Manufacture Better Business with Signs and Graphics

CARROLLTON, TX - From pharmaceuticals and electronics, to clothing and plastics, businesses within the manufacturing industry, should consistently assess productivity, while ensuring employee safety through ongoing communication.

A plant manager or operations supervisor can help achieve these goals in a simple, budget-conscious manner by employing the use of effective signs and graphics.

“Whether it is safety signs reminding employees to wear protective eye gear, or equipment labels and decals that comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations, a well-planned, well-executed signage program can increase general productivity and output quality while helping to decrease the chances of work-related injury,” said Larry Lane, President of FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

There are a lot of decisions that need to be made when selecting a sign. A plant manager’s best source for advice is an experienced sign and graphics professional. Whether planning a new sign and graphics program, or reviewing signage already in place, FASTSIGNS® suggests a few basic guidelines:

• Make sure the message is short and simple. If it isn’t easy to read and understand, it will not be accurately comprehended by employees.

• Place the sign or graphic in an area that is clear and accessible to an employee’s line of vision. For example, if someone has to bend over to see a warning message on a piece of equipment, the graphic should be repositioned.

• When using multiple signs in a small area, avoid excess visual clutter that can drown out and distract from important messages.

• Determine if the signage in place complies with requirements put forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

• Reevaluate your sign and graphics program on a regular basis and make changes as needed to ensure maximum impact.

About FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers use innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple by offering consulting, design, production, file transfer, delivery and installation for a full range of custom sign and graphic products. For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com.

Manufacture Better Business with Signs and Graphics

CARROLLTON, TX - From pharmaceuticals and electronics, to clothing and plastics, businesses within the manufacturing industry, should consistently assess productivity, while ensuring employee safety through ongoing communication.

A plant manager or operations supervisor can help achieve these goals in a simple, budget-conscious manner by employing the use of effective signs and graphics.

“Whether it is safety signs reminding employees to wear protective eye gear, or equipment labels and decals that comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations, a well-planned, well-executed signage program can increase general productivity and output quality while helping to decrease the chances of work-related injury,” said Larry Lane, President of FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

There are a lot of decisions that need to be made when selecting a sign. A plant manager’s best source for advice is an experienced sign and graphics professional. Whether planning a new sign and graphics program, or reviewing signage already in place, FASTSIGNS® suggests a few basic guidelines:

• Make sure the message is short and simple. If it isn’t easy to read and understand, it will not be accurately comprehended by employees.

• Place the sign or graphic in an area that is clear and accessible to an employee’s line of vision. For example, if someone has to bend over to see a warning message on a piece of equipment, the graphic should be repositioned.

• When using multiple signs in a small area, avoid excess visual clutter that can drown out and distract from important messages.

• Determine if the signage in place complies with requirements put forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

• Reevaluate your sign and graphics program on a regular basis and make changes as needed to ensure maximum impact.

About FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers use innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple by offering consulting, design, production, file transfer, delivery and installation for a full range of custom sign and graphic products. For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com.

Construction Sites as Advertising Space

CARROLLTON, TX - From restaurants and hotels to new homes and offices, it is almost a daily occurrence to pass a building site and wonder about the future of that particular project. Although a familiar piece of scenery for most, construction sites always attract attention.

By displaying signs and graphics on each job site, constructions firms can benefit from this curiosity. According to the Signage Sourcebook, on-premise or place-based signs and graphics serve as the most cost-effective and efficient form of advertising. Consider placing a $200 banner at a site where 10,000 cars pass daily and it has the potential to be seen 1.5 million times in just 6 months, translating into an impressive return on investment.

Temporary site signs can feature the project description, target completion date, names of the architect and builder as well as drawings or renderings of what the future project will look like. Consider placing a “finance provided by” sign to offer marketing value for the financial backer of the project. These types of site signs can serve as a subtle form of advertising for all of the parties, building name recognition for future construction projects and awareness for the new business or tenant.

When deciding what types of signs are best for each site and how they should appear, keep a few, simple sign tips in mind:

• To achieve the highest possible level of awareness, incorporate full color graphics on each sign.

• Make sure the letters on the sign are individually distinguishable from other letters. • Keep in mind the amount of distance between where the sign will be displayed, to the location of the average viewer.

• Present any additional information in a secondary or accent color to increase reader retention.

Any professional within the construction industry can reevaluate their signage program and find ways to build better name recognition while attracting new customers. When deciding how signs and graphics will most benefit a project site or construction company, consult an experienced sign and graphics professional.

About FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers use innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple by offering consulting, design, production, file transfer, delivery and installation for a full range of custom sign and graphic products. For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com.

