ST’s April issue, which we’ll proudly distribute at the Intl. Sign Assn.’s (ISA) Sign Expo April 4-6 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center (for the first time, ISA has sold out its show floor), will feature winners of our 2013 International Sign Contest. The winning entries will feature a typically strong gallery of bold entries that showcase our industry’s capabilities. Our sign contest’s judging panel comprised three Cima Network (Chalfont, PA) employees — Vice President Keith Denny, Technical Design Director Butch Zawislak and Director of Environmental Branding Ken Olschewske — as well as Jim Klauder, owner of Colmar, PA’s K & S Concepts Group.
Congratulations to National Signs (Houston) for its fabrication of a supersized LED sign that envelops the perimeter of Jerry Built Burgers, a Houston eatery with two locations that emphasize local ingredients and meat derived from antibiotic-free, grass-fed livestock. Independent restaurateurs may not have the publicity or marketing budgets of mega-chains, but the Jerry sign provides ample testimony that a compelling sign package can level the playing field for the little guy (and at a fraction of the CPM of TV, print or online ad campaigns). An addition to this year’s coverage will be the Readers’ Choice Awards (perhaps you’ve heard of this; if our promotion of this new award reached the hyperbolic level ESPN bestows upon one of its new programs, we apologize; we were just very eager to spread the word). Our contest judges also selected the 20 entries that vied for this award (some received accolades in the traditional contest coverage; some did not).
From this field, which was divided into two surveys, six finalists emerged, and, after more than 6,000 votes cast between the opening and championship rounds, the Readers’ Choice Champion award was bestowed upon Weitzel Signs (Butte, MT) for its building-mounted sign for Headframe Spirits, a liquor distillery in its hometown. The sign also earned First Place in the Commercial Building Signs category of the traditional contest.
Congratulations to our champions. For the full stories from our winners’ circle, check out our April issue or visit www.signweb.com during the final week of March.