Annual Excursion Just for the Halibut!
CSA Fishing Trip 2023 – A Big Haul!
CSA’s 21st voyage was a nice change for the CSA members who were willing and able to hit the water on Aug. 12th. The sell-out crowd of 42 who registered for the CSA 2023 Fishing Trip were aboard the “Clemente” by 5 a.m. with fishing license & equipment in hand. Continue Reading
Congratulations to Bob Shimmin!
Our Newest Director Emeritus Receives Honor!
The list of the CSA Presidential responsibilities is a long and sometimes daunting list. However, there are also some privileges that come with the office. This year at the 2023 Annual Convention & Educational Conference, as the 65th President of the California Sign Association, I had the honor and privilege to be only the 9th President to present the award of “Director at Large Emeritus” to Mr. Bob Shimmin of Montroy Supply Company.
To become a “Director-at-Large Emeritus,” a director must have served on the CSA board for at least 20 years and be elected by the Board of Directors for this life-long appointment.
Bob Shimmin joins 17 previous Directors Emeriti to become only the 18th Board Member in CSA history to receive this honor, the first of whom was Mr. Frank Montroy of Montroy Supply Company in 1993 just after the Director Emeritus role was created.
Bob has served many terms on the Executive Committee as Secretary/Treasurer. His dedication to the California Sign Association and his high moral and ethical values set an example to all board members.
Bob is now part of the elite group of surviving Directors Emeriti alongside Kozell Boren (1997), Pat McGehee (1998), Roy Flahive (2007), Terry Long (2009), Skip Moore (2014) and Gary Quiel (2014). A full list of Directors Emeriti can be found in the California Sign Association Membership Directory and on the CSA website.
Congratulations Bob and Thank You for your continued service to the California Sign Association!
Reagan National – Revisited – Why it Matters
Court Upholds the Onsite/Offsite Distinction
Several years ago, Reagan National Advertising and Lamar Outdoor sued the City of Austin in Federal Court in Texas because the city refused to allow digital billboard conversions but did permit digital on-premise signage. In 2019, the local District Court upheld the sign code. In 2020, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed, holding that the on-premises/off-premises distinction was unconstitutionally content-based, because it discriminated against one method of speech over another (i.e., on-premise digital messages v. off-premise digital messages), and therefore could not survive “strict scrutiny” judicial analysis (the standard of review for content-based speech restrictions).
In 2022, however, the US Supreme Court held the Austin sign code was essentially a reasonable “time, place and manner” land use regulation and sent the case back to the 5th Circuit for reconsideration.
Ultimately, in 2023, the 5th Circuit, applying Supreme Court guidance, came to the (proper) conclusion that the sign code was valid – because it did not control, regulate, nor legislate the topic or message, but instead controlled only the location of digital billboards.
Why is this case important to California?
It effectively takes the wind out of the sails of numerous court cases in Federal courts around the country that seek to eliminate the onsite/offsite distinction, i.e., it protects the “regulatory tradition” that there is in fact a meaningful difference between an offsite billboard and onsite business identification sign. Such distinctions are part of an “unbroken tradition” that traces to the 1800s.
A commercial billboard is typically a standalone tenant leasing land to do its business; it is not simply protected speech mounted on a stick. It is a physical manifestation of the business of advertising. Whereas, an on-premise business sign – of the type CSA seeks to protect – is about identification (not only for customers, but for the preservation of the industry). While on-premise signs also serve an advertising function, their primary permanent job is to let the public know where a business is located.
In California, this has been deemed a property right as a matter of law:
A business sign is a part of the business itself, just as the structure housing the business is part of it, and the authority to conduct a business carries with it the right to maintain a business sign on the premises, subject to reasonable regulation by the government.
– Carlin v. City of Palm Springs (1971) 14 Cal. App. 3d 706.
The US Supreme Court’s pronouncement, as applied in Texas and thus effectively throughout the nation, finally cements the on/off distinction as a lawful governmental land use regulation (provided it is narrowly tailored and not based on the content of the message). Notably, in California, this issue was resolved favorably in State Court in a 2016 case where CSA/ISA submitted an amicus brief in support of the distinction. Lamar Central Outdoor, LLC v. City of Los Angeles (2016), 245 Cal. App. 4th 610.
