CSA at the Races in 2017
On March 9th, as the morning fog lifted, horses and trainers could be seen preparing for the day’s races at Golden Gate Fields located in Albany. This was the beginning of a winning day for CSA members and staff who attended the NorCal Day at the Races! Valet parking, entrance fee, a program, the CSA-sponsored Fifth Race (California Sign Association noted in the program under the fifth race), a picture in the winner’s circle and a wonderful buffet lunch all were included in the CSA Event Package.
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 noon, first post was 12:45 p.m., betting was active, and cheering for favorite horses was lively and loud. CSA members and guests soon gathered near the Winners Circle for the start of our “Fifth Race”, with “horse #5” finishing as the winner, and a number of CSA members racing to collect their winnings!
Based on comments from attendees, it looks like this CSA activity will become an annual event!
News on the March 2017
Some noteworthy members have made the news and we wanted to share these insights with you! David Schauer, President of Signtech Electrical Advertising is being showcased in the latest ISA EXPO Brochure, most of you have probably received in the last couple of days.
David, along with Jim Withrow, Training Manager/Safety Officer for Signtech joined Cheryl and I at a meeting of the San Diego County College and Career Readiness Consortium, on March 2nd, at the San Diego Headquarters of the United Way. The goal of the meeting was to engage local area employers in providing work-based learning experiences for high school and community college students. This meeting was organized by Rob Atterbury with ConnectEd, the organization that Pete, Cheryl and I have been working with the last several months regarding identifying the sign industries future qualified employees.
Signtech, under the leadership of David , is on the forefront of this CSA endeavor. Signtech’s VP of Production and CSA Board Member, Patty Soria and Jim attended the workshop at Clairemont High School two weeks ago with me and Cheryl. They wanted to learn firsthand about the Linked Learning Program and its potential for helping to solve the need for qualified employees in the sign and graphics industry. Discussions were held regarding internships, job shadowing, speaking opportunities, company tours, mentoring, etc.
With involved CSA members like David Schauer participating in this Team Effort, the future for the sign industry in California looks bright!
Long time CSA Member (since 1984) Pat Cory, president of McHale Signs, named Redding Citizen of the Year.
McHale Signs is a member of CSA, ISA and WSA.
Cheryl and I have known Pat and his wife Bernice for over 25 years, and a nicer gentlemen and family you will not find. Full story here: Citizen of the Year
Roy Flahive
Executive Director
California Sign Association
EXPO Registration and WSSC Golf Events
The International Sign Expo! The 2017 show is taking place April 19-22 (tradeshow starts April 20) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas and registration is open!
Of course you are going to the International Sign Expo – the world’s largest tradeshow for sign professionals – and of course you know all about the Expo. You’ve been going for a while! But with the Expo there are some “extra” special events that can make this business trip an even more fulfilling excursion! Here is what we are especially excited about!
GET YOUR SWAGGER ON!
Use your power as a California Sign Association Member and receive huge discounts on education programs, plus free registration to the Expo! We’ve been given unique registration promo discount code and housing links. New this year, the promo code received gives our members 50% off education through the entire registration cycle and even onsite. In prior years, the code gave our members 50% off before the early bird deadline, and 25% off after the early bird deadline and onsite. Realizing most people register in the last few weeks leading up to the show, this is a huge new value-added benefit for our members.Click the image or here to your registration page: Register Today
By using your powerful code, you will:
- Receive 50% Discount on Education Programs
- Get a Free Trade Show Pass
- Support the work of the sign association
More good stuff!
Become a Sponsor – Register for this superior networking event! This golf tournament takes place on April 19th at the Las Vegas National Golf Course. Many sponsorship opportunities are available, and you can win publicity and prizes! Here is the Registration/ Sponsorship form: The Great Golf Tournament (PDF)
With the tournament, the Elliott Crane Ball Drop event will give you more ways to support your associations, and the chance to walk away with a cash prize! Download the form here: Great Ball Drop (PDF)
LET’S PARTY AT ISA ROCKS: THE INDUSTRY PARTY!
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 8:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M., HOUSE OF BLUES
Get ready to have some fun at THE industry party of the year, ISA ROCKS. Back by popular demand, this is THE place to connect with industry professionals, while enjoying the food, music and atmosphere of the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay. CSA members receive access to the upstairs VIP area at the party where you can enjoy complimentary drinks and food. Contact the California Sign Association for your VIP access pass or stop by The Hub. Space is limited!
Young Professionals Happy Hour
Friday, April 21, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Eye Candy, Mandalay Bay
Come to a special happy hour to network with other young professionals in the industry! No prior registration for the happy hour is required; however, you must be registered for the trade show to attend.
ISA Networking Reception for National and Custom Sign Companies
Friday, April 21, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Islander I
Bring your show badge to enter; no separate registration is required.
Custom and national sign company executives are invited to join us as ISA hosts its annual Networking Reception for National and Custom Sign Companies. This popular event brings together representatives from major U.S. national sign companies with custom sign company executives to discuss their specific installation needs. This is a great opportunity for both custom sign company and national sign company executives to meet, network and potentially develop new business relationships. There will be free beer, and a cash bar will be available. Bring your show badge to enter; no separate registration is required. National Sign Companies interested in participating should contact Alicia Auerswald at alicia.auerswald@signs.org. Free beer will be available — must be 21 to drink.
Here’s your handy member info:
- Registration Promotional Discount Code: CALISAVE
- Page on Sign Expo Website: www.signexpo.org/California
- Registration Link: www.signexpo.org/CaliforniaReg
- Housing Link: www.signexpo.org/CaliforniaHotel
See you Las Vegas!
