What a Year!
Moving at the Speed of Business!
Take a deep breath. The 2017-18 CSA year is drawing to a close. This past year has been a busy one, with programs and benefits that have benefited CSA members and the on-premise sign industry.
With a commitment to education and training, STEPS (Sign Training & Education Program Series) kicked off with Matt Davis from Sign Designs, Modesto, being the first to enroll – his first term concentrating on electrical safety. In addition to STEPS, five seminars were conducted, two in the north and three in the south; topics included Standardized Engineering and Various New Laws-2018. Education was not limited to a classroom setting; tours of Golden 1 Center in Sacramento and MONA (Museum of Neon Art) in Glendale certainly made learning fun!
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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!
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WSSC – CSA Event is the 2018 Must Attend Event!
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
9:00 – 10:00 AM GOLF – Registration
10:00 AM GOLF – Shotgun Start @ Anaheim Hills Golf Course / 6501 E. Nohl Ranch Rd., Anaheim Hills, CA
4:00 – 6:00 PM CSA Board of Directors Meeting
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Informative Networking at its Best
SoCal CSA members who attended the May 15 seminar at the Catch Restaurant in Anaheim, were enlightened on the “New Tax Law & How it Impacts Your Business” presentation, conducted by Aaron McLennan, EA. Aaron patiently outlined a number of items in the previous and new tax laws, encouraging all to engage and ask questions along the way. he covered the new $1.5 trillion tax law, the biggest change to the tax code in a generation, and the anticipated opportunities and challenges for the sign, graphics and visual communications industry. All in attendance appreciated the guidance — Thank you Aaron!
The seminar was followed by Networking with cold drinks in hand, then a fabulous dinner and presentation in our private dining room at the Catch. The Dinner was attended by 27 people, all anxious to hear about “Marketing & Building an Ideal Client List”, presented by Raoul Piette, with CUSELLERATION.
The dinner meeting concluded with CSA updates on education, government affairs, and upcoming events.
An enjoyable evening was had by all!
Tax Laws Take Center Stage on May 10
CSA returned to Lodi, CA on May 10th, with what has become an annual luncheon meeting at Wine & Roses. Members and guests began to arrive at noon. Ultimately, 19 people were in attendance for lunch and a seminar, “New Tax Laws,” with a warm welcome and introduction of CSA’s first STEPS (Sign Training & Education Program Series) candidate Matt Davis, Sign Designs (Modesto).
The tax laws seminar was presented by Tim Dobler, EA. Tim shared information on the new $1.5 trillion tax law, the biggest change to the tax code in a generation, and the anticipated opportunities and challenges for the sign, graphics and visual communications industry. All in attendance appreciated Tim’s insight and guidance, covering both the business and personal tax ramifications.
Following the presentation, the meeting concluded with numerous CSA updates pertaining to member programs and discounts, sign industry challenges currently being addressed, and upcoming events.
“Extremely informative” was the feedback from attendees.
MONA Magic and More Tour
The CSA Executive Committee and Board of Directors, held meetings in Glendale, California on April 10th, at the Embassy Suites Hotel. All the association committees gave reports, regarding their activities, while staff reported on the financial well-being of the association and major endeavors they are engaged in with our members. The Sign Training & Educational Program Series (STEPS) is starting to move forward, with students signing-up in the program. And, membership in CSA is moving forward at a very good pace; with ten new members this year alone.
Following this meeting, members and guests of the California Sign Association eagerly visited a museum exclusively exhibiting art in electric media, with outstanding examples of historic neon signs, devoted to art that incorporates neon lighting! This is MONA – the Museum of Neon Art – in Southern California.
Our group traveled to Glendale to experience the magic of Neon Art, featuring guest speaker, Neon Queen, Artist Lisa Schulte! She owns one of the largest neon collections in the world. An artist primarily recognized for working with light, Lisa experienced a tragic event at the age of seven that taught her to see the world in a different way, giving her an appreciation for how light interacts with surfaces and a passion for manipulating light. It was in 1984 when Lisa began to play around with neon lighting, the medium she is most well-known for. Our tour guide was Eric Lynxwiler; he is extremely knowledgeable and did a great job! A historian on the MONA Board, he curated the Motel California (sign) exhibit that we viewed. MONA is closed on Tuesdays, but Eric volunteered to open it for CSA; he is also the fellow who gives the MONA neon nights bus tour.
