About the California Sign Association
We are a non-profit organization representing every aspect of signage being done in California.

Founded in 1959 by a few farsighted sign-company owners who saw the need for the Association.

We are governed by elected officers and board members who have an interest in the sign business and who donate their services to oversee the functions, operation and objectives of the Association.

Vision
CSA is a unified voice of professionals dedicated to the evolving needs of the California signage and visual communications industry.

Mission
CSA is an association of professionals representing manufacturers, suppliers, consumers, and users of signage and visual communication media. It serves the industry by improving government relations, enhancing the professionalism of members, creating networking opportunities, and promoting the economic vitality, safety, and aesthetics of the communities its members serve.

President’s Message: Thankful in Difficult Times
By Steve Jones, CSA President

The other day, my son David asked me, “Dad, things just seen to be getting worse and worse in our country. Do you think it will ever get any better?”

As I thought about this question, I realized that through the eyes of a teenager, or even a young adult, the prospects for a bright and prosperous future might appear fairly bleak. It is true that we live in troubled times. We are reminded of this at every turn. Our nation’s economy is just now showing signs of recovery from what has been by far the longest and deepest downturn since the Great Depression. Pessimism abounds. I read the other day that in the typical business cycle, it is as difficult to convince people of an impending recovery as it is to convince them to be cautious and not ignore the early signs of an inevitable downturn.

Not only is our economy suffering, but so too are many other facets of our society. Our political system seems broken. Many of our elected officials, local, state and national, seem have long since forgotten the purpose and privilege of their positions. Our social norms and values continue to deteriorate in the name of progress and convenience. Economic realities force some parents out of the home. The desire to have nice things – and to have them now, has driven many to brink of financial ruin through excessive debt. Many of the current generation have not experienced the satisfaction of buying something – only after months or years of hard work and saving. We are quickly becoming a society of instant gratification where wants and desires take precedent over need, patience and sacrifice.

Yes, these are troubled times. But will they get better? To my son David I said, “Of course they will! They always do.” There will be challenges and obstacles for us to overcome, but at the same time, there will always be opportunities for those who are watch and are willing keep working.

The early settlers of Plymouth faced the daunting task of settling a harsh wilderness. The adversity and obstacles they faced are difficult for us to fully comprehend. Yet, in the early autumn of the year 1621, 53 of the “surviving” Pilgrims, took time out to celebrate their harvest. This first “day of thanksgiving” has endured to become a symbol of everything for which we should be thankful.

Somehow, taking the time to show our gratitude for what we have helps us to forget about what we lack. As we turn our thoughts to others, we find it easier to forget our personal concerns. I believe this applies in business just as well as it does in our personal lives.

So, to David and to all who read these words, let’s be thankful. And let us show our gratitude each day by being kind, honest and faithful to the many people we rely upon for our own success.

I am thankful for my wife and children. I am thankful for good parents and in-laws who have taught and provided so much. I am thankful for my talents and abilities and for the opportunity to share these with others. I am thankful for my job and for the company I work for. I am thankful for my fellow employees who support me and who make my work enjoyable. I am thankful to our suppliers and our vendors who have suffered through this recession with the rest of us. I am thankful to our customers who make it possible for all of us to earn a living. I am thankful to the many other people with whom I have the privilege of associating in this industry and through the California Sign Association. I am grateful for the opportunity I’ll have during this next year to serve as your President. I believe it will be an exciting year for all of us as we emerge from the recession and are able to get back to “business as usual.”

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