Education, Part 2 “Pathways”
The California Sign Association has made a strong commitment to meeting the education needs of its members, and of California’s sign industry at large. Last month’s article reviewed the well-attended CSA Conference workshop on hiring and keeping Millennials. This Part 2 article covers the focus of CSA’s recent visits to some PUSD high schools, and their efforts to prepare students for successful careers. As CSA’s President for the 2016-2017 year, Pete Michelini, explains, “… CSA is placing emphasis on education and creating a qualified workforce for the industry; a definite need as expressed by the sign industry in general.”
The California Sign Association continues to address its commitment to meeting the education needs of its members, exploring new and exciting ways of developing our workforce. As the question continues to be asked “where can we find employees and how do we train them,” new avenues are opened – Okay, let’s call them “Pathways.”
On December 1st, Pete Michelini, CSA President; Roy Flahive, CSA Executive Director; and Cheryl Flahive, CSA Director of Member Services, attended a training program at the Porterville Union High School District. To say each of them was impressed is an understatement — they were simply overjoyed at the wonderful work being done with the students – they not only are being prepared for higher education and careers, they are learning the necessary skills for successful futures!
“PUSD Pathways Linked Learning” is part of an effort statewide to address the needs of students as they prepare for successful careers.
The referenced training program “PUSD Pathways Linked Learning,” is part of an effort statewide to address the needs of students as they prepare for successful careers. Their “Pathways” program offers small learning communities, college preparation, career-theme focus, academic rigor blended with technical relevance, project-based/hands-on learning, work-based learning opportunities, and actual projects utilizing CNC routers, laser cutting machines, 3d-printers, computers, etc.
Not only are these students being taught skills used in the sign industry, they are also learning so much more that our members have been looking for: Social skills, professionalism, thinking outside the box, working as a team, focusing on specific projects and aligning with other students within their chosen Pathway.
CSA is anxious to tap in to this education program throughout the state; in particular, internship opportunities and exposure to the terrific careers available in the Sign Industry!
2016 Day at the Races – Bing Crosby Season
Fifty-three CSA members and staff attended the races on November 17 at Del Mar Racetrack, located in Del Mar, California. Entrance fee, a program, the CSA-sponsored Six Race, a picture in the winner’s circle for two, and a fabulous buffet lunch all were included in the CSA Event Package. With the help of our 5-Sponsors; two $1,000 sponsors (Federal Heath and N Glantz & Son) and three $500 sponsors (RNS Channel Letters, Sullaway Engineering, and Swain Sign), this CSA SoCal event was a huge success – THANK YOU!
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 11:30 am, first post was 12:30 p.m., betting was active and cheering for favorite horses was lively and loud, eventfully leading to “I need to collect my winnings!” — or “if it weren’t for …”
CSA officers and staff asked if attendees thought this was a good idea and one worth repeating. “Yes” was the emphatic answer, “Let’s do it again next year!”
SoCal Membership Event in Del Mar!
Join us as Thoroughbred athletes and world class jockeys take to the track for the most exciting 2 minutes in sports! Del Mar Race Tracks, 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. All part of the amazing fun!
Del Mar racetrack is an American Thoroughbred horse racing track at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in the seaside city of Del Mar, California, 20 mi north of San Diego. Meet us there! 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014
- No Host Cocktails: 11:00am-12:00 Noon
- Lunch-Network-Races: Noon – 4:00pm
Package Includes: Entrance, Program and Lunch
Sponsorship Packages Available! Click Here for PDF
Book Online OR Download PDF Here
“Great vibe, good races. The amenities are fantastic.” 
“Really nice race track with really good food and really good beer. .”
Education Takes Center Stage, Part 1
The California Sign Association has made a new commitment to meeting the education needs of its members, and of California’s sign industry at large. While it is true that every one of the seminars and dinner meetings throughout the year features a well-vetted and relevant topic, now we will see a strong focus on seminars at annual conventions. Topics featured at the Association’s dinner meetings this year alone include: LA Chamber of Commerce; Speaking Geek: Websites Decoded; Increase & Secure Your Bottom Line; Right Brain Rules!; Transitioning: Leap and Land on Your Feet; Cyber Security; Cash Management, and many other high-impact seminars.
CSA’s President for the 2016-2017 year is Pete Michelini, who explains, “During this year, CSA will remain diligent in addressing local and statewide Government Affairs and concerns affecting business and the sign industry. We will continue to work with cities and counties throughout California to develop equitable sign codes…. In addition, CSA is placing emphasis on education and creating a qualified workforce for the industry; a definite need as expressed by the sign industry in general. Member enthusiasm for this new path was heard August 25th at the CSA Annual Conference, with the Education Session room packed with CSA Conference attendees.”
Member enthusiasm for this new path was heard August 25th at the CSA Annual Conference, with the Education Session room packed with CSA Conference attendees.
Michelini is referring to a keynote presentation by Teresa M. Young, President/CEO of Sign Biz, Inc., and Lori Anderson, President/CEO of the International Sign Association. In today’s article, we look at the first hour of this two-hour seminar, titled “Hack the Hire and Reap Retention.” The presentation took place on Thursday, August 25, 2016 from 8:00- 10:00 am. Despite the early hour, the room was packed, and a few folks had to stand at the back of the room.
New Tools and Resources to Find and Keep Good People
Teresa M. Young kicked off this big keynote with a look at new research that explains how social media prowess, ongoing education, and Millennials can build a better business and a stronger hiring process.
This seminar shed light on social media, workplace training and culture, and education factors that can drastically reduce staff turnover, and consequently, improve a business's bottom line.
With the Millennial population on the rise, and the need for qualified staff that stays, it is imperative to use today’s newest resources. Check out the compelling evidence in the video highlight reel here!
Part 2 of this two-part series provides insight from Lori Anderson into new credentialing tests that can have a profound impact on staff quality and retention. The future of employment and retention offers modern, high-tech and high-touch opportunities for verification. Young and Anderson shared some high-impact, fresh new perspectives that certainly empowered human resources. Watch for it in two weeks!
“Our goal is to develop an industry training program for installers, fabricators, project managers and all other functions necessary to conduct successful operations. Through education, we look to raise the on-premise sign industry to new levels of professionalism, high quality product, and career advancement and growth for CSA Members.
I look forward to serving our CSA Family.”
Pete Michelini
President, 2016-17
Think Lean Seminar and Dinner, Livermore
Attend one or both events!
Join CSA members and prospective members at the THINK LEAN Seminar presented by guest speaker Melissa Searle, followed by a networking dinner meeting and discussion.
Seminar Time:
3:30 – 5:30 PM
ABOUT MELISSA SEARLE
Melissa earned multiple bachelor degrees from the University of California, Berkeley and Certifications in both Health Care Compliance (CHC) and Health Care Privacy Compliance (CHPC). Melissa is an active member of the Health Care Financial Management Association, receiving the 2014-2015 Committee Leadership Award from their Northern California Chapter.
Through Melissa’s progressive leadership roles, she has assisted numerous teams and developed leaders to embrace lean behaviors.
Stay for dinner, bocce ball, and networking! Enjoy the best time to Network!
Nestled against rolling hills and vineyards of the wine country on the Livermore/Pleasanton border, come discover Campo di Bocce, where some of Northern California’s best Italian food is served in a quaint Italian village setting designed around the centuries-old game of bocce ball!
Event Time:
6:00 – 8:30 PM
Dinner at Campo di Bocce
Big Winner Signtech!
2016 Convention’s Big Winners
While everyone who attends the CSA Conference each year is the beneficiary of connections, knowledge and fun, there was a big winner in the conference fundraiser. The California Sign Association was proud to present a check to Kevin Cline with Signtech Electrical Advertising this week, winner of the annual CSA $10,000 Fundraiser. Kevin is a long time supporter of the association and has been participating in this fundraiser for years – It was with great pleasure that CSA’s executive director Roy Flahive, was able to hand deliver the winnings. In the photo, from left to right; David Schauer (President, Signtech Electrical Advertising), his father Corky (CEO), Kevin Cline, Roy Flahive, and Patty Soria (Signtech Electrical Advertising VP of Production and new board member to CSA).
Congratulations and thank you Kevin!
A Conference to Remember
The California Sign Association held its annual convention in Garden Grove, CA. on August 24-26. Great camaraderie and fun were had by all!
Wednesday was the start of the convention with the last meeting of the 2015-16 CSA Board of Directors taking place Wednesday afternoon, then moving quickly into bowling at Bowlmor Lanes.
Opening Party “Bowling Bash!”
Bowling, libations, fiesta and fun!
What is a blast? CSA’s “Bowling Bash” event! Seventy five were in attendance at the bowling bash; watching, networking and some even establishing new bowling techniques, and plenty of food and drinks were the order of the day – several CSA bowlers appear to be regulars on their alleys back home – judging by their scores. In a private “bowling alley within a bowling alley” fantastic victuals from south of the border and plenty of libations from a private bar set the tone for this year’s conference.
Thursday started with a very exciting and very informative seminar conducted by Ms. Teresa Young, President and CEO of Sign Biz ®, Inc. and Ms. Lori Anderson, President of the International Sign Association (ISA); the hiring process as well as the retention of employees were addressed. Young kicked off with an eye-opening look at “white hacker” techniques that improve hire quality. Lori finished up the program with with educational opportunities that ISA is offering to its members and non-members alike. This seminar was of such importance – it was filmed and segments will be available on the CSA website for your enjoyment!
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM 2016 CSA Annual Meeting & State of the Association
The next order of business was our annual membership meeting, where President Mike Avery brought the members up to date information on where CSA is and where it is going. The election of the board of directors for the year 2016-17 was conducted, along with the election of next year’s officers, which includes – Mike Avery, N Glantz & Son (Immediate Past President), Pete Michelini, Sign Designs, (President), Dennis Lytle, Federal heath (1st Vice President), Neal Tibbs, Ad Art (2nd Vice president), and Bob Shimmin, Montroy Supply (Secretary/Treasurer).
When lunch was served, we were provided the history of Orange County by Phil Brigandi; it was interesting to hear about all the twists and turns this area of the state took before settling down and becoming one of the most beautiful and active centers of commerce in Southern California.
Next was the Exhibit Hall!
WSSC Show – Product & Service Expo The Showcase – the afternoon was filled with more great camaraderie, and an exhibit hall filled with 44 exhibitors that were delighted to share their new products, services and spend time with existing as well as potentially new customers. The exhibitors expressed delight with CSA’s future convention plans that include, our returning to this same venue in 2018 and 2020 – those are the years when ISA is conducting the EXPO in Orlando. When the EXPO is in Las Vegas, CSA will conduct Educational Conferences – further details on this new format will be explained in future editions of Signage Matters.
Thursday night featured a great banquet and both live and silent auctions. The magician was worth the price of admission!
Friday, Fun Day!
Friday was the conclusion of this year’s convention, where fifty people made reservations to enjoy lunch and ride the attractions at Knott’s Berry Farm. The number of folks who stated they hadn’t been to the park in years, and how it brought back great memories of years gone by, was staggering. The new rides at the park – like the Accelerator – were nothing less than staggering and so exhilarating!
Thank you to all that participated in this year’s CSA Annual Convention – see you next year!
CSA FISHING TRIP 2016
CSA FISHING TRIP 2016
With the 14th Annual Fishing Trip behind us, I would like to share what you missed for those who did not attend – This year was invigorating! Check out the video below for a taste of the excitement!
On August 6th, CSA completed its 14th Annual Deep Sea Fishing Trip. Forty Six anglers boarded the Clemente at 5 a.m. We decided to take the long trip to Catalina, due to the lack of any decent fishing off the coast. Arriving off the Catalina Shore at 8:45 a.m., we continued to fish until 1:30 p.m. We caught 35 Yellowtail, 64 Bass and 21 Bonita. The “Jackpot Winner” was Mike Perez from Federal Heath!
This year, Randy Crossno put together a “50/50 Raffle” that also included a (wrapped) tackle box. Tim Kowalczya, also from Federal Heath, was the winner!
We arrived back to the dock at 6 p.m. It appeared it was an enjoyable day for all.
Hope to see everyone next year! ~ Gary Quiel
WSSC – CSA Event is your Passport to Success!
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
4:00 – 6:00 PM CSA Board of Directors Meeting
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Honoring CSA’s Legislative Efforts – 30+ Years Proud
Building on legislative success in 1983, which resulted in a requirement that just compensation be paid for compelled removal of on-premise signs, in 1986 – 30 years ago – CSA commenced another extraordinary effort to save signs from removal based on height and size when special topographic circumstances exist.
Under the leadership of Leo March (Integrated Sign) and legal counsel Robert Aran, CSA was able to secure passage of Business & Professions Code section 5499.
Section 5499 provides:
“Regardless of any other provision of this chapter or other law, no city or county shall require the removal of any on-premises advertising display on the basis of its height or size by requiring conformance with any ordinance or regulation introduced or adopted on or after March 12, 1983, if special topographic circumstances would result in a material impairment of visibility of the display or the owner’s or user’s ability to adequately and effectively continue to communicate with the public through the use of the display. Under these circumstances, the owner or user may maintain the advertising display at the business premises and at a location necessary for continued public visibility at the height or size at which the display was previously erected and, in doing so, the owner or user is in conformance.”
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