2017 Fourth Annual BOD Meeting
The 4th and final board meeting of the California Sign Association will take place during the Conference in Ontario, CA.Save the Date for the big CSA Education Conference and Annual Meeting! Join CSA Members and California industry professionals for a big education event, plus Golf Tournament, bowling and more! Check back for venue details, exact date and time for this important board of directors meeting.
SoCal CSA Members Meet, Learn, Eat in May
Think Lean Seminar Followed by Dinner and Presentation
It is no wonder that SoCal CSA members thoroughly enjoyed the Seminar on May 18 at the Catch Restaurant in Anaheim. Presenter Melissa Searle took command using her progressive leadership experience, encouraging all to engage in a workshop atmosphere to build skills for developing a lean environment and way of thinking. After the terrific reviews received following Melissa’s presentation in Northern California, Oct.-2016, it was not surprising to see her “hit it out of the park” once again. Thank you Melissa!
The seminar was followed by a great dinner and presentation, in a private dining room.
The Dinner was attended by 32 people, all anxious to hear about the wonderful program in place within California, educating our High School Students on both college and career opportunities. The new CSA Enhanced Training Program currently being developed by the association board of directors and staff, is a prime example of where these young people can look to enter into the workforce.
CSA staff and several of our members, have participated in school tours and organizational meetings regarding this very important issue: Where do we get the young people the industry wants to align with, and invest in, for the future? Mr. Rob Atterbury, Director, District and Regional Support of ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career, provided a wonderful presentation on the answer to that very question. Thousands of high school students in California are enrolled in Public High School Academies, where they are taught that paramount to their success in life is the need to be prepared to move forward after high school. ConnectEd impresses upon each student that they will be expected to work in a team, dress professionally, speak appropriately, tackle difficult projects – including designing, planning and implementation of the plan to a successful conclusion. These young academy graduates will certainly be given serious consideration for participation in the CSA Advanced Training Program to be implemented next year.
May Meeting: Solar Energy, Wine & Roses
Neal Tibbs is Featured Speaker
CSA held a very successful CSA Membership Luncheon and Program, May 11, 2017, at Wine & Roses in Lodi, CA. 22 people were in attendance for lunch and a seminar on Solar Lighting/Energy for signs. The seminar was presented by Neal Tibbs, V.P. – Ad Art, and 2nd V.P. of CSA. Neal shared slides on the solar products available from SimpliPhi; this is a solar company that Ad Art has worked with successfully on several grocery store locations in Northern California. Neal described the solar collection, battery storage, and power distribution method and spoke on the ability to have the solar unit being a stand alone, or connected to the grid during extended foul weather situations. All in attendance appreciated the fact that Neal was able to speak first-person about the projects, since he was actually on site during the installation and initial lighting of the systems. 
In addition, CSA Executive Director, Roy Flahive, informed the attendees of current CSA activities (pictured).
Keith Wills, CSA Past President and current board member, is showcasing the Member Helping Member Program that CSA has been spearheading for the last several years. Keith indicated exciting new offers will be forthcoming in the program this summer – look for your opportunity to take advantage of these special offers. CSA: Where A MEMBER HELPS A MEMBER!
April BOD Meeting in a Shark Tank
The California Sign Association held a meeting of its Board of Directors on Friday, April 21, in Las Vegas, in conjunction with the ISA Expo. This board meeting started at 7:30am – yes that is in the morning, in Las Vegas, and 25 of our 27 directors were in attendance – that is dedication!
With the generous attendance, business moved rapidly during the three-hour meeting. Some outcomes included a review of healthy financial statements; regulatory and local code highlights from legal counsel Jeff Aran; discussion of continued growth in CSA membership (13 new members so far this year); update on the crane operator certification program; and dialogue on the enhanced training program CSA is developing for sign fabrication, installation, and sign related administrative skills.
President Michelini made certain the window shades were down until most of the board’s perfunctory tasks were addressed. His request that the shades be raised enabled the Directors to see for the first time that the meeting room adjoined the actual shark tank in the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, one of the largest exhibits of its kind. To say the view was fabulous is an understatement – it was awesome.
During a 15-minute break in the meeting, everyone got a good view of the aquarium, housing more than 1,200 species of aquatic life including sharks, exotic fish and more. Following this, the committee chairs reported on their respective committees including – the Government Affairs, Communication, Professionalism, Education, Technical and Membership Committees.
