

Source: Sign Manufacturing Day 2015, YESCO

A CAREER ADVANTAGESign and graphics industry employees love what they do — thriving on the constant challenge

and creativity, helping their community and seeing their handiwork on display throughout their towns. And a survey of 60 salaried and hourly positions from ISA in 2015 showed that the industry offers more than just good feelings, but also solid jobs with competitive pay.

…WITH EMPLOYEES REPORTING LARGER RAISES

5.4%SIGN AND GRAPHICS EMPLOYEES

3.0%Average U.S.

worker

2.9%Overall

manufacturing

WAGES HIGHER THAN OTHER FIELDS...

AVERAGE SIGN AND GRAPHICS HOURLY WAGES IN 2015

$20.06Overall

manufacturing

$21.43Average U.S.

worker

$21.63SIGN AND GRAPHICS EMPLOYEES

BUILDING STRONGER EMPLOYEES“The ISA Elite program is a great way to network

with the up-and-comers. Just meeting with them for

an hour opened my eyes to all that’s out there.” RYAN TRAPP, POBLOCKI SIGN CO.

INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION“It’s encouraging to see the next

generation interested in what we do.”WENDY GIBSON, RAMSAY SIGNS

Sign and graphics companies can now assess how competitive they are in wages and benefits in

60 salaried and hourly positions in the industry. Get the report here: www.Signs.org/Salary

Sources: ISA 2015 Wage & Benefit Survey Report; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — October 2015; Social Security Administration, October 2015; Mercer, 2014/2015 U.S. Compensation Planning Survey

OF SIGN AND GRAPHICS COMPANIES SAID THEY WOULD HIRE IN THE LAST HALF OF 2015

55.8%

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SHINING A LIGHT

ON THE INDUSTRY

Investments in research to gain insights and knowledge Arguments are more persuasive when backed by facts, not opinions. And education is more effective when backed by insight, not feeling. ISA developed a number of research projects in 2015 designed to provide a competitive advantage for sign and graphics businesses, as well as to build bridges with important partners.

INSIGHT INTO THE SIGN AND GRAPHICS INDUSTRYInfographics SeriesProduced throughout the course of the year, infographics on a variety of sign and graphics industry topics supported our members’ efforts to tell the industry’s story. Topics ranged from career opportunities for future and current employees to the size and economic impact of the sign and graphics industry. In addition to the infographics throughout the year, there were five special infographics that were distributed during the month of November as a part of a campaign of “thanks” — a token of appreciation to our members.

Digital Textile Printing Opportunities for Sign CompaniesProduced in partnership with InfoTrends, this white paper maps out new business opportunities in digital textile printing for sign companies. It analyzes growth opportunities in textile printing and discusses the investments needed to succeed in this growing business.

The Benefits of New, Innovative Curing TechnologiesUV-curable and latex-based inks present growth for companies seeking new revenue sources and improved efficiencies. This white paper, produced in partnership with InfoTrends, identifies the benefits of innovative curing technologies.

Quarterly Economic ReportsUsers of this research got an edge on the economic conditions impacting the sign supply and manufacturing sectors. The research, compiled by IHS and Vandiver Associates, provided data from each quarter, with above average growth in four key sectors of the sign and graphics industry forecast for 2016.

ISA MEMBERS CAN ACCESS THESE RESOURCES FOR FREELog in and download at www.Signs.org/Research

LOOKING AHEAD Research for sign and graphics companies will provide the industry with actionable information and data to drive their business expansion forward. ISA is dedicated to helping our members and advancing the industry overall by putting substantial resources toward research content development.

THE RIGHT PEOPLE,

THE RIGHT POSITIONS

NOW HIRING!

FINDING AND TRAINING WORKERS

Need for Workers

How do you recruit workers?

What are the main factors driving your

investment in training?

Behind every great sign is a team that sees the project from a germ of an idea to an installed, fully functioning sign.

What happens if there is no designer, fabricator, installer or project manager? The overall execution would be at risk.

That’s where the sign and visual communications industry finds itself as workforce challenges continue. This is an issue

that hits from all sides: an aging workforce, growing businesses and a need for skilled workers vexing all industries.