FASTSIGNS® News: Signs of a Good Home

(Carrollton, Texas) March 25, 2008 — Whether the apartment complex is a new development under construction, or a more established property, managers and leasing agents are constantly seeking ways to attract and make a good impression on renters seeking an apartment home.

Although there is a seemingly endless supply of print apartment guides, classified listings and websites that will assist in matching renters with properties, there is still one fundamental, yet often overlooked, component to attracting tenants—signage.

According to the “Signage Sourcebook”, compiled by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Signage Foundation for Communication Excellence, Inc., signs are the primary way that newcomers become aware of a business. Signs reinforce what individuals may or may not already know about a company—this is especially true for a renter seeking a new residence. Many apartment complexes have old, outdated signage, or worse, signs that are poorly designed and difficult to read. A prospective tenant may drive up, see the unsightly look of the signs and turn around before learning anything further about the complex.

“Signage is an important part of a property’s appearance as well as its perceived image,” said Drue Townsend, senior vice president of marketing for FASTSIGNS International. “Apartment owners and managers should critically evaluate the signs and graphics they are using on a regular basis to ensure they are communicating the best possible image and message.”

FASTSIGNS® offers the following advice to apartment managers when considering a change in their current sign and graphics program:

• What kind of image do you want your property to portray—trendy or elegant, classic or modern, country or urban? Once this has been established, use fonts, designs and color combinations that will best reflect that image.

• Utilize the latest in printing technology when creating the property’s signs. Design concepts, like full-color, are more affordable and accessible than ever. Exterior signs can be brighter and more eye-catching, while still remaining durable to the elements.

• Brainstorm other creative ways to use sign and graphics. For example, using photographs can help create a 300% greater recall. Placing illustrative images onto yard signs to advertise popular amenities like garden tubs, covered parking and walk-in closets, can help grab attention and spark the interest of passersby.

Apartment signage should be fresh and up-to-date—anything less may poorly represent the property. Make the most of that crucial first impression by keeping signs and graphics attractive and inviting. Doing so will better reflect a “home sweet home” to potential, future residents.

About FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers use innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple by offering consulting, design, production, file transfer, delivery and installation services for a full range of custom sign and graphic products, including wide format banners, site signs, exhibit graphics, window and vehicle graphics, decals and labels and more. For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com.

FASTSIGNS® News: Signs of a Good Home

(Carrollton, Texas) March 25, 2008 — Whether the apartment complex is a new development under construction, or a more established property, managers and leasing agents are constantly seeking ways to attract and make a good impression on renters seeking an apartment home.

Although there is a seemingly endless supply of print apartment guides, classified listings and websites that will assist in matching renters with properties, there is still one fundamental, yet often overlooked, component to attracting tenants—signage.

According to the “Signage Sourcebook”, compiled by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Signage Foundation for Communication Excellence, Inc., signs are the primary way that newcomers become aware of a business. Signs reinforce what individuals may or may not already know about a company—this is especially true for a renter seeking a new residence. Many apartment complexes have old, outdated signage, or worse, signs that are poorly designed and difficult to read. A prospective tenant may drive up, see the unsightly look of the signs and turn around before learning anything further about the complex.

“Signage is an important part of a property’s appearance as well as its perceived image,” said Drue Townsend, senior vice president of marketing for FASTSIGNS International. “Apartment owners and managers should critically evaluate the signs and graphics they are using on a regular basis to ensure they are communicating the best possible image and message.”

FASTSIGNS® offers the following advice to apartment managers when considering a change in their current sign and graphics program:

• What kind of image do you want your property to portray—trendy or elegant, classic or modern, country or urban? Once this has been established, use fonts, designs and color combinations that will best reflect that image.

• Utilize the latest in printing technology when creating the property’s signs. Design concepts, like full-color, are more affordable and accessible than ever. Exterior signs can be brighter and more eye-catching, while still remaining durable to the elements.

• Brainstorm other creative ways to use sign and graphics. For example, using photographs can help create a 300% greater recall. Placing illustrative images onto yard signs to advertise popular amenities like garden tubs, covered parking and walk-in closets, can help grab attention and spark the interest of passersby.

Apartment signage should be fresh and up-to-date—anything less may poorly represent the property. Make the most of that crucial first impression by keeping signs and graphics attractive and inviting. Doing so will better reflect a “home sweet home” to potential, future residents.

About FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers use innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple by offering consulting, design, production, file transfer, delivery and installation services for a full range of custom sign and graphic products, including wide format banners, site signs, exhibit graphics, window and vehicle graphics, decals and labels and more. For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com.

