2023 April Newsletter

M E M B E R S
S U P P O R T I N G
M E M B E R S
WWW.MIDSOUTHSIGN.ORG APRIL 2023 | EDITION 02
MID-SOUTH
messenger
March 1– 4, 2023
Munn Enterprises
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
BEST MOMENTS & TAKEAWAYS
“While winning the $500 during the event might bias me, lol, I thought it was a
great event.
I thought that the seminars were informative, and that Munn Enterprises was
a great venue for Idea Exchange. One takeaway that I had from the permitting
seminar was the importance of building connections with the people in the
permitting office. This can apply to any type of city, state, or federal
organization that you must deal with in your business. Sometimes it can be
easy to forget that the people that you must get approvals from are still...
people, and thus taking time to build a relationship with them can have long
term dividends.
In my opinion, the glass blowing event was a great experience. I really
appreciated the chill vibe of the evening and how it helped me build
connections with other members of MSSA. In the past, some of the Friday
night events have made it hard to easily connect with people during the event
because either we were spread out through the venue, seating was limited, or
the noise level made it hard to have conversation. At the glass blowing event,
none of this was true, so I felt like I had some of the best conversations I ever
had with people at MSSA that I didn’t know.”
Matthew “Boston” Sherrier, Idea Exchange Co-Chair

REECE SUPPLY
COMPANY
WHETHER SIGN, SCREEN, OR DIGITAL
WE’RE PASSIONATE
ABOUT WHAT YOU DO
WHOLESALE CHANNEL LETTERS & SIGNS
CHANNEL LETTERS
3-5 Day shipping on standard
channel letters
1 Hour quotes
Excellent customer service
CABINETS & CUSTOM SIGNS
Extruded S/F and D/F aluminum
cabinets
Custom pylon and monument
signs... Any shape and size
Colorado - Louisiana
INSURANCE
Helping you plan for tomorrow...Today.
MSSA Member Insurance Program
• Preferred Pricing for MSSA Members
• Property and Casualty Insurance Program that encompasses
Property, General Liability, Auto, Inland Marine, Umbrella, and
Workers Compensation
• Sign Industry Expertise
• Safety Programs tailored to the sign industry
&
For more information contact Casey O’Quinn at
coquinn@mkinsure.com or 205.314.2082
Your trusted, total solutions partner for over 85 years
800-776-7448
ReeceSupply.com
THE SIMPLE WAY TO
SCHEDULE CONTENT ON
YOUR ENTIRE LED & LCD
DISPLAY NETWORK.
DALLAS EL PASO HOUSTON SAN ANTONIO GEORGIA LOUSIANA OKLAHOMA NORTH CAROLINA
2 MID-SOUTH MESSENGER MID-SOUTH MESSENGER 3

KEEPING UP WITH MSSA
WELCOME NEW MSSA MEMBERS
Join us in welcoming these new members as of March 20, 2023. We are looking forward to
meeting them at our future MSSA events.
Prime Sign Installation; Sign Company; located in Jacksonville, Florida
EVERY SIGN.
EVERY TIME.
DIGITAL
IS THE ANSWER.
Call us today at 800-637-2645
or visit us at watchfiresigns.com.
CoreBridge; Professional Services; located in Springfield, Louisiana
Jaco Wholesale Sign Products; Product Manufacturer; located in Athens, Tennessee
Sign Studio; Sign Company; located in Lowell, Arkansas
Applied Polymers; Product Manufacturer; located in College Station, Texas
Nice Sign; Sign Company; located in LaPlace, Louisiana
MSSA PROGRAMS - DON’T FORGET TO SUBMIT!
Elite Program - Applications for the Elite Class of 2023/2024 are open! Deadline to submit
is Saturday, April 15.
Scholarship Program - Applications for the Steve Metheny Scholarship Foundation are
open! Deadline to submit is Monday, May 1st.
Sign Design Contest - Get those designs ready! The contest is now open! Deadline to
submit is Wednesday, May 3rd.
MSSA IN THE NEWS
Attention sign companies!! Has your company been in the news lately? We want to know! As we are always looking to celebrate
the accomplishments of our members, send those news stories our way so we can showcase you! Email articles/social media
posts to rachael@midsouthsign.org.
4 MID-SOUTH MESSENGER MID-SOUTH MESSENGER 5