The entire crew here at CNP Signs & Graphics looks forward to our semiannual trip to Las Vegas to attend ISA International Sign Expo. It’s a tremendous learning, networking and relationship-building opportunity. In just a few days in one convenient spot, we’re able to meet with old and new friends from across the country, see suppliers from around the world showcasing the latest materials and equipment, and attend high-energy education sessions that our whole team finds valuable. ~ Bob McCarter, CNP Signs & Graphics
EXPO! EXPO! EXPO!
The International Sign Expo! The 2017 show is taking place April 19-22 (tradeshow starts April 20) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas and registration is open!
Of course you are going to the International Sign Expo – the world’s largest tradeshow for sign professionals – and of course you know all about the Expo. You’ve been going for a while! But with the Expo there are some “extra” special events that can make this business trip an even more fulfilling excursion! Here is what we are especially excited about! Continue Reading
NorCal Horse Racing Event in Berkeley, CA!
Join us as Thoroughbred athletes and world class jockeys take to the track for the most exciting 2 minutes in sports! Golden Gate Fields, 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. You are all now a part of the amazing fun!
Golden Gate Fields is an American horse racing track straddling both Albany, California and Berkeley, California along the shoreline of San Francisco Bay adjacent to the Eastshore Freeway in the San Francisco Bay Area. Meet us there! Golden Gate Fields, Located off Interstate 80, on the Bay – 1100 East Shore Hwy, Berkeley
- No Host Cocktails: 11:00am-12:00 Noon
- Lunch-Network-Races: Noon – 4:00pm
Package Includes: Parking, Entrance, Program and Lunch
$54.00 (Individual Registration)
$49.00 (Each, for Groups of 5 or More)
“Best Place To Go To Watch Horse Racing.“
“To my surprise, the Turf Club area was big.”
January 2017 Board Meets and Eats in Northern California
On Thursday, January 19th, the CSA Board of Directors met at the California Railroad Museum in Sacramento for a regularly scheduled board meeting. In attendance were 19 of the 24 directors plus two active CSA Directors Emeritus, as well as Roy Flahive, Executive Director, and Cheryl Flahive, Dir. of Member Services. 
The subject matter addressed at the meeting included updates to the board from standing committees (Government Affairs, Education, Communication, Technical, Professionalism and Membership); the CSA Apprenticeship Program; Crane Operator Certification Program; as well as additional activities by CSA staff.
After the board meeting, 29 attendees took a tour of the Railroad Museum, an exceptional and beautiful facility– one that any individual or family would doubtless enjoy visiting. Following this tour, 37 people sat down for dinner and camaraderie, with a presentation by the Sacramento School District regarding their ConnectEd Program. Continue Reading
2017 CSA Conference & Annual Meeting
The first CSA Educational Conference of the new, six-year plan is scheduled to take place Wednesday through Friday, Aug. 23-25, at the Ontario Convention & Airport Hotel in Ontario.
Consistent with the goals of the CSA Board, the emphasis this year will be on education. With the finishing touches being put on the enhanced training (STEPS) program, the conference provides a good opportunity to kick off this ambitious program for the 2017-18 CSA year. Participation in the 2017 conference is sure to be memorable! Continue Reading
The Great Fishing Trip August 12, 2017!
Back for the 15th voyage off the coast of Dana Point, Captain Gary Quiel and 44 lucky fishermen, women & children will set sail early, early Saturday, August 12! This event sells out every year, so book early! This is an all-day cruise launching at 5:00 am (please check-in by 4:30 am) out of Dana Point Harbor and returning around 5:00 pm that afternoon.
2017 HAS SOLD OUT. Thank you all and look forward to 2018 with us! Cost: $110 per person (license, equipment, food, drink or fish cleaning are NOT included in this fee). Payment is required to hold reservations. Registration form & payment are due by July 12, 2017. After this date, no refunds will be given for cancellations. The boat could hold 60, but Cap’n Gary limits the total number of guests to give everyone plenty of room to stretch out.
For more information about the fishing, call Gary Quiel at (909) 885-4476. For information about registration, call CSA at (916) 932-0021 or email cflahive@calsign.org.
License, equipment, food, drink or fish cleaning is NOT included in your registration fee.
Saturday, August 12, 2017 – Sailing on the Clemente
Check-in at 4:30 am, boat departs at 5:00 am sharp!
Dana Wharf Sportfishing in Dana Point Harbor
34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA
SoCal Seminar and Dinner Meeting 5/18/17
THINK LEAN!
Embrace Lean Behaviors beyond the use of tools or manufacturing
Meet Melissa Searle, our guest speaker for this afternoon seminar. 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.
On May18th, she will focus on tools to build a lean environment, creating more value for you and your customers with fewer resources.
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; Building A Strong Workforce
The Sign Industry in California, is not alone when trying to find a qualified workforce. It is imperative, now more than ever, that we work together to close the “skills gap”, preparing students at high school and Jr. college level with the exposure and training needed for a successful future and at the same time keep our industry safe and moving forward.
Think Lean Seminar: 3:30pm – 5:30pm
No Host Cocktails & Networking: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Dinner & Presentation: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
NorCal Seminar and Lunch Meeting 5/11/17
Solar Energy:
Sign Industry Application & Value
Ben Widmer
A Seminar you don’t want to miss!
Meet our guest speaker, Ben Widmer, Applications Engineer with SimpliPhi Power, Inc.
In late 2009, Ben joined the design and applications team with LibertyPak, now SimpliPhi Power. Since that time, Ben and his team built upon the previous 8 years of success and innovation in the professional Film and Lighting industry, to create the technology platform for SimpliPhi’s portfolio of products it offers. And when it comes to “Solar,” Ben is the “Go to Guy”!
• Basic Understanding of Solar Energy
• Insight into Commercial Application of Solar;
• Tying into the Grid vs. Self Contained Product
• Developing Whole Foods solar sign system