FASTSIGNS® News: Signs of a Good Home

(Carrollton, Texas) March 25, 2008 — Whether the apartment complex is a new development under construction, or a more established property, managers and leasing agents are constantly seeking ways to attract and make a good impression on renters seeking an apartment home.

Although there is a seemingly endless supply of print apartment guides, classified listings and websites that will assist in matching renters with properties, there is still one fundamental, yet often overlooked, component to attracting tenants—signage.

According to the “Signage Sourcebook”, compiled by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Signage Foundation for Communication Excellence, Inc., signs are the primary way that newcomers become aware of a business. Signs reinforce what individuals may or may not already know about a company—this is especially true for a renter seeking a new residence. Many apartment complexes have old, outdated signage, or worse, signs that are poorly designed and difficult to read. A prospective tenant may drive up, see the unsightly look of the signs and turn around before learning anything further about the complex.

“Signage is an important part of a property’s appearance as well as its perceived image,” said Drue Townsend, senior vice president of marketing for FASTSIGNS International. “Apartment owners and managers should critically evaluate the signs and graphics they are using on a regular basis to ensure they are communicating the best possible image and message.”

FASTSIGNS® offers the following advice to apartment managers when considering a change in their current sign and graphics program:

• What kind of image do you want your property to portray—trendy or elegant, classic or modern, country or urban? Once this has been established, use fonts, designs and color combinations that will best reflect that image.
• Utilize the latest in printing technology when creating the property’s signs. Design concepts, like full-color, are more affordable and accessible than ever. Exterior signs can be brighter and more eye-catching, while still remaining durable to the elements.
• Brainstorm other creative ways to use sign and graphics. For example, using photographs can help create a 300% greater recall. Placing illustrative images onto yard signs to advertise popular amenities like garden tubs, covered parking and walk-in closets, can help grab attention and spark the interest of passersby.

Apartment signage should be fresh and up-to-date—anything less may poorly represent the property. Make the most of that crucial first impression by keeping signs and graphics attractive and inviting. Doing so will better reflect a “home sweet home” to potential, future residents.

About FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers use innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple by offering consulting, design, production, file transfer, delivery and installation services for a full range of custom sign and graphic products, including wide format banners, site signs, exhibit graphics, window and vehicle graphics, decals and labels and more. For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com.

FASTSIGNS® News: FASTSIGNS A Sign Is Worth A Thousand Words—What Do Yours Say About You?

CARROLLTON, TX - In a culture with an ever shrinking attention span, many businesses find that the opportunity to catch the eye of a customer is becoming more difficult. Within a matter of seconds, a passerby can look at an establishment and seemingly learn everything they need to know. In that quick blink of an eye you have either caught their attention or turned them away disinterested.

These crucial first impressions are often based on the way the business looks, and that includes the signage displayed. Signs and graphics communicate who a business is as well as what it does. Since signs are one of the first things a potential customer sees when he or she comes to your business, what do your signs say about you?

“Almost every business uses signs in some way, but most don’t take the time to step back and assess their effectiveness,” said Drue Townsend, senior vice president of marketing for FASTSIGNS International, Inc., a worldwide sign and graphics franchisor. “Companies—small and large, new and established—should critically evaluate their signs and graphics to make sure they are communicating as effectively as possible.”

Many established businesses rely on sales from repeat customers and may not be concerned about their signs and graphics. However, as many as 35 percent of the people who pass your business each day could become first time customers based solely on your sign. Additionally, in a study conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a large U.S. retailer discovered that 17 percent of its customers did not initially intend to stop there but did so after seeing the retailer’s sign.

Morkes Chocolates has successfully survived decades of economic ups and downs. Two years ago when looking for ways to increase their customer base, the Chicago-area chocolatier decided it may be time to update its signage. Their all white vans now showcase a full-color montage of sweet products and two 16-foot, full-color vertical banners were installed on each side of the store-front. Five months after the signage makeover, Morkes reported a 34 percent sales increase in sales over the same time period the year before. Instead of plain, red letters displayed on a white building, Morkes’ new signs and graphics gave customers and passersby a clear message, greeting them with vivid, mouth-watering illustrations of the treats offered.

Making changes to their signs and graphics not only helped ensure a more powerful first impression, but it also aided in increasing brand awareness and recognition. Like Morkes, many businesses and retailers utilize signs that aren’t communicating effectively.

Consider these basic sign design elements when assessing your current sign and graphics program and what your signs say about your business:

The message must be clear. Someone without any prior knowledge should be able to read your sign and get an idea of what your business does. According to the International Sign Association, passersby can comprehend messages related to a business within seconds based on the fonts and shapes used.