A Breathtaking Convention!
DYNAMIC SPEAKERS & INVIGORATING EXPERIENCES!
It was refreshing to be together again in Lake Tahoe! Some of you may remember being there in 2014 when the mountain was on fire. This year, we found ourselves surrounded by beautiful weather, terrific food and drinks, and great company, starting with a Golf Tournament at Lake Tahoe Golf Course, followed by dynamic speakers and a Vendor Showcase at Harveys Resort. It was a busy schedule of events commencing Wednesday, August 2nd through Friday, August 4th. We hope that this year’s event brought you inspiration, resources, and new connections.
Highlights
Wednesday, AUG 2
• Golf Tournament with a Golf Ball Drop
• ExCom & (2022-23) Board of Directors Mtg.
• Opening “Casino Night” Party
Thursday, AUG 3
• Breakfast with a fabulous presentation, “The Generation Map” – presented by Whitney Klinkenborg, Gemini
• CSA Annual Mtg., State of the Association, and Election of the 2023-24 Board of Directors
• CSA Luncheon with a visit from Mark Twain
• Product & Service Expo, with prizes
The President’s Banquet ended the day on Thursday, and featured an awards presentation, installation of Directors & Officers, Live Auction, and plenty of food with beverages of choice, concluding with our $10,000 Drawing which was won by Larry Quiel – he purchased his ticket from his brother CSA Director Emeritus Gary Quiel!
Friday, AUG 4
• Breakfast and a fascinating presentation “To Engineer is Human”-Michael Sullaway, PE
• 2023-24 Board of Directors Mtg.
• Then off to Thunderbird Lodge to explore the magic and mystery of the historic estate and breathtaking views.
Take a moment to enjoy some of the photos shared over the 3-Day Event. Details and stories from the various activities will be explored in the next Signage Matters publication.
Food for Thought
Friendships are built on shared experiences. Without active engagement and interaction with each other our bonds of camaraderie deteriorate. Associations dissolve as surely as neglected buildings do. After participating in events, celebrations, and even small rituals, we remark how good it is to gather, and remember.
You are Invited to GPX – ON US!
The special invite, with our promo code, provides FREE admission to GRAPHICS PRO EXPO Long Beach.
Admission includes:
- Access to see you in the exhibit hall
- All training opportunities in the hall AND in the classroom
- WRAPSCON
- THREE chances to win $500 in Buyer Bucks
- Admission to the Mixer @ GPX: Friday, 5-6:30 p.m.
Use Promo Code: CSA5CA to waive the $25 charge!
In Memoriam: Thomas Young, Jr.
Thomas Young, Jr. April 2, 1928 ~ June 30, 2023
Tom’s father started the family business, Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO), in 1920 and Tom Jr. built it into what it is today, 103 years later. He is dearly loved by his coworkers.
He was born in Ogden, the fifth of six children to Thomas and Elmina Young. When he was 9 years old the family moved to Normandie Circle in Salt Lake. Tom attended Utah Elementary, Roosevelt Jr. High, East High and the University of Utah. Tom began working at Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) when he was 14 and just celebrated his 80th anniversary with the company. He was the president and CEO for 18 years and for the last 35 years, Chairman of the Board. During many of Tom’s years at YESCO, he was an active private pilot flying Beechcraft Bonanzas and Barons.
He built a lifelong commitment, dedication and loyalty to Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and helped build the church on two missions. He served in the British Mission from 1948-1950 and married Dwan Louise Jacobsen in 1951 in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived in Canyon Rim, Cottonwood and for the last 62 years in the St. Mary’s neighborhood in Salt Lake City, where he served in numerous ward and stake leadership positions. Tom was a builder. He built a loving and eternal partnership with his dear wife, Dwan. Most importantly, Tom loved Dwan beyond measure. He served her and she served him. They recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.
He and Dwan built a family of 5 children, 24 grandchildren and 58 great grandchildren and spouses. Tom and Dwan’s children are Mike and Karen Young, Paul and Kathryn Young, Christine and Steve Knudson, Suzanne and Steve Jones and Jeff and Cathy Young.
Tom loved serving in the community as an active member of the Salt Lake Rotary Club for 65 years and received the Rotary Summit Award in 2022. He is also the recipient of Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award as well as the Distinguished Service award from the International Sign Association.
Tom delighted in music and played the harmonica, accordion, trumpet, French horn and organ. For 63 years the family has had a Bear Lake cabin near Fish Haven, Idaho. It has been and will continue to be a place of refuge, hard work, fun and family love. With his own hands he built cabins at Bear Lake, docks, flagpoles, medicine cabinets, light fixtures, handcarts, signs (of course), stools, floats, photographic dark rooms, stereo speakers, on and on. But most of all Tom built others by his selfless, generous and untiring work and example.
Tom lived this scripture to its fullest, “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, July 8, 2023
Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 South Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City.
Visitation on Friday, July 7th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00 to 11:30 am, prior to the funeral at the church. For those unable to attend, the funeral will be
streamed via Zoom.
Services Handled By Larkin Mortuary
Sign the Guestbook or watch the services via Zoom.
A Capitol Idea Realized!
CSA: Day at the Capitol – Sacramento
On May 10th, the California Sign Association led a group of its members, business, and community leaders to Sacramento for a Day at the Capitol.
The delegation gathered at the Old Spaghetti Factory late that morning to prepare their unified voice of talking points. These topics were focused on items relevant to the on-premise sign industry and doing business in California. Following a fabulous lunch, thirteen CSA members, along with legal counsel and staff, broke into teams, headed to the Capitol, and met with numerous Capitol Representatives from the Assembly and Senate! It was a wonderful opportunity for CSA to have a seat at the Legislative Table!
Thank you to all who participated in this event:
Pete Michelini, Sign Designs
Jason Rieman, Gemini
Ken Person, YESCO
Neal Tibbs, Ad Art
Skip Moore, Bill Moore & Associates
Sarah Bergh, Ainor Signs
Joe Bergh, Jr, Ainor Signs
Tom Johnson, Keystone
Ken Mehler, Port Plastics
Paul VanDyke, TubeliteDenco
Bob Shimmin, Montroy
Janet Weaver, Glantz
Jeff Aran, CSA Legal Counsel
Roy Flahive, Executive Director
Cheryl Flahive, Director of Member Services
Great Golfing and Networking in August!
2023 CSA Golf Tournament
Lake Tahoe Golf Course
(Only 8 miles from Harveys Lake Tahoe Resort)
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
8:30 AM SHOTGUN START
Registration to open May 17th!
Registration includes:
• Lunch
• 2 drinks
• 18 holes of play with cart and range balls
You are going to love this Tournament and you are going to love this golf course!
- Memorable Tee Prizes
- Outstanding Sponsorship Opportunities
THEN CLICK HERE TO JOIN US AT –> OUR CSA CONFERENCE!
TO REGISTER FOR GOLF TOURNAMENT FOURSOMES, CORPORATE CHALLENGE, AND OTHER VALUE PACKAGES, YOU NEED TO DOWNLOAD THIS BROCHURE (PDF) and you can pay securely for everything online here!
Would you like to make your golfing customers feel a part of YOUR team?
Are you looking to reward yourself or your golfing employees with a day on the links by giving them the chance to bring home the bacon for the company?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, the 2023 CSA Golf Tournament in Lake Tahoe is for YOU!
2023 Annual Convention- Lake Tahoe
2023 CSA Annual Convention & Education Conference
Elevate your adventure at Harveys Lake Tahoe, the very first casino hotel built on the South Shore. Sample the fine dining and cocktails, try your hand at a popular table game, or explore the great outdoors. With stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Harveys gives you easy access to all-season thrills that Lake Tahoe has to offer.