Guests explored an institution that exists to encourage learning and curiosity through the preservation, collection, and interpretation of neon art. The current exhibitions “There’s More to Neon Signs Than Liquor, Motels and Live Nude Girls” and “Motel California” are one of a kind collections that surprised and delighted. Following the tour, a wonderful Membership Dinner was served back at the hotel, with the Neon Queen (Lisa Schulte) as the presenter. To say all in attendance were impressed with the Queen is an understatement, most in attendance had no knowledge of her or what she does with neon. Her life story on how she got interested in neon and what she has created in the way of a major neon enterprise is very impressive. The Queen attendees enjoyed networking and an evening of good Food + Camaraderie + Presentation! Based on comments from attendees, many are hoping to revisit next year!
2018 WSSC Show and CSA Annual Convention
The Western States Sign Show has proven to be a not-to-miss event, and 2018 is no exception!
This year will be bigger and better than ever as the Western States Sign Council combines efforts with the California Sign Association, for the third Western States Sign Show/CSA Annual Convention. This combined event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Orange County, August 29-31, 2018, Wednesday through Friday! The Hyatt Regency Orange County is a high-end hotel spread over 2 towers and is set 2.2 miles from Disneyland® Resort and a 2.5-mile drive from the Angel Stadium of Anaheim baseball arena. Group Rate: $149/night (upgrades available for suites, etc.) Reservations: Passkey Link or call 888-421-1442. Note: The group name is “WSSC SIGN SHOW/CSA ANNUAL CONVENTION ”
Read all about the exciting special events, the seminars, and the trade show here: Schedule of Events Download Registration Form Here: Registration (PDF)
GOLFERS
Sign up for our famous golf event, hosted on Wednesday, August 29th!
Download Golf Registration & Sponsorship(PDF)
SPONSORS
Opportunities sell out, space is limited, check out your benefits here!
Download Sponsorship Form(PDF)
EXHIBITORS
Choose your exhibit space and return completed registration information today!
Download Exhibitor Prospectus (PDF)
Southern CA Seminar and Dinner
3:30pm -5:30 PM – New Tax Law Seminar
Understanding the New Tax Law & How it Impacts Your Business
Seminar featuring Aaron McLennon, EA – Tax Advisor – Orange County, CA — The new $1.5 trillion tax law represents the biggest change to the tax code in a generation, and there are opportunities and challenges for the sign, graphics and visual communications industry. Certain tax rates have changed, existing deductions and other provisions have been eliminated, and some tax benefits have been enhanced and created. What does this mean for your business? Learn from a financial expert who can help you better understand and make sense of the new law and what it really means for you and your sign, graphics and visual communications business.
5:30 – 6:30 PM – No Host Cocktails & Networking
Dinner & presentation following the seminar:
Take advantage of the Networking Opportunity, starting at 5:30pm, with a fabulous dinner scheduled to begin at 6:30pm – Dinner Meeting includes our presentation:
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Marketing & Building an Ideal Client List
Is your B2B Marketing current? Whether your firm has a new website or a large sales force, the importance of an effective marketing strategy is the talk of the town. Learn the latest marketing strategy tools and hear what to expect when it comes to sales effectiveness.
Northern CA Seminar and Lunch
Lunch & Presentation: 12 Noon – 2:00pm
Understanding the New Tax Law & How it Impacts Your Business
Speaker: Crystal Martinez, CPA
A presentation you don’t want to miss!
The new $1.5 trillion tax law represents the biggest change to the tax code in a generation, and there are opportunities and challenges for the sign, graphics and visual communications industry. Certain tax rates have changed, existing deductions and other provisions have been eliminated, and some tax benefits have been enhanced and created. What does this mean for your business? Learn from a financial expert who can help you better understand and make sense of the new law and what it really means for you and your sign, graphics and visual communications business.
• Basic Understanding
• Insight into the changes
• Preparing for the future
Standardized Engineering, STEPS and Dinner Meeting
On Tuesday, March 13, at the Green Dragon Tavern and Museum located in Carlsbad, 24 seminar attendees listened carefully as CSA director Mike Sullaway, PE with Sullaway Engineering, outlined CSA’s Standardized Engineering and how it can be utilized. This CSA seminar was extremely well-received: Attendees were taking detailed notes and actively seeking additional insights from Sullaway. In addition, the subject matter is part of CSA STEPS (Sign Training & Education Program Series), to keep members informed and trained with the proper skill sets for the on-premise sign industry.
Following the seminar, the networking began. The tavern and museum offered a terrific atmosphere for seminar participants who planned on staying for the CSA dinner meeting, as well as additional guests who showed up for the dinner presentation to mingle, beverages in hand. Eventually, 28 people sat down for dinner and camaraderie. Dinner was followed by a presentation to update guests on STEPS and Certification of Crane Operators. Those in attendance were excited to hear that the two STEPS Core Categories, Sign Installation/Service Technician and Sign Manufacture/Assembly Technician have kicked off. The deadline for crane operators to be OSHA certified is November 10, 2018.
A big “thank you” to Mike Sullaway, PE and all who attended the March events!