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Save the Date for the 6th Annual Tri-State Expo August 11-13, 2016

Fall 2015 Edition

IN THIS ISSUE

ADVANCING THE SIGN INDUSTRY IN KANSAS, MISSOURI, AND OKLAHOMA

TSSA Membership Page 2

2015 Tri-State Expo Sign Design Con-test Winners Page 3

2015 Tri-State Expo Board Chairmen Page 4

ISA Resources Page 5

2015 TSSA Expo Review Page 6

2015 Gene Russell Scholarship Recipi-ents Page 7

2015 TSSA Expo Sponsors Page 8

Kansas State Division Chair’s Letter Page 9

Missouri State Division Chair’s Letter Page 10

Oklahoma State Division Chair’s Letter Page 11

WORKING TOGETHER

Register today for a must-attend sign industry event, National Signage Research & Education Conference (NSREC), taking place October 11-12 in Norman, Oklahoma. Hosted by The Signage Foundation Inc. (SFI) in partnership with the University of Oklahoma’s College of Architecture, NSREC is your chance to network with a broad range of sign makers, sign suppliers, sign buyers, urban planners and designers, marketing/branding managers, architects, appraisers and academics. In addition, it’s your opportunity to influence future topics for research studies that help educate and inform clients, vendors and sign code officials.

Visit www.thesignagefoundation.org for more information and to register today!

2015 NATIONAL SIGNAGE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CONFERENCE

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TRI-STATE SIGN ASSOCIATIONBOARD OF DIRECTORS

David GoodsonPresidentImpact Signs, Awnings, & Wraps, Inc. Sedalia, MO

David VerniaVice PresidentGeorge Lay Signs, Inc. Wichita, KS

Jace LarsenPast PresidentGeneral Lighting & Sign ServicesOklahoma City, OK

John Hipple, Jr.Secretary/TreasurerSign DesignsJoplin, MO

Matt AmbroseExcellartOlathe, KS

Daryl ForemanPrincipal LEDSan Angelo, TX

Kathy GrafLuminous Neon, Inc.Hutchinson, KS

Robert HarperThe Sign HouseSalina, KS Michelle HayesN. Glantz & SonNorman, OK

Don HendersonMetro Sign CorporationOklahoma City, OK

Tony HicksWatchFire SignsGrain Valley, MO

Kent JesterArrow Sign CompanyLawton, OK

Joel RuizReece SupplyTulsa, OK

Brandon SmithGraphics Solutions Group, Inc.Oklahoma City, OK

Ben ZiglinZiglin Signs Washington, MO

TRI-STATE SIGN ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP MEANS...Services and opportunities that will benefit you, your business, and the industry.

MEMBERSHIP FOR SIGN COMPANIESBy joining the Tri-State Sign Association, an affiliate of ISA, you also become a member of ISA and the largest orga-nized community of sign companies, service providers, and end-users in the world! You join others like you who are driven to succeed and committed to making your business a vibrant, healthy and exciting part of our economy. In addition to the benefits and services that you receive through membership in the Tri-State Sign Association, here are some of the benefits that will now be provided by ISA to all sign companies that are members of the Tri-State Sign Association:

• Two free ISA webinars per year • Listing in the online ISA membership directory

at www.signs.org• Free sign code assistance• Monthly ISA membership e-newsletter• Use of the ISA Member logo• Access to member-exclusive online content• Discounts on education and training, publications,

event registration, shipping, business insurance, credit card processing and health insurance programs

WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A STRONGER INDUSTRY

“Being a first time TSSA member and show exhibitor we were extremely pleased with the way everyone welcomed us into the TSSA as soon as we checked in. We knew from walking the trade show last year the potential for building relationships but were pleasantly surprised by the various events leading up to the trade show and after and the opportunity they provided to interact with various TSSA members. It was a great way for Laird Plastics to better understand the sign industry and how we can help serve our new TSSA family. We are looking forward to stepping up our membership next year and beyond.”Brian BatesManager, Laird Plastics Kansas City