There are bright spots, though, with younger workers seeing the potential in sign and visual communications careers.

Do you plan to add staff

in the coming year? 20152014

2013

68%65%58%

Answering yes

What are the significant workforce issues impacting your business?

AGING WORKFORCE

15.9%21.1%

24.7% 63.7%

ATTRACTING

SKILLED WORKERS

DIVERSITY

OF WORKFORCE

(THE RIGHT MIX

OF PEOPLE AND

SKILLS)

TURNOVER AND

RETENTION

68.1%

22.9%6.7%

22%

ONLINE JOB

POSTING SITE

RECRUITERJOB FAIR

NEWSPAPER

18.5% REGULATORY

COMPLIANCE

61.02% RETENTION

OF EMPLOYEES

35.04% ATTRACTION

OF EMPLOYEES

61.02%35.04%

18.5%

...AND GETTING BIGGER RAISES IN 2015:

SIGN AND GRAPHICS HOURLY WAGES HIGHER THAN OTHER FIELDS…

SIGNS

SUCCESSOF

CAREERS WITH EXCELLENT

PAY AND BENEFITS

SIGNS OF SUCCESS

Ask anyone in the sign and graphics industry and they’ll tell you

why their jobs are better than in other fields. They thrive on the

constant challenge and creativity. They like the feeling of helping

their community. They enjoy seeing their handiwork on display

throughout their towns.

But a new survey from the International Sign Association shows

that the industry offers more than just good feelings. Pay, benefits

and raises typically outstrip comparable industries.

AVERAGE HOURLY WAGES:

ANTICIPATED SIGN AND GRAPHICS RAISES IN 2016

Sign and graphics:

$21.63

Hourly

Sign industry hourly:

5.4%

Overall manufacturing:

$20.06

Manufacturing hourly:

2.9%

Average U.S. worker:

$21.43

Overall U.S. workers:

3.0%

Salaried

Management

4.6%4.8%

5.0%

What percentage of a sign shop’s business is in archite

ctural signage?

For those who do archite

ctural signage work, the fields are varie

d.

BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES IN

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNAGE

The relatio

nship between a sign manufacturer and an architect, d

esigner or fa

cilities manager m

ay be close,

particularly if t

he sign shop works in certain sectors. For o

thers, though, it

remains an untapped opportunity.

35.3%

25% or less

19.0%

25-50%

17.7%

50-75%

17.2%

75-100%

10.8%

None

THE ARCHITECTURAL SIGNAGE BUSINESS

Many sign shops work with design

firms on large projects, but m

ost

like to have at le

ast some design

talent in-house. A

rchitectural sign

companies have the fo

llowing

number of d

esigners on staff.

1-2

51.1%

THE ART OF DESIGN65.2%

Retail stores

(independent

and franchise)

64.4%

Restaurants

55.2%

Corporations

and lobbies

50.9%

Banks and

credit unions

49.6%

Churches and

houses of

worship

48.7%

Wayfinding

53.9%

Academic

institutio

ns/

campuses

52.6%

Shopping

malls28.3%

Museums/

exhibits

37.8%

Government

institutio

ns

44.4%

Branding

projects

36.5%

Airports

38.3%

Gyms and

spas

45.7%

Downtown/

main streets

48.3%

Healthcare

and wellness

46.1%

HospitalityNone

6.1%

6 or more

10.8%

3-5

32.0%

SIGNS POINT UP!

DEFINITELY BUY

PROBABLY BUY

PROBABLY NOT BUYDEFINITELY NOT BUY

UNSURE2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

2014

2014

2014

2014

2014

2013

2013

2013

2013

2013

49.3%

23.6%

0.7%

5.7%

20.7%

38%

30%

0%

0%

30%

33.3%

33.3%

11.2%

20.9%

0%YES

CEOS: Will you buy new equipment in the coming year?

The sign and graphics industry is as broad as the types of signs companies produce. Some may choose to specialize

in one area while others are seeking new ways to grow and expand their businesses. Regardless of which business

strategy a company uses, there are signals that the industry itself is under expansion.

THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB

SIGNS OF GROWTH

Have you experienced double-digit growth in the past six months?

54.5%ISA MEMBERS

62.8% 201553.8% 2014CEOs

44.2%ISA NON-MEMBERS

}

THE POTENTIAL IS THERE

DIGITAL SIGNAGE, DYNAMIC GROWTH

It doesn’t take a stadium-sized sign to show the potential in digital signage. It is one of the sign and visual commu-

nications industry’s most rapidly expanding areas. With signs that range from small point-of-purchase screens to

those giant displays, it’s an area that customers are pushing their sign partners to know more about—and sign and

visual communications companies are responding.

Global Digital Signage Market Value (In Billions $)

When presented a list of possibilities for new lines of business in the coming year, sign and visual communications

companies expressed a growing interest in digital signage.

• Commercial

• Dynamic Digital

• Retail

• Architectural

• Point of purchase

2011

6

2012

7

2013

8.32014

10

2015

14.62016

15.5

ANSWERING

YES59.8%

38%2015

2014

2015

2014

Greatest Opportunities for

Company Expansion in 2015

53%

HAVE YOU COMPLETED DIGITAL SIGNAGE PROJECTS?

GROWING INTEREST

Are your customers asking

about digital signage solutions?

YES

71.6%

2020

23.7

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A POWERFUL PARTNERISA supports the work of the Signage Foundation, which works to create safe, livable, thriving communities through signage education and research. All of this research is being used to help convey the value of signs to planners and local officials.

Best Practices in Regulating Temporary SignageThe guide, developed by prominent planner Wendy Moeller, offers tips on creating codes that balance the importance of this type of signage to businesses and community groups while maintaining aesthetics.

Illuminated vs. Non-Illuminated Signage — Economic Impact of IlluminationThis research, conducted by Villanova University, shows the importance of lighting to signage. Businesses say they rely on lighted signage branding, advertising and communication and find marketing value in illumination when the stores are closed.

Signs and the Downtown ExperienceThis research, developed by Craig Berger, found a greater reception for sign size, diversity and messaging in urban areas and an acceptance of digital signs that conveyed clear, legible information, important content and were architecturally integrated.

Support sign research with a donation. Visit givetosfi.org.

COMMUNITY INSIGHTS“I am finding SFI’s research extremely helpful.

I gained knowledge both for my role within

Downtown Ottawa’s Business Improvement

Association and to share with our local businesses.”JASNA JENNINGS, OTTAWA BIA

(BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION)

EFFECTIVE FACTS“I used the SFI Urban Wayfinding Manual to guide

Downtown Evanston through a full redesign and

development of a new wayfinding system. I would

love to see research or data on sign code issues to

help me work with government officials.”ERIC SANTIAGO, DOWNTOWN EVANSTON

ILLUMINATEDVS

NON-ILLUMINATED SIGNAGE

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ILLUMINATION

CHARLES R. TAYLOR, VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY

OCTOBER 2015

Growth through Data AnalyticsISA is putting substantial resources toward content development designed to help our members and advance the industry overall. Our understanding of that data/research sits at the heart of your business expansion, and we are dedicated to providing more and

more relevant content to support that end goal.

Research PartnersIn 2015, ISA continued to partner with industry leaders on key resources such as white papers and reports researching valuable industry topics. To access the full list of these reports from 2015 and earlier, visit www.Signs.org/Research.

PERSUASIVE SUPPORT“Being able to go argue a sign code with all

that documentation and to show that colleges

have researched these issues and how other

communities have put these into practice was

invaluable. We had facts, and people listen when

you can put a stack of papers in front of them.”MIKE BURNETT, SIGNMEDIA

Do you have ideas on research that would help your business? Contact ISA membership@signs.org today.

2014 ISA Market Monitor

Go to Summary

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 20162 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Key DriversManufacturing Output, Key Industries ($Billions)

mfg_upss Value 615 575 454 501 512 538 555 564 588 616 Growth Rate -6% -21% 10% 2% 5% 3% 2% 4% 5%

Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating, and Allied Activities Output ($Billions)coat_upss Value 33.7 32.0 25.2 27.0 28.6 30.9 31.9 33.1 34.4 36.2

Growth Rate -5% -21% 7% 6% 8% 3% 4% 4% 5%Forging and Stamping Output, ($Billions)

forg_upss Value 29.4 28.7 21.6 23.3 24.4 26.8 27.5 28.5 29.5 31.0 Growth Rate -2% -25% 8% 5% 10% 3% 3% 4% 5%

Hardware Manufacturing ($Billions)hwar_upss Value 9.7 8.5 6.1 6.0 5.8 6.0 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.7

Growth Rate -12% -28% -2% -3% 4% 2% 2% 2% 4%Industry Index

index_upss Value -0.149 -0.796 -3.089 0.515 0.238 0.656 0.376 0.325 0.508 0.499Year-on-Year Change -0.65 -2.29 3.60 -0.28 0.42 -0.28 -0.05 0.18 -0.01

Supplier Industry: Large Format Printers

Supplier Industry: Large Format Printers

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

Industry Index

-10%

-5%

0%

5%

10%

15%

Growth Rates, Driver Industries

Manufacturing Output, Key Industries ($Billions)

CoaNng, Engraving, Heat TreaNng, and Allied AcNviNes Output ($Billions)

Hardware Manufacturing ($Billions)

Forging and Stamping Output, ($Billions)

Manufacturing Outlook (Overall IHS Manufacturing Overview): Manufacturing output will average 3.6% growth this year for a marked acceleraNon from its 2.6% gain last year, but not quite up to the 4.1% gain of 2012. This seesaw pa[ern carries over into the forecast period, with a sNll-solid annual gain of 3.8% next year, but a cooling in 2016 to just 3.2%. This springs from the ebbs and flows of inventory sNmulus.

Supplier Industry: Upstream industries that supply components uNlized in sign manufacturing. The sectors listed below are included in the key supplier industry drivers.

TexNles: TexNle and Fabric Finishing Mills Wood :Veneer, Plywood, and Engineered Product Manufacturing; Other Wood Product Manufacturing Paper: Paperboard Mills; StaNonery Product Manufacturing Metals: Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing; Forging and Stamping; Custom Roll Forming; Hardware Manufacturing; Machine Shops, Turned Product and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing; CoaNng, Engraving, Heat TreaNng, and Allied AcNviNes Chemicals and PlasNcs: PlasNcs Material and Resin Manufacturing; Paint and CoaNng Manufacturing; PlasNcs Packaging Materials and Unlaminated Film and Sheet Manufacturing; Other PlasNcs Product Manufacturing

Index Values: A value of "0" represents an expectaNon of industry growth right in line with the historical trend. PosiNve values represent stronger than average growth. NegaNve values represent below average growth.

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CHANGING THECURRENT

Effectively managing codes and regulations A sign and graphics company needs permits to build and install the sign they just created for a client. A sign helps a business be successful, which leads to a vibrant community. ISA and its Affiliated Associations continued to build relationships with planners and other local officials throughout the United States and Canada, helping them understand how reasonable sign codes can positively impact their communities. These efforts help sign companies protect and grow their business.

ON RESTRICTIVE CODES

4,612 planners and local officials received

valuable materials on the Reed ruling

Reed v. Town of Gilbert: Seized the OpportunityWhen the Supreme Court issued its first sign code ruling in two decades, many communities had to make changes to become compliant. New and revised resources, webinars and events for planners help these communities understand more about the ruling and the importance of developing reasonable sign codes. As a result of these new programs:

Built Relationships with PlannersNearly one third of planners have started to use ISA as a resource within the past three years, according to a new ISA survey. ISA continues to work with planners across the U.S. and Canada for positive change.

Planning for Sign Code Success™ EventsThese day-long training sessions, held in conjunction with the Signage Foundation and Affiliated Associations, were attended by 134 planners representing 79 communities. The regulators of approximately 4.3 million people were inspired by this education in Hot Springs, AK; Atlanta, GA; Philadelphia, PA; Austin, TX; Vancouver, B.C., Canada; and Los Angeles, CA.

American Planning Association Events Planners attending local/state/regional meetings of the American Planning Association (APA) learned about sign code issues from sign industry speakers. In 2015, more than 400 planners attended in-person presentations at state meetings in Arizona, Ohio, Georgia, Maine, Idaho and Michigan, and regional chapters that serve Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Impacting Your Bottom LineResearch developed by ISA with its Affiliated Associations showed for the first time

the high costs that companies spend dealing with restrictive sign codes. The data was broken down further to highlight the impact on sign companies by geographic region.

On average, sign and graphics companies experience:

$25,600SPENT ANNUALLY

per company on permits and variances

$107,099LOST IN ANNUAL REVENUE

per sign and graphics company due to restrictive sign codes

in U.S. sales lost every year

MEANING OVER

$600,000,000

1,300 planners educated on Reed in person

or via webinars in 2015

APA (the American Planning Association) approved

an ISA session on Reed at their national

conference

Is your community exploring sign code changes? Contact signhelp@signs.org for

help from ISA and your Affiliate.

JURISDICTIONS that have

adopted ISA’s recommended

brightness levels for signs.

170

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Carol Short is like many members of community planning boards. She had no formal training in planning issues. Yet she was tasked with evaluating ordinances — including sign codes — that came before her committee. When it came time to revise the entire sign code, her community was at a loss.

“Small cities like ours usually have no professional staff and not enough money to hire consultants for projects like revising a sign code,” she said. “We found we didn’t even agree on what the words meant that we were trying to make more clear. We did the best we could, but the document was far from professional or what it should have been. We asked a wide variety of people for their input (e.g., local signmaker and the code enforcement officer), most of whom did not answer or participate in the meetings.”

And yet, her Arkansas town had an existing sign code that “did not help create effective signage for an attractive town and was hard to understand.”

Carol attended a 2015 Planning for Sign Code Success™ event in Hot Springs, AK, hosted by ISA, the Signage Foundation and the Mid South Sign Association. It was eye-opening, to say the least. “It never occurred to me that there are sign industry recommendations that a sign code should follow. In spite of our best efforts, there are many things in the new code that are not well done. ISA has made some suggestions which I appreciate very much.”

CAROL SHORT, CITIZEN PLANNER, AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION ARKANSAS CHAPTER

Enlightened Local Officials,

STRONGERBUSINESSES

Made a Difference at the State LevelISA and its Affiliated Associations worked together to successfully influence state-level initiatives that would have adversely affected the sign industry. The Southern States Sign Association, the Mid South Sign Association and the California Sign Association all worked with ISA to guide proposed state initiatives that could have had major negative impacts on the sign industry in local communities.

Encouraged the Snowball Effect of Sign Code AdvocacySince communities often look to neighboring towns or big cities within their state to provide resources when developing sign codes, positively influencing sign codes in one community can have a ripple effect. ISA worked to impact hundreds of communities, building successful relationships with local officials, testifying at public hearings and providing resources to help communities develop reasonable sign codes.

• In Chicago, ISA and the Illinois Sign Association progressed on streamlining a laborious codes process.

• In Dallas, ISA and the Texas Sign Association helped to defeat a proposal that would have required a manufacturer’s certification signaling that existing signs would comply with new brightness standards.

• In Utah, ISA and the Utah Sign Association educated local leaders about electronic message center technologies that inspired a switch from banning everything but monument signs to a much more business-friendly sign code.

When ISA works in a community miles away, we have the potential to positively influence your community, too!

APPLICABLE RESULTS“I don’t have any idea how long it would have taken

us to find information to help our community develop

better sign codes. With ISA on board, we knew we

could bite off more changes that were needed.”KELLY SCHREIBER, STAYTON/SUBLIMITY

(OR) CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

TIME-SAVING NAVIGATION“ISA does a lot of great work in saving a company

time on investigating these things ourselves or

by helping us figure out certain issues or better

understand various code requirements. ISA does

the hard work and then the desired results are

more easily attained by the sign company.”DENNIS BAUER, POBLOCKI SIGN COMPANY

18 I 19  2015 PR

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WWW.SIGNS.ORG/PROGRESS15

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