Visibility is key. Keep in mind the distance between the actual sign and the person viewing it. For every 40’ feet of viewing distance, letters should be at least 1” high.

Maximize graphics. Well designed, colorful graphics are more likely to spark attention. Color emphasizes important points and improves reader retention by 82 percent. Utilizing a photo or image when creating your sign can help increase reader recall by 300 percent.

About FASTSIGNS®

FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers use innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple by offering consulting, design, production, file transfer, delivery, installation for a full range of custom sign and graphic products, including high resolution exhibit and display graphics, wide format banners and POP, site signs, window and vehicle graphics, decals and labels, safety and identification signage and floor graphics for interior and exterior use. For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com.

FASTSIGNS® News: FASTSIGNS

A Sign Is Worth A Thousand Words—What Do Yours Say About You?

CARROLLTON, TX - In a culture with an ever shrinking attention span, many businesses find that the opportunity to catch the eye of a customer is becoming more difficult. Within a matter of seconds, a passerby can look at an establishment and seemingly learn everything they need to know. In that quick blink of an eye you have either caught their attention or turned them away disinterested.

These crucial first impressions are often based on the way the business looks, and that includes the signage displayed. Signs and graphics communicate who a business is as well as what it does. Since signs are one of the first things a potential customer sees when he or she comes to your business, what do your signs say about you?

“Almost every business uses signs in some way, but most don’t take the time to step back and assess their effectiveness,” said Drue Townsend, senior vice president of marketing for FASTSIGNS International, Inc., a worldwide sign and graphics franchisor. “Companies—small and large, new and established—should critically evaluate their signs and graphics to make sure they are communicating as effectively as possible.”

Many established businesses rely on sales from repeat customers and may not be concerned about their signs and graphics. However, as many as 35 percent of the people who pass your business each day could become first time customers based solely on your sign. Additionally, in a study conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a large U.S. retailer discovered that 17 percent of its customers did not initially intend to stop there but did so after seeing the retailer’s sign.

Morkes Chocolates has successfully survived decades of economic ups and downs. Two years ago when looking for ways to increase their customer base, the Chicago-area chocolatier decided it may be time to update its signage. Their all white vans now showcase a full-color montage of sweet products and two 16-foot, full-color vertical banners were installed on each side of the store-front. Five months after the signage makeover, Morkes reported a 34 percent sales increase in sales over the same time period the year before. Instead of plain, red letters displayed on a white building, Morkes’ new signs and graphics gave customers and passersby a clear message, greeting them with vivid, mouth-watering illustrations of the treats offered.

Making changes to their signs and graphics not only helped ensure a more powerful first impression, but it also aided in increasing brand awareness and recognition. Like Morkes, many businesses and retailers utilize signs that aren’t communicating effectively.

Consider these basic sign design elements when assessing your current sign and graphics program and what your signs say about your business:

-The message must be clear. Someone without any prior knowledge should be able to read your sign and get an idea of what your business does. According to the International Sign Association, passersby can comprehend messages related to a business within seconds based on the fonts and shapes used.

-Visibility is key. Keep in mind the distance between the actual sign and the person viewing it. For every 40’ feet of viewing distance, letters should be at least 1” high.

-Maximize graphics. Well designed, colorful graphics are more likely to spark attention. Color emphasizes important points and improves reader retention by 82 percent. Utilizing a photo or image when creating your sign can help increase reader recall by 300 percent.

About FASTSIGNS®

FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers use innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple by offering consulting, design, production, file transfer, delivery, installation for a full range of custom sign and graphic products, including high resolution exhibit and display graphics, wide format banners and POP, site signs, window and vehicle graphics, decals and labels, safety and identification signage and floor graphics for interior and exterior use. For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com.

FASTSIGNS® News: Teresa Rector Joins FASTSIGNS International, Inc. as Director of Training

CARROLLTON, TX - FASTSIGNS International, Inc., a sign and graphics franchisor with over 530 locations worldwide, hired Teresa Rector as the Director of Training.

“Teresa will be a great asset as our franchise community matures and their training needs continue to expand,” said Susan Last, COO of Carrollton, TX.-based FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “She will lead efforts to develop more advanced training programs and we will also look to her to help advance the leadership skills of our franchisees in order to help them better meet their personal and professional goals.”