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This year there was a record number of 72 entries and over 500 votes. Congratulations to this years Sign Design Contest Winners:

Category 1: FREESTANDING SIGNS ILLUMINATED OR NON-ILLUMINATED 100 SQ. FT. OR LARGERRick Ball Ford by Impact Signs Awnings Wraps, Sedalia, Mo., Fabricator: Robert Fox, Designer: Evan Stratton

Category 2: FREESTANDING ILLUMINATED OR NON-ILLUMINATED 99 SQ. FT. AND SMALLERCreek Nation – River Spirit Casino – High Stakes Entrance by Claude Neon Federal Signs ,Tulsa Ok., Fabricators: Imer Arreaga, Tony Record, Angel Gomez, Armando Landeros, Larry Ritz, Daniel Sosa, David Sosa, Designer: Joe Kesterson

Category 3: ILLUMINATED OR NON-ILLUMINATED WALL SIGNS. (Including channel letters, sandblasted signs, mod, 3d routed hdu signs, wall mounted dimensional letters and graphics).

The Peacock Diner by Piros Signs, Barnhart Mo., Fabricator: Tim McGregor, Designer: Dave Filla

Category 4: VEHICLE GRAPHICS AND WRAPS. WINDOW GRAPHICS AND BUILDING WRAPSDrennon Ranch & Stagecoach Co. by Impact Signs Awnings Wraps, Sedalia, Mo., Fabricator: Evan Stratton, Designer: Evan Stratton

2015 TRI-STATE SIGN EXPO SIGN DESIGN CONTEST WINNERS

Category 1 Winner:Impact Signs Awnings Wraps

Category 2 Winner:Claude Neon Federal Signs

Category 3 Winner:Piros Signs

Category 3 Winner:Impact Signs Awnings Wraps

“I enjoyed the 2015 TSSA Expo at Downstream Casino. I had a great opportunity to meet vendors that I call upon all the time and I met some new ones. It was wonderful to meet other sign people. The Expo had such a great turn out of vendors and attendees; it took me a hour to get by 15 vendors. Can’t wait until next year. TSSA really knows how to pull a great weekend full of fun events together.“ Jeremy HaiglerInstallation/Operations Coordinator, George Lay Signs

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Thank you to each of the Tri-State Sign Association Board Members for another fantastic Sign Expo. Each of them spent countless hours to ensure the 5th annual TSSA Expo

would be another huge success and, because of them, it was!

Your 2015 Tri-State Sign Expo Committee Chairs are:Banquet & Scholarship Auction/Raffles: Kathy Graf, Daryl Foreman & Matt Ambrose

Banquet Master of Ceremonies: David Goodson & Jace LarsenEducational Seminars: John HippleGolf Tournament: Don Henderson

Photography: Michelle HayesPool Side Events: Tony Hicks

Registration: Robert Harper & Megan HarperSign Design Contest: David Vernia and Joel Ruiz

Signage: Ben ZiglinTradeshow: Brandon Smith & Kent Jester

A GREAT JOB BY THE TSSA BOARD

“As a first time attendee, our experience at the Tri-State Sign Expo far exceeded expectations. The expo was a great way for us to connect with members of the sign industry, as well as other vendors. The entire weekend was organized incredibly well, and we made some great connections. We look forward to attending next year and recommend the Tri-State Sign Expo to anyone looking to grow their presence in the sign industry.”Max Prokell,Owner, Sign Web Marketing

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SUPPORT TRI-STATE AND SAVE MONEY Tri-State Sign Association has teamed up with First Data to offer an association rate on credit cards...That means you save money!

ALERT! Is your business ready for the U.S. shift to EMV® chip card payments? If not, October 1st is the deadline for business to be EMV ready.

