Signage Takes a Stand

Industry advocates rightly tout the economic benefit signage delivers. But, when signs promote community safety, the graphics’ value rises exponentially.

John Wallen, a resident of Walnut Hills, an inner suburb on Cincinnati’s east side, took a courageous stand against criminal elements in his neighborhood when he unfurled a banner outside his apartment on August 1, 2008 that called attention to “Drugs & Sex for Sale 24/7, ” and issued an “SOS” to Cincinnati’s City Council. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the sign was stolen shortly after the story’s publication.

However, this was sufficient to deliver the desired effect. Police patrols increased precipitously, and city crews cleared underbrush, where dealers and users commonly hide drugs. Wallen erected a followup banner that thanked the Enquirer, Cincinnati’s police and City Council for taking prompt, proactive steps to drive seedy individuals from the neighborhood.

Chuck Denning’s Cincinnati-based Sign*A*Rama franchise fabricated both banners using Oracal USA (Jacksonville, FL) 651 intermediate, calendered, cut vinyl to decorate 14-oz. BannerMax material. After the first banner was stolen, Denning provided the second one gratis to thank to Wallen for doing his part to make the community safer.