Brusek Receives ISA’s Maury Ely Award

The Illinois Sign Assn. awarded Jim Brusek the Maury Ely Award at the 2010 ISA Fall conference in Bloomington in September. Brusek retired last year after 37 years as a 3M sales and technical representative.
The award is presented to an individual who has distinguished him or herself for meaningful and meritorious contributions to both the association and the industry.
Brusek, a long-time associate ISA member, was instrumental in the introduction of new technologies to sign companies as they emerged from 3M labs. He continues to serve as an experienced resource in the sign and graphics markets.
“The sign-graphics industry evolved a lot during my career and continues to evolve today,” Brusek said. “At 3M, we wanted to stay ahead of new graphics processes, so we often came up with products before the sign-graphics industry even knew they were needed. When we introduced vinyl as a sign material, sign companies that wanted to use vinyl needed to purchase vinyl-cutting machines because they had no reason to have one before that.”
3M’s perennial innovation meant Brusek eductated sign-company owners and managers on the potential uses of new products. Brusek’s educational efforts often led clients to buy additional equipment, but he also taught them how to more effectively and efficiently use the equipment.
Brusek is a retired member of the Illinois National Guard and is still involved with the National Guard Assn. of Illinois.