March Newsletter

VASA Membership Renewal - Two for One It's time to renew membership dues in the Virginia Sign Association. Your VASA membership dues include membership in the ISA. Double your benefits which include the following: Discounts to ISA programs as well as seminars and trainings that include numerous online learning plus how to videos. View them here Use the code VASASAVE at signexpo.org/vasa to receive free trade expo pass, free admission to ISA Game Changer sessions and SRF Mega Session at the 2019 ISA Sign Expo in Las Vegas. Dates are April 24-26. E-newsletters about important information affecting sign companies. Legislative advocacy. Networking opportunities. Sign company dues begin at $100 for sign manufacturers with fewer than 10 employees. Visit www.virginiasignsassoc.org to join or renew VASA/ISA dues .

VASA Schedules Forum at ISA Expo in Las Vegas VASA has scheduled a forum for sign company personnel on Thursday, April 25th from 10:30-12 noon in Coral A at the Mandalay Bay. Refreshments and food will be available. Meet colleagues, hear about important issues, and enjoy some down time before the exhibit hall opens.

FCC Citing Businesses with Violations The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is citing businesses with violations because their digital signs are operating at Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) levels not allowed under federal law and therefore interfering with the wireless spectrum. This interference can affect emergency response service as well as commercial wireless devices. These violations are usually a result of the digital signs not being in compliance with FCC regulations. If not in compliance, the "unintentional" interference or noise from digital signs could potentially impact the operation of wireless devices in close proximity. If a digital sign is found to be in violation, the sign's owner or manufacturer may have to pay a fine and, if the sign cannot be brought into compliance, it can no longer be used.  ISA urges all sign, graphics and visual communications companies to comply with relevant federal law, including FCC regulations. Check out ISA's FCC FAQ page to better understand our industry's compliance responsibilities under the law.

First "Sign Industry Professional" Badges Awarded The first Sign Industry Professional badges have been awarded to professionals who have demonstrated a comprehensive learning and an understanding of the broad skills needed within the sign, graphics and visual communications industry. The badges are earned by those who complete 70 percent of the available subject area badges offered through the International Sign Association. In all, nearly 70 online training courses are available, covering a range of skills from digital signage to installation. Learners can pursue individual badges in topic areas. Those who pursue a range of knowledge and receive six subject area badges earn the Sign Industry Professional badge. The Sign Industry Professional program and ISA's online learning training in general are part of ISA's dedication to help sign, graphics and visual communications companies recruit and train workers. To learn more about ISA's online learning and the Sign Industry Professional program, visit www.signs.org/online .

"Women Leading the Industry" Launches Women aspiring for elevated leadership roles in their companies can join in a new initiative, "Women Leading the Industry." The new initiative will be launched by the International Sign Association with Sign Builder Illustrated magazine at ISA International Sign Expo 2019. The inaugural session, "WLI - The Female Leader: Passion, Empowerment and Confidence," will be held Friday, April 26th. It will feature a panel of leaders discussing solutions to the issues that challenge women in the industry. The event will be moderated by Ashley Bray, SBI's managing editor. It also will include networking opportunities. After ISA Sign Expo 2019, WLI and ISA will host ongoing events that encourage professional and personal growth through specific education and networking opportunities. Learn more or register at ISA Sign Expo 2019 at www.signexpo.org/womenleading .