First Data can help you prepare for EMV along with the tools to manage and grow your business. To learn how, call Kelly Smith at (913) 825-0728 or email at kelly.smith@telecheck.com

First Data Solutions – power up, take more payments, and run your business better. First Data gives you exactly what your business needs to stay current with the latest technology to efficiently, affordably and securely accept all payment types and effectively promote your business – all in one simple package.

**Important** Get your business READY for EMV……coming October 2015

FIGHT EMC REGULATIONS WITH INFORMATION As ISA monitors sign code issues around the country, one of the most frequent challenges encountered is the issue of brightness and EMCs. Communities often want to regulate EMC brightness which, if not done properly, can make these kinds of signs less effective.

That’s why ISA developed EMC Night-Time Brightness Recommendations to guide local officials on the responsible and effective use of these innovative signs. If your local officials are discussing regulating EMCs, this resource is a great starting point. Download this guide and others at http://www.signs.org/Resources.aspx

STAY UP TO DATE ON CURRENT INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGEThe ISA Sign Academy Online is your source for the best training and education available in the industry. The ISA Online Learning Center provides employers an opportunity to educate your entire staff or just a select few while saving time and money.

Courses are on-demand and self-paced, so you can take them when it’s convenient plus you can start and stop anytime. Courses may also be purchased on an individual basis for as low as $25/course for members and $75/course for non-members, plus company packages are available to ISA members.

For more information, go to http://www.signs.org/EducationEvents.aspx. When registering for a course, please click the “Enter Promotional Code” button, then enter TRIONL in the “Affiliate Code” box. Happy Learning!

“I’m always excited every year to see the large number of attendees coming to the expo. It’s such a great way to meet & connect with vendors and peers and to be able to learn about new products and gather information all in one place.”Denise NeelyVice President, Sign Designs

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ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL TRI-STATE SIGN EXPO

TO BRAG ABOUT!The Regions Premier Tradeshow & Educational Event for the Sign Industry

625 TOTAL EXPO ATTENDANCE 92 Sign Companies

371 Sign Company Attendees86 Exhibitors in the Trade Show253 Exhibitor Representatives

$35,000 Raised in the Auction for the 2016 Gene Russell

Scholarship412 Banquet Attendees

Over 150 Expo Attendees Participated in the

Educational Seminars

“There is a tremendous benefit to be a part of the entire length of the Tri-State Expo than just the few hours at the trade show itself. To attend all events at the Expo gives the opportunity to network in a casual environment, get to know new customers and develop new business relationships. This is a chance for anyone associated in the sign industry to put a name with a face and show off what they can do, deliver new products, new software and new technology that will benefit the end user – which is the common denominator for anyone in the sign industry. The groundwork that was done the previous days to develop those relationships that open the door for future business is essential to business growth. Having just a few hours at the trade show to associate with customers can inhibit that growth.”Ben BlauveltExecutive Designer, IT Specialist, Sales, VISIONTECH

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2015 GENE RUSSELL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTSDuring the Friday evening banquet, Tri-State Sign Association awarded $35,000 in scholarships to 45 different recipients from 25 different sign companies. The 45 scholarship recipients were:Zachery Budde (Miratec Systems), Dalton Burnes (GSG), Lindsey Eriksen (Luminous Neon), Cassandra Florido, (Schurle Signs), Brittany Gamber (Luminous Neon), Gabrielle Garcia (GSG), Patrick Garcia (GSG), Trevor George (GSG), Cameron Gleason (Superior Neon Signs), Hannah Gleason (Superior Neon Signs), Ryan Graves (Sign Designs), Kristen Johnson (Miratec Systems), Madeline Kassen (Piros Signs), Trevor Kassen (Piros Signs) Devyn Kennon (Graphic Options), Lauren Kesterson (Claude Neon Federal Signs), Kara Kite (Metro Signs), Adela Kodra (Voltarc), Mina Krenz (Miractec Systems), Joseph Krenz (Miratec Systems), Taylor Lamelza (Crocker Consulting Engineers), Evan Lay (George Lay Signs), Carrie Lee (N. Glanz & Son), Camdon Mason (GSG), Megan Neely (Sign Designs), Emma Phillips (Piros Signs), Cole Pinion (General Lighting & Sign Service), Samuel Plotkowski (Akzo Nobel), Julie Plaski, (Mathews Paint), Troy Quicksall (Reece Supply Company), Mallory Ray (Sloan LED), Connor Ross (The Ross Group), Madaleine Ruiz (Reece Supply Company), Alexandra Santelli (Voltarc), Houston Southard (Agilight), Haley Stevens (A-Max Sign Company), Kayla Stevens (A-Max Sign Company), Lawson Taylor, Jr. (Z3 Graphics), Travis Ward (Adventure Signs), Haley Williams (GSG), Ciciley Withers (Signs Now #124), Grant Withers (Signs Now #124), Erica Yopp (Z3 Graphics), Mitchell Yopp (Z3 Graphics), Trevor Young (Young Sign Company)