IDEA EXCHANGE RECAP
a look back...
What a great few days with MSSA! We kicked off Idea Exchange on Thursday night with a Welcome Reception. It’s always fun
to reconnect with friends and meet first time attendees.
Friday morning, several members had the opportunity to visit the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum. During the day, our
current Elite class participated in leadership training that concluded with presenting their group project to the Board of
“The Idea Exchange 2023 was great for our company. We welcomed a new team member to our family Melantha Wright, who
attended this event. This was a great introduction into the sign world for her. Not only did this event provide knowledge but
also gave her the opportunity to network. One of our biggest takeaways was from the "The Permitting Checklist to Success"
seminar. Greatly executed! Permitting can sometimes be the most difficult part of the job. Being able to hear from the perspective
of an actual building reviewer from the building department was great. Having him tell us the best way to gain their
respect is something we highly value as we pull permits of our own.
I would like to thank Munn Enterprises for opening their doors for all of us. Beautiful facility!”
John Adinolfe Jr., Idea Exchange Co-Chair
Directors. We are excited for their project to come to life at MSSA’s 50th Anniversary Party during SignConnexion 2024. Be
on the lookout for ways you can be involved!
Our Friday evening festivities began at the hotel bar with a little friendly competition over MSSA Trivia. Who knew this group
was so competitive? All in good fun! Afterwards, we made our way to Mohawk Steel and Glass for the main event. Members
had the pleasure of watching several glass blowing demonstrations throughout the night. They even let our members help out
with the blow torch which made the night even more enjoyable.
Saturday began bright and early at Munn Enterprises. We can’t thank them enough for their hospitality and opening their
doors to our MSSA group! We started the morning off with four really good Tricks of the Trade submissions. We sure do have
some clever and innovated members. And the winner was.....Matthew “Boston” Sherrier from Vulcan Signs. We continued
with two really informative seminars all about permitting and safety. Tackling the highs and lows of the permitting process and
the do’s and don’ts of safety installs. The morning ended with a very cool demonstration on troubleshooting power supplies
and wiring faults as well as a walk through the Munn Enterprises facility!
Tricks of the Trade, seminars, and demonstration videos will be available soon to members through our online platform.
BY THE NUMBERS
58 Sign Company Attendees
25 Sign Companies
16 Host Company Personnel
3 Speakers
Premier Provider
for Sign Solutions
We know plastic, work with an expert. Leverage
the experience and product knowledge of a Piedmont
Plastics market specialist and let us help you identify
the right product for your application and environment.
YOUR SOURCE FOR
32 Vendor Attendees
Polycarbonate
Acrylic
Gemtrim
Adhesives
19 Vendor Companies
LED’s
Aluminum Sheet
ACM
& More
GET IN TOUCH TODAY
www.piedmontplastics.com/locations
6 MID-SOUTH MESSENGER MID-SOUTH MESSENGER 7

Goes from 0 to wrapped, faster.
Preferred by installers globally, 3M’s new 3M Print Wrap Film IJ280 with 3M Gloss Wrap Overlaminate 8428G
allows you say hello to faster installs and good-bye to extensive rework.
© 3M 2023. All rights reserved. 3M and Comply are trademarks of 3M.
3M.com/IJ280
ALTEC.
ONE SOURCE
FOR ALL
OF YOUR
EQUIPMENT
NEEDS.
At Altec, we believe better equipment starts from the ground up. From traditional sign cranes like the LS60
with 2,000 lbs of payload capacity to the AT48S with 52 ft of working height and 1000 lbs of material handling
capabilities, Altec offers products for all of your lighting and sign needs. Altec offers in-house financing, a 24-hour
parts department and one of the largest service networks in the nation.
SALES | SERVICE | TOOLS & ACCESSORIES | SAFETY TRAINING | FINANCING | RENTAL
Contact:
Stephen Little
(205) 482­8743
Stephen.Little@Altec.com
AIAD-DIR-MSSA-01212021-v1
altec.com
800.958.2555
sales@altec.com
8 MID-SOUTH MESSENGER MID-SOUTH MESSENGER 9

SIGNCONNEXION
We can’t wait to gather with you at MSSA’s Annual Trade
Show and Meeting, on July 26 - 29, 2023, at The Beau Rivage
Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. For registration and more
information on the fun & exciting events we have scheduled,
please visit midsouthsign.org/tradeshow-schedule.
Register before July 5th to receive the early bird fee of $149!
Registration includes Wednesday’s Welcome Reception,
Thursday’s Reception & Golf Calcutta, Friday’s Keynote
Presentation & Awards Dinner, and Saturday’s Trade Show,
Luncheon, plus Educational Workshops.
SignConnexion is a networking super-center of the people and
businesses that are important in your industry. Where people are
looking to do business, there will always be an opportunity to
grow your own.
Walk the exhibit hall floor from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on
Saturday, July 29th to see new technologies and equipment.
The sign industry is always advancing and our exhibit booths are
secured by the best vendors in the industry.
meet you at
>REGISTRATION NOW OPEN<
ONLY $149 now through July 5
>BOOK YOUR STAY>
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Hotel Deadline: July 5
Hotel Rate: $155 tuesday-thursday | $185
Friday-Sunday | $15 Daily Resort Fee
HIGHLIGHTS
Welcome Social
Crane Certification
NEW Member Gathering
Golf Calcutta
Elvis Davis Golf Classic
Veteran’s Volunteer Project
Awards Dinner & Keynote
Presentation
Tradeshow & Seminars
Scholarship Auction
(Live & Silent)
Walk The Plank Pirate Party
UPCOMING BROWN BAG CLUB WEBINARS
MSSA’s Brown Bag Club is back! These webinars allow product manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers to connect with sign
companies throughout the year for short, informative, FREE presentations. You won’t want to miss out! We are excited to offer
these informative presentations to members and non-members, so please spread the word. All presentations will be offered
live through Zoom Webinars on Thursdays at 11 AM, CST. Registration opens two weeks prior to each webinar.
April 20 - Introduction to Sign Engineering for Project Managers, Part 1; Elrod Engineering
May 4 - Introduction to Sign Engineering for Project Managers, Part 2; Elrod Engineering
May 18 - TBD; Graphic Solutions Group
DRIVE YOUR
FINANCING
IN THE RIGHT
DIRECTION.
Of all the important decisions affecting the life of your fleet, financing is one of the most critical.
With Altec Capital, you’re given the confidence of having an experienced manufacturer and the
power of a nationwide industry leader behind every decision you make.
At Altec Capital, we offer competitive and creative financing options along with one-on-one service.
Exceeding customer expectations and building long-term customer relationships are our mission.
Contact:
Jennifer Darty Black
Account Manager
205.901.8390
jennifer.black@altec.com
10 MID-SOUTH MESSENGER MID-SOUTH MESSENGER 11

In Memoriam Of Roger Fillebaum
In December of 2022, we lost one of MSSA’s biggest supporters, Roger Fillebaum. He was also one of MSSA’s most loyal
members. Roger is an MSSA past president, Hall of Fame Recipient, and Agnew Condray Recipient. We will miss seeing his
smiling face at each event. Recently we found Rogers board member profile from an old copy of the Fall 1999 MSSC
Newsletter.
When Mother Nature permits, Roger Fillebaum exits his hand-built, cypress-walled shop into a tree-filled back yard. There he places
his latest work in progress on a metal frame and methodically dresses in coveralls, boots, gloves, and a yellow masked hood large
enough to cover his head and shoulders.
Then with the din of an air compressor-powered sandblaster ringing in his ears, Roger grabs the nozzle of what looks like a garden hose
and gets to work. The sand quickly eats grooves into the wood, spitting a fine dust back at him as letters begin to take shape.
The work is a stark contrast to Roger’s day job. Away from his shop, he can be found at another sign store, Signs First, where he has
worked for 7 years. There everything is state-of-the-art and computerized. But he prefers the wooden signs he has made at the family
business, Creative Signs. “They’re a lot more fun to work with but a lot messier and dirtier.”
From his shop, Roger is carving a name for himself in the sign business from the Deep South to the tropics of Central America.
A love of carpentry prompted the 48-year-old former construction worker to start the sign business he runs with the help of his wife,
sister, and two sons. “I enjoy working with wood. I built my whole house from scratch.”
Roger has no formal training in the art of sign making. Everything he knows is self-taught. “I read some books on making
sandblasted redwood signs and started doing it. I just watched other people work and learned how to do it.” He also said attending
MSSC conventions and seminars has helped improve his skills.
While on a riverboat cruise in Memphis at a MSSC convention in 1992, he met
Mack Warr, CEO of Signs First Franchising. Thus began negotiations to bring a
Signs First store to Vicksburg. The Vicksburg store has a computerized router
and laser engraver which enables them to supply other stores in the franchise
with engraved signage, ADA signage, and awards. Networking with other
members of MSSC has made this service available to them. In fact, Roger is the
one who supplies your MSSC membership plaques and most of the other
plaques we use.
Roger has been a member of MSSC since 1992 and a member of the MSSC
Board of Directos since last January as the Computer Assisted Signmakers
FIVE BRANDS. ONE MISSION.
INNOVATION
Our products are best in
class in the signage market
with a strong technical
base in optoelectronics,
material science, and
process automation. We
also understand what sign
makers need, and how to
translate these core skills
into products that are both
practical and innovative.
PEOPLE
We believe people
come first. That
means dealing fairly
with our customers,
go-to-market
partners, suppliers,
and employees.
Our primary goal
is to create lasting
relationships by
providing superior
service and value.
VALUE
Our goal is to be the
leader in value LED
products without
compromising
performance and
customer service. We
achieve this through a
corporate culture that
emphasizes frugality and
low overhead. We put our
product dollars into driving
performance and quality.
our promise
To deliver you the best performing product range for your channel letter
and cabinet signage needs at the best price – from people who care
about you and your image. We call this the “Principal Promise” and it
drives the way we think and conduct business every day.
Learn more at PINDUSTRIES.COM
325.227.4577 | sales@pindustries.com
"We exist to simplify the
lives of our customers"
Director.
12 MID-SOUTH MESSENGER MID-SOUTH MESSENGER 13

YOUR ISA + MSSA BENEFITS
Did you know, as an MSSA sign company member, your ISA dues for the year are completely free, and you will enjoy all the
benefits that come with your regional and international membership for one price. One of those great benefits is Industry-
Specific Education & Training Programs.
An educated workforce is one of the most important factors in growing your company. ISA provides industry-specific learning
opportunities on a variety of topics, offered at a discounted rate for members. Whether you're an employee looking to get
hired or a manager looking to develop your team, ISA programs build more effective employees with the best training and
education resources available in the sign, graphics and visual communications industry.
WHY ISA LEARNING?
Here's why ISA Online Learning is a great fit for your business:
• Availability: All courses are online, on-demand, self-paced and available 24/7.
• Affordability: Courses start at $35, or train your entire team for one flat rate with the Company Subscription
Package.
• Accountability: Managers can see the progress of their employees, and employees earn a certificate of completion.
• Advancement: Not only do skilled employees increase productivity, but surveys show that employee retention
increases as well when companies provide opportunities for their employees' growth.
DIGITAL BADGES
Upon completion of an online learning course, you will receive a digital certificate showing your proficiency to share on your
resume or social profiles. Digital badges are a portable, verifiable and secure way to showcase the skills and competencies you
have learned. And for each course you take, the closer you are to earning additional subject-area badges and ultimately - the
Sign Industry Professional! Click here to learn more about the ISA digital badge for online learning courses.
For a complete listing of ISA membership benefits, visit signs.org
14 MID-SOUTH MESSENGER MID-SOUTH MESSENGER 15

ISA NEWS
Significant Victory for Sign Professionals in ICC A117.1 Committee
ISA staff and volunteers on ISA's ADA and Building Codes Subcommittee worked within the International Code Council's
A117.1 committee to defeat several proposed changes to the Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities that,
if implemented, would have been difficult to measure, enforce, or demonstrate compliance.
ISA and our SEGD partners on the committee have been strongly opposed to these changes since their release in February
2022 and were prepared to argue tirelessly to defeat these proposals on their merits. Faced with significant industry opposition,
the five proposals were "recommended for disapproval." The first draft for the next edition of the manual will be released
for public review this summer without the new language that ISA and SEGD had opposed.
Faced with significant industry opposition, the five proposals were “recommended for disapproval.” The five proposals included:
Proposal 07-06 (Visual character height increase from 5/8” to 1”) – Disapproved 23-0-2 on February 2, 2023
Proposal 07-08 (Contrast formula for signs) – Disapproved 26-0-2 on February 2, 2023
Proposal 01-05 (Definitions of contrast terms) – Disapproved 26-1-1 on February 2, 2023
Proposal 05-13 (Contrast formula for stair striping) – Disapproved 25-0-1 on February 2, 2023
Proposal 07-19 (Contrast formula for detectable warning surfaces) - Disapproved 25-0-1 on February 2, 2023
Other changes were approved by the full A117.1 committee; generally, ISA and SEGD voted in favor of the successful proposals.
Among these changes are:
• Clarifications about when visual characters are required below pictograms
• Raised characters are to be horizontally oriented; Braille characters also are to be horizontally oriented
• Braille characters already must be 3/8” minimum separated from raised characters, now also ½” maximum
• Changes to the symbols used and locations posted for assistive listening systems, sign language interpretation, and
visual relay service booths.
• Variable message sign rules amended to address messages incorporating multiple screens (and not just a single
frame)
• Deleting rules for the obsolete Remote Infrared Audible Sign system technology
The first draft for the next edition of the manual will be released for public review this summer without the new language that
ISA & SEGD had opposed. ISA’s ADA and Building Codes Subcommittee will continue to monitor the situation and work to
guide the ICC toward effective codes and regulations for the sign, graphics and visual communications industry.
ISA is represented on the ICC A117.1 Committee by Glenn Dea AIA (Collaborative Access Studio/Cypress, CA), Lucy Pereira (APCO
Signs/Atlanta, GA), and Kenny Peskin (ISA/Alexandria, VA).
16 MID-SOUTH MESSENGER MID-SOUTH MESSENGER 17

THANK YOU
to this years annual sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Members Supporting Members
MSSA understands and appreciates the investment of time and money from all of its member
companies. As a matter of principal, MSSA members do everything they can to conduct
business with one another. MSSA would not be able to succeed without the success of its
member companies. The following product manufacturers, engineers, and suppliers have
agreed, by renewing as 2023 MSSA members, to support MSSA. Please consider the following
M E M B E R S
S U P P O R T I N G
M E M B E R S
companies as you conduct business in 2023. A current membership list is available for viewing by
visiting midsouthsign.org or for questions regarding a company’s MSSA membership, contact (662) 401-8113
WHOLESALE CHANNEL LETTERS & SIGNS
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
3M Commercial Solutions
Division
Admiral Wholesale Sign Co.
Components
Akzo Nobel Coatings
Altec Capital Services, LLC
Altec Industries
American Crane Operators
Applied Polymers
Besa Sign Coatings (Carworx)
Charleston Manufacturing, LLC
CoreBridge
Cornerstone Engineering
Crane U
Custom Foam Fabricators
Custom Products Corp
Daktronics, Inc.
Eastern Metal Supply
Elliott Equipment Company
Elrod Engineering, LLC
Everylite
Facecrafters
faces
Farco Plastics Supply
France Lighting Solutions
G2G Lighting
GE Current
GEMINI
Geneva Capital LLC
Glantz
Graphics Pro Magazine
Grimco, Inc.
GSG - Baton Rouge, LA
GSG - Dallas
GSG - Houston - Dallas
HCI LED
Impact LED Signs
Independent’s Service Company
Jaco Wholesale Sign Products
Johnson Sales Company/Jasper
Plastics Solutions
Keystone Technologies
LetterFab, llc
Matthