vocacy team plays with our member companies. If we can help with an issue, we will. It’s what we do day in, day out, throughout the country. Some of what we’ve seen happen in California also occurs in Connecticut. Issues that arise in North Carolina may also show up in North Dakota. And often, we encounter issues that we’ve faced before. A sign, graphics, and visual communications company may not have experienced a massive sign code overhaul. We have. Along the way, we bring our expertise to the process while advocating and informing affected members. Sign companies in Virginia and Washington, D.C., also work in Calvert County, Maryland. But they likely don’t subscribe to the local newspaper. And sign code changes rarely make the regional or state papers. So without the input of local members, these issues might be unnoticed— until they take effect and another company comes into the area to complete a job. By then, it is practically too late to un-ring the bell of bad sign codes. In this particular case, we routinely kept members updated and sought their input as changes were discussed. When needed, we also sought their participation. They offered valuable demonstrations to the committee. In other cases, members have been rallied to show up at council meetings as a show of support. Together we’re slowly but surely improving sign codes in Calvert County, Maryland and all across the country. In fact, our association and our members are now considered experts in these issues. But it is up to you to help keep us informed on the front end. If you do that, we’ll keep you informed throughout the many months (and sometimes years!), as the issue winds its way through the legislature. Then you can focus on your business—and seizing the opportunities presented there. David Hickey is vice president, Government Affairs, at the International Sign Association. If you hear about sign code issues and need assistance, contact signcodehelp@signs.org. signshop.com
April 2017
Sign Builder Illustrated
23