Along with her passion for building a corporate culture that encourages and empowers employees, Rector brings a diverse background in training and development. Throughout the last 10 years, she worked with the “University for People” at Southwest Airlines as a leadership facilitator, managed employee and leadership development programs for Safety-Kleen Systems, and has served as a Learning Manager for Interactive Services, leading training design and development teams.

“The training program at FASTSIGNS has a tradition of offering timely, relevant and engaging learning opportunities for both franchisees and corporate employees,” said Rector. “I’m excited to be a part of that and look forward to taking it further.”

A Texas native, Rector is a graduate of the University of North Texas and currently resides in Frisco. .

As the director of franchise development, Wieters will interact with all new center sales consultants in a mentor role, helping to move prospects along. He will also take a more active role in Canadian development, including advertising and lead generation.

About FASTSIGNS International, Inc. FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers use innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple by offering consulting, design, production, file transfer, delivery, installation for a full range of custom sign and graphic products, including wide format banners and POP, site signs, exhibit graphics, window and vehicle graphics, decals and labels, safety and identification signage and floor graphics for interior and exterior use. For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com or call (800) 827-7446.

Editor’s Note: Please click here for a photo of Teresa Rector, Director of Training, FASTSIGNS International Inc. 

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FASTSIGNS® is your one-stop source for simple solutions for your interior and exterior signs and graphics, including changing menu information. Our centers offer menu board solutions including printed boards, digital screens and menus with changeable sections, as well as POP, directional and safety signs, banners and much more.

The New York City Board of Health voted to mandate caloric labels in restaurants. Currently, the menu rule applies only to restaurants that serve standardized portion sizes and have 15 or more locations nationwide. These restaurants will be required to post the caloric content of food and beverage items on menus and menu boards in all their locations in New York City.

Many other states and communities have passed laws requiring that menu boards state nutritional information on their menus, and many more states are taking a serious look at implementing this in the future.

Websites to locate current information on local regulations & requirements:

National Restaurant Association
o State Restaurant Associations http://www.restaurant.org/states/
o www.restaurant.org/government/state/nutrition

National Association of Local Boards of Health
o State Associations http://www.nalboh.org/State_Associations.htm
o City & County Health Departments

Let us help provide a valuable service to your local restaurants, while at the same time, doing a service to help keep your community healthy as well. Whether you need one sign or a thousand, FASTSIGNS uses the latest innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple for you - from concept to completion®.

FASTSIGNS® is your one-stop source for simple solutions for your interior and exterior signs and graphics, including changing menu information. Our centers offer menu board solutions including printed boards, digital screens and menus with changeable sections, as well as POP, directional and safety signs, banners and much more.

The New York City Board of Health voted to mandate caloric labels in restaurants. Currently, the menu rule applies only to restaurants that serve standardized portion sizes and have 15 or more locations nationwide. These restaurants will be required to post the caloric content of food and beverage items on menus and menu boards in all their locations in New York City.

Many other states and communities have passed laws requiring that menu boards state nutritional information on their menus, and many more states are taking a serious look at implementing this in the future.

Websites to locate current information on local regulations & requirements:

National Restaurant Association
o State Restaurant Associations http://www.restaurant.org/states/
o www.restaurant.org/government/state/nutrition

National Association of Local Boards of Health
o State Associations http://www.nalboh.org/State_Associations.htm
o City & County Health Departments

Let us help provide a valuable service to your local restaurants, while at the same time, doing a service to help keep your community healthy as well. Whether you need one sign or a thousand, FASTSIGNS uses the latest innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple for you - from concept to completion®.

FASTSIGNS® is your one-stop source for simple solutions for your interior and exterior signs and graphics, including changing menu information. Our centers offer menu board solutions including printed boards, digital screens and menus with changeable sections, as well as POP, directional and safety signs, banners and much more.

The New York City Board of Health voted to mandate caloric labels in restaurants. Currently, the menu rule applies only to restaurants that serve standardized portion sizes and have 15 or more locations nationwide. These restaurants will be required to post the caloric content of food and beverage items on menus and menu boards in all their locations in New York City.

Many other states and communities have passed laws requiring that menu boards state nutritional information on their menus, and many more states are taking a serious look at implementing this in the future.

Websites to locate current information on local regulations & requirements:

National Restaurant Association
o State Restaurant Associations http://www.restaurant.org/states/
o www.restaurant.org/government/state/nutrition

National Association of Local Boards of Health
o State Associations http://www.nalboh.org/State_Associations.htm
o City & County Health Departments

Let us help provide a valuable service to your local restaurants, while at the same time, doing a service to help keep your community healthy as well. Whether you need one sign or a thousand, FASTSIGNS uses the latest innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple for you - from concept to completion®.