The Regions Premier Tradeshow & Educational Event for the Sign Industry140 played in the Golf Tournament

“The Tri-State Sign Expo is what a family reunion would be like without family. FUN! Reuniting each year with people in the same business, discussing the same issues and concerns, seeing the vendors and suppliers and being able to look at all their new products and services at one time. We do business with a lot of Tri State members and are always looking for new ideas and products to help us develop new customers and business. At the Expo we always come away with something new and exciting that is going to help us do a better job! Looking forward to next year.”Scott SanfordPresident, Claude Neon Federal Signs

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THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR 2015 EXHIBITORS

2015 Platinum Sponsors

2015 Gold Sponsors

2015 Bronze Sponsors

A.R.K. RamosAkzo

Allied Plastic SupplyAlmo Pro A/V

Altec IndustriesDuna Group

Geneva CapitalGregory, IncLaird Plastics

Matthews PaintMimaki USA

Miratec SystemsNext LEDPolyOne

R&J SupplyRegal Plastics

Royal Printing SolutionsSign Web Marketing

The Ross GroupThink Sign

VentexWilkie Mfg

Yesco ElectonicsZM Media

“My employees not only enjoyed the show venue and had a great time interacting with vendors, but learned so much. Our crew came away with knowledge that was immediately put into use that next Monday. The Tri-State Expo is the best resource, local or otherwise that a sign shop can participate in. As a shop manager, it was a great (and inexpensive) way to get my employees energized, motivated, and make the whole team aware of new products and solutions to our everyday projects.”Elliot HordGeneral Manager, St. Joe Sign

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KANSAS STATE DIVISIONBOARD OF DIRECTORS

KANSAS STATE DIVISION REPORT

David Vernia, ChairGeorge Lay Signs, Inc.

Virginia BaumgartnerCustom Neon and Vinyl Graphics

Brian EliotThe Sign House

Ben KoehnLawrence Sign Up

Ryan SchurleSchurle Signs, Inc.

Brandon Smith Graphics Solutions Group, Inc.

Cody VandeWeerdDaktronics

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMANThe Annual Tri-State Sign Expo set the mark for excellence. With the addition of the expanded convention center, we again raised $ 35,000 for next year’s Gene Russell Scholarship program. I would like to thank all of the vendors for the outstanding job they did helping promote, organize and present the tradeshow, they all did a great job as all

of the events were very well attended by everyone. If you have any suggestions or comments on this year’s event or what you would like to see at next year’s tradeshow, please contact any of the Tri-State board members with your ideas. The planning for the 2016 Expo has already begun, mark your calendars now for August 11th thru the 13th.

As we enter the fourth quarter of the year – we are seeing the economy finally starting to gain momentum and hopefully it will stay thru the end of the year and all of 2016. New housing starts and new businesses are starting to be planned and opened. I am excited about the changes that we all have experienced this year and feel that good things are on the horizon for our industry.