Roy Flahive
Executive Director
California Sign Association
CSA at the Races in 2017
On March 9th, as the morning fog lifted, horses and trainers could be seen preparing for the day’s races at Golden Gate Fields located in Albany. This was the beginning of a winning day for CSA members and staff who attended the NorCal Day at the Races! Valet parking, entrance fee, a program, the CSA-sponsored Fifth Race (California Sign Association noted in the program under the fifth race), a picture in the winner’s circle and a wonderful buffet lunch all were included in the CSA Event Package.
We couldn’t have asked for a better day: The weather was perfect, the track was fast, and the beverages and conversation started flowing at 11 a.m. Lunch was served at noon, first post was 12:45 p.m., betting was active, and cheering for favorite horses was lively and loud. CSA members and guests soon gathered near the Winners Circle for the start of our “Fifth Race”, with “horse #5” finishing as the winner, and a number of CSA members racing to collect their winnings!
Based on comments from attendees, it looks like this CSA activity will become an annual event!
News on the March 2017
Some noteworthy members have made the news and we wanted to share these insights with you! David Schauer, President of Signtech Electrical Advertising is being showcased in the latest ISA EXPO Brochure, most of you have probably received in the last couple of days.
David, along with Jim Withrow, Training Manager/Safety Officer for Signtech joined Cheryl and I at a meeting of the San Diego County College and Career Readiness Consortium, on March 2nd, at the San Diego Headquarters of the United Way. The goal of the meeting was to engage local area employers in providing work-based learning experiences for high school and community college students. This meeting was organized by Rob Atterbury with ConnectEd, the organization that Pete, Cheryl and I have been working with the last several months regarding identifying the sign industries future qualified employees.
Signtech, under the leadership of David , is on the forefront of this CSA endeavor. Signtech’s VP of Production and CSA Board Member, Patty Soria and Jim attended the workshop at Clairemont High School two weeks ago with me and Cheryl. They wanted to learn firsthand about the Linked Learning Program and its potential for helping to solve the need for qualified employees in the sign and graphics industry. Discussions were held regarding internships, job shadowing, speaking opportunities, company tours, mentoring, etc.
With involved CSA members like David Schauer participating in this Team Effort, the future for the sign industry in California looks bright!
Long time CSA Member (since 1984) Pat Cory, president of McHale Signs, named Redding Citizen of the Year.
McHale Signs is a member of CSA, ISA and WSA.
Cheryl and I have known Pat and his wife Bernice for over 25 years, and a nicer gentlemen and family you will not find. Full story here: Citizen of the Year
Roy Flahive
Executive Director
California Sign Association
EXPO Registration and WSSC Golf Events
The International Sign Expo! The 2017 show is taking place April 19-22 (tradeshow starts April 20) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas and registration is open!
Of course you are going to the International Sign Expo – the world’s largest tradeshow for sign professionals – and of course you know all about the Expo. You’ve been going for a while! But with the Expo there are some “extra” special events that can make this business trip an even more fulfilling excursion! Here is what we are especially excited about!
GET YOUR SWAGGER ON!
Use your power as a California Sign Association Member and receive huge discounts on education programs, plus free registration to the Expo! We’ve been given unique registration promo discount code and housing links. New this year, the promo code received gives our members 50% off education through the entire registration cycle and even onsite. In prior years, the code gave our members 50% off before the early bird deadline, and 25% off after the early bird deadline and onsite. Realizing most people register in the last few weeks leading up to the show, this is a huge new value-added benefit for our members.Click the image or here to your registration page: Register Today
By using your powerful code, you will:
- Receive 50% Discount on Education Programs
- Get a Free Trade Show Pass
- Support the work of the sign association
More good stuff!
Become a Sponsor – Register for this superior networking event! This golf tournament takes place on April 19th at the Las Vegas National Golf Course. Many sponsorship opportunities are available, and you can win publicity and prizes! Here is the Registration/ Sponsorship form: The Great Golf Tournament (PDF)
With the tournament, the Elliott Crane Ball Drop event will give you more ways to support your associations, and the chance to walk away with a cash prize! Download the form here: Great Ball Drop (PDF)
LET’S PARTY AT ISA ROCKS: THE INDUSTRY PARTY!
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 8:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M., HOUSE OF BLUES
Get ready to have some fun at THE industry party of the year, ISA ROCKS. Back by popular demand, this is THE place to connect with industry professionals, while enjoying the food, music and atmosphere of the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay. CSA members receive access to the upstairs VIP area at the party where you can enjoy complimentary drinks and food. Contact the California Sign Association for your VIP access pass or stop by The Hub. Space is limited!
Young Professionals Happy Hour
Friday, April 21, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Eye Candy, Mandalay Bay
Come to a special happy hour to network with other young professionals in the industry! No prior registration for the happy hour is required; however, you must be registered for the trade show to attend.
ISA Networking Reception for National and Custom Sign Companies
Friday, April 21, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Islander I
Bring your show badge to enter; no separate registration is required.
Custom and national sign company executives are invited to join us as ISA hosts its annual Networking Reception for National and Custom Sign Companies. This popular event brings together representatives from major U.S. national sign companies with custom sign company executives to discuss their specific installation needs. This is a great opportunity for both custom sign company and national sign company executives to meet, network and potentially develop new business relationships. There will be free beer, and a cash bar will be available. Bring your show badge to enter; no separate registration is required. National Sign Companies interested in participating should contact Alicia Auerswald at alicia.auerswald@signs.org. Free beer will be available — must be 21 to drink.
Here’s your handy member info:
- Registration Promotional Discount Code: CALISAVE
- Page on Sign Expo Website: www.signexpo.org/California
- Registration Link: www.signexpo.org/CaliforniaReg
- Housing Link: www.signexpo.org/CaliforniaHotel
See you Las Vegas!
The entire crew here at CNP Signs & Graphics looks forward to our semiannual trip to Las Vegas to attend ISA International Sign Expo. It’s a tremendous learning, networking and relationship-building opportunity. In just a few days in one convenient spot, we’re able to meet with old and new friends from across the country, see suppliers from around the world showcasing the latest materials and equipment, and attend high-energy education sessions that our whole team finds valuable. ~ Bob McCarter, CNP Signs & Graphics
EXPO! EXPO! EXPO!
The International Sign Expo! The 2017 show is taking place April 19-22 (tradeshow starts April 20) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas and registration is open!
Of course you are going to the International Sign Expo – the world’s largest tradeshow for sign professionals – and of course you know all about the Expo. You’ve been going for a while! But with the Expo there are some “extra” special events that can make this business trip an even more fulfilling excursion! Here is what we are especially excited about! Continue Reading
NorCal Horse Racing Event in Berkeley, CA!
Join us as Thoroughbred athletes and world class jockeys take to the track for the most exciting 2 minutes in sports! Golden Gate Fields, Where CSA Comes to Play! Join sign industry professionals, both members and non-members, for an event to highlight camaraderie and networking! Marvel as the Thoroughbreds dance on “toes” as they are led from the paddock to the track. Watch as the trainers saddle and prepare for the race. Listen as the bugler sounds the call to post. Before you know it, the caller is heard from
every corner of the park “racing” and the horses are off dashing for the finish line.
The horses thunder down the stretch towards the finish line – CSA Members can’t help but stand up screaming encouragement. As the horses reach the wire, we erupt Into victory hugs and high fives all around. You are all now a part of the amazing fun!
Golden Gate Fields is an American horse racing track straddling both Albany, California and Berkeley, California along the shoreline of San Francisco Bay adjacent to the Eastshore Freeway in the San Francisco Bay Area. Meet us there! Golden Gate Fields, Located off Interstate 80, on the Bay – 1100 East Shore Hwy, Berkeley
- No Host Cocktails: 11:00am-12:00 Noon
- Lunch-Network-Races: Noon – 4:00pm
Package Includes: Parking, Entrance, Program and Lunch
$54.00 (Individual Registration)
$49.00 (Each, for Groups of 5 or More)
“Best Place To Go To Watch Horse Racing.“
“To my surprise, the Turf Club area was big.”
January 2017 Board Meets and Eats in Northern California
On Thursday, January 19th, the CSA Board of Directors met at the California Railroad Museum in Sacramento for a regularly scheduled board meeting. In attendance were 19 of the 24 directors plus two active CSA Directors Emeritus, as well as Roy Flahive, Executive Director, and Cheryl Flahive, Dir. of Member Services. 
The subject matter addressed at the meeting included updates to the board from standing committees (Government Affairs, Education, Communication, Technical, Professionalism and Membership); the CSA Apprenticeship Program; Crane Operator Certification Program; as well as additional activities by CSA staff.
After the board meeting, 29 attendees took a tour of the Railroad Museum, an exceptional and beautiful facility– one that any individual or family would doubtless enjoy visiting. Following this tour, 37 people sat down for dinner and camaraderie, with a presentation by the Sacramento School District regarding their ConnectEd Program. Continue Reading