CSA Convention of 2018 a Resounding Success
Work and Play at CSA!
The California Sign Association held its annual convention in Garden Grove, CA. on August 29-31. Great camaraderie and fun were had by all!
CSA Hosts a Great Event
Of course, the Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, and the Banquet and Installation of the new Board on Thursday were of high importance. But we know how to work hard, and play hard! At CSA's annual membership meeting, President Dennis Lytle brought the members up to date information on CSA matters. Jeff Aran, CSA legal counsel, a government affairs recap, and the election of the board of directors for the year 2018-19 was conducted. We also observe the election of next year’s officers: Dennis Lytle, Federal Heath Sign Company (Immediate Past President), Neal Tibbs, Ad Art, (President), Rob Riley, Keystone Technologies (1st Vice President), Barbara Navarro, SPESCO (2nd Vice president), and Pete Michelini,Sign Designs (Secretary/Treasurer).
Event Images
Wednesday was the start of the convention, with a great round of golf being played at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course in Anaheim, CA. Registration began at 9 o'clock in the morning. The tournament commenced with an energetic group testing their skills on the driving range, followed by a Golf Ball Drop contest with CSA legal counsel Jeff Aran dropping the bucket of balls, before forty-eight golfers hit the course at 10:00am, finishing up about 3:00pm. The last meeting of the 2017-18 CSA Board of Directors took place that afternoon, then it was on to bowling at Bowlmor Lanes. Golf Tournament Awards & Recognition took place at Bowlmor Lanes at 7:00pm, just prior to the Convention Opening Party. 75 were in attendance at the bowling bash: Guests networked, and demonstrated new bowling techniques 😉 All enjoying plenty of food and drink. Several CSA bowlers appear to be regulars at their alleys back home, judging by their scores!
Thursday started with a very exciting and very informative seminar conducted by Mr. Rick Foreman, Vice President of Lean Development for Federal Heath Sign Company, with attendees building leadership skills and embracing lean behaviors. The seminar was well attended and received great reviews!
When lunch was served, we were provided insight on exciting things happening in the City of Garden Grove by Maria Stipe, Deputy City Manager, and Greg Blodgett, City Sr. Project Manager; it was interesting to hear about all the twists and turns this area of the state has taken over the past year, becoming one of the most beautiful and active centers of commerce in Southern California.
The Showcase! The afternoon was filled with sign professionals making new connections, and an exhibit hall filled with 38 exhibitors that were delighted to share their new products and services. Four hours were filled with quality companies spending time with existing as well as potentially new customers. The exhibitors were provided an update on CSA’s future convention plans that include a northern California venue in 2019, with a return to the Orange County area in 2020.
A very timely education session took place on Friday, August 31st, for registered attendees of the California Sign Association conference at the Hyatt Regency Orange County, titled, “Active Shooter: How to Respond.” Commencing at 10:15 AM, the seminar was very well attended as the two guest speakers, Vince Vaicaro and Otto Escalante, both from the tactical division of the Garden Grove Police Department presented. Two videos were played, one with a “graphic content” warning produced in Hollywood, and detailed guidance provided by Vaicaro and Escalante. The question and answer session at the conclusion of the presentation generated key insights, for what to do if there are bystanders with concealed carry permits when the police arrive. Further to this, attendees learned the most valuable three words to trigger prompt action that could save their lives, “Run. Hide. Fight.”
To learn more about this initiative, one of the videos is available to watch in the link below, along with a list of OSHA recommendations. The current national protocol for employees in an active shooter situation in the workplace is Run, Hide, Fight, which is highlighted in this video. SOSASAFE Video
After this, fifty people made reservations to enjoy lunch and ride the attractions at Knott’s Berry Farm! A number of folks commented on how they hadn’t been to the park in years, and how it brought back great memories of years gone by. Others were excited that CSA brought the 2016 Knotts Berry Farm activity back this year!
Thank you to all that participated in this year’s CSA Annual Convention!
About CSA Team
CSA’s Executive Director, Roy Flahive, has worked within the sign industry for more than 50 years. He served an apprenticeship in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), owned his own sign company for almost 30 years and he is well-known and highly respected in the sign industry, having served on numerous boards, including those of the International Sign Association (ISA), San Diego Area Lighting Advisory Council, Arizona Sign Association, Western States Sign Council, San Diego Mayors Sign Code Task Force, and UL’s Industry Advisory Committee. Notably, Flahive has twice been elected President (Chairman of the Board) of CSA and has served over 30 years on that board.
Cheryl Flahive, CSA’s Director of Member Services, has worked within the sign industry for over 33 years; twenty of those years, as vice president of a sign company in southern California. She has served in various administrative roles, from finance to project management, and is dedicated to helping CSA members at all levels.
The CSA Communications Committee, made up of committed industry leaders, works in a behind the scenes capacity, to keep CSA members educated and informed.