Our Code Committee is still hard at work, meeting with several municipalities in Kansas. They are getting positive feedback from each group they meet with and from that, the lines of communication have greatly increased.

As always I encourage all of our members to stay active and involved in the Tri-State Association and the Kansas Division. Your involvement will keep the associations going and growing.

Sincerely,

David VerniaKansas State Division ChairTri-State Sign Association Vice President

“TSSA has always been and continues to be a great event that allows sign companies, suppliers and manufacturers to share common goals and opportunities. Can’t wait for next year!”Bill UlineGeneral Manager, Faces

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MISSOURI STATE DIVISIONBOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Goodson, ChairImpact Signs, Awnings, & Wraps, Inc.

Ron BarberPayne Sign Company

Bill BehrensWarren Sign

Jason BuxtonGraphic Options

Matt ChubboyWatchfire Signs

Elliot HordSt. Joe Sign

Erin QuirarteGrimco

MISSOURI STATE DIVISION REPORTLETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Our 5th Annual Expo is officially in the books, and once again, it was a tremendous success. I would like to thank the exhibitors, the sign companies, and most certainly the Tri-State Board of Directors. This amazing group of individuals give countless hours of their time, efforts & expertise to ensure that everything is in place for a great sign industry event.

The Missouri State Division will be hosting a “Meet and Greet” TSSA membership networking event in October at Warren Sign Company in the St. Louis area. We will be inviting over 100 non-member companies to come learn more about our association and the many benefits of becoming a member - all while enjoying an evening of food, drinks, entertainment, and networking.

I am extremely honored and am looking forward to serving as the new TSSA president. I will work hard to continue to improve our expo, grow our membership, and strengthen our organization as a whole.

Sincerely,

David GoodsonMissouri State Division ChairTri-State Sign Association President

“I have had the privilege of attending the Tri-State Sign Association Trade Show for the last 3 years, each year it just gets better and better. The tradeshow booths were full of great people and information. I also have thoroughly enjoyed getting to meet some of our clients face to face. I would highly recommend attending this show to anyone in the sign industry.”Marcene Anderson, Sales Manager, Sign Fab Inc.

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LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMANWe had our 5th Annual Tri-State Expo this year. It seems each year it gets bigger and better. So much work goes into the show but the benefits are tremendous. I would like to thank everyone for their attendance and participation, especially all of the vendors. If you didn’t get a chance to attend and participate in the expo,

you missed out.

The Signage Foundation Inc. (SFI) will host its annual conference, October 11-12 in Norman, OK, in partnership with the University of Oklahoma’s College of Architecture. The year’s theme is “Past Meets Present: Signs from Hand-Painted to Digital.” Our own Jim Gleason from Superior Sign will be one of the presenters at this year’s meeting. Put this on your calendars and plan to attend.

Tri-State Sign Association had the pleasure of presenting a check for $1000 to the Signage Foundation at this year’s expo. It is great to partner with other organizations that share the same goals as ours. I enjoyed the opportunity to serve each of you this past year as president of the Tri-State Sign Association. It was a growing experience for me. I appreciate the board members and all of their hard work.

Sincerely,

Jace Larsen Oklahoma State Division Chair

OKLAHOMA STATE DIVISIONBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jace Larsen, ChairGeneral Lighting & Sign Services

Matt HinkleTyler Sign Company

Jim IrwinIrwin Custom Sign Company

Kevin KantackDaktronics, Inc.

Adam McClainVital Signs of Edmond

Joel RuizReece Supply

Dan SanfordClaude Neon Federal Sign Co.

OKLAHOMA STATE DIVISION REPORT

The TRI-STATE SIGN ASSOCIATION NEWSis a publication of TRI-STATE SIGN ASSOCIATION

© 2015Julie Olivarri - editor

PO Box 1753, Ballwin, Mo. 63011p: (913) 305-3915 f: (913) 273-6882

exec.director@tristatesign.org

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P.O. Box 1753Ballwin, MO 63011