After three busy days of conference activities, take a dip in the year round heated outdoor pool, unwind and soak up some sun on a comfortable lounge chair, or take advantage of the modern, co-ed fitness facilities with stunning mountain views. As a hotel guest you’ll enjoy access to sauna, steam, and whirlpool facilities!
Group Rate: $134.95/night (+tax) on Tues., Wed., & Thursday nights.
$284.95/night (+ tax) on Friday.
Note: The Group rate will be extended three days prior & three days following blocked dates. Group Rate Deadline: July 18, 2023 (based on Room Block Availability). Reserve today! Scan QR or visit: Reservation Link
Exhibitors: Please download your copy of the Exhibitor Package here. Please note that separate registration has been developed for both of these, with Package and A-la-carte purchasing available. You can purchase Tabletop Booths online in our shop, but you must still submit your Exhibitor form to CSA.
TO REGISTER FOR GOLF, YOU NEED TO DOWNLOAD THIS BROCHURE (PDF) or for individual registration, pay online here!
Preliminary Schedule of Events
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
8:30 AM
GOLF TOURNAMENT – Shot Gun Start – Click to learn more or to Sponsor
12:00 – 6:00 PM
Convention Check-in
4:00 – 6:00 PM
CSA (2022-23) BOD Mtg.
7:00 – 10:30 PM
Golf Awards & Opening Convention Party
Thursday, August 3, 2023
8:00 – 10:00 AM
Education Session #1 – “The Generation Map”
This special keynote address from Whitney Klinkenborg, Marketing Director, Gemini, will drill down into what your sign industry BUYERS and HIRES are expecting – by generation! Not only will you hear the fascinating results of latest surveys, but you will also discover how to work with the changing communication styles and needs of the marketplace more effectively. This keynote is your GPS to navigate through changing demographics of the signage industry!
About Our Presenter: Whitney Klinkenborg
Whitney Klinkenborg joined the Gemini Marketing team in 2021. Since then, the team has grown from 3 individuals to 9. Prior to Gemini, Whitney spent 11 years with Pella Corporation in a variety of Marketing and Sales roles. She resides in the Minneapolis area with her husband, two children and golden retriever.
She loves to travel, exercise and spend as much time outside as possible, preferably hiking or biking. Also, she can never say no to a good glass of red wine. Whitney’s marketing experiences include product management and marketing, B2C acquisition, B2B, digital, internal agency management and opening/leading a luxury showroom in the Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago.
10:15 – 11:15 AM
2023 CSA Annual Meeting & State of the Association Luncheon
Slate of the 2023-24 Board of Directors and Officers for membership vote
11:30 – 12:30
Exhibit Hall Open
1:00 – 4:30 PM
President’s Reception
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Banquet
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
California Sign Industry Awards
Installation of Officers
Live and Silent Auctions
$10,000 Drawing
Friday, August 4, 2023
7:30 AM Breakfast
8:00 – 9:30 AM
Education Session #2 – “To Engineer is Human”
In this fun, enlightening, and sometimes shocking presentation, Mike Sullaway, PE, will show us The Role of Failure in Successful Design, a presentation based on the book by Henry Petroski. The infamous failures that do occur are ultimately failures of design, and of course can be quite heartbreaking. But the lessons learned from these failures sometimes can do more to advance the knowledge of engineering than any education can provide. These failures inevitably lead to greater design successes. This presentation will cover a few of those catastrophes and some of the hard lessons that have been derived!
9:45 – 11:45 AM
2023-24 CSA Board of Directors Meeting
12:00 – ?? — Lake Tahoe Attraction (includes lunch)
The Clock is Ticking Again on LA Deadlines
All Deadlines Prescribed in the Los Angeles Municipal Code to Restart
Effective February 28, 2023, in accordance with the end of the State of California COVID-19 emergency declaration (per order of March 21, 2020 by the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles under the provisions of the Los Angeles Administrative Code) all previously tolled and suspended permit applications, plan checks and other municipal approvals and deadlines have expired. Thus, the Tolling Period is defined as March 21, 2020 through February 28, 2023. When the time to meet a deadline is “tolled”, it means that the time to meet the deadline has been stopped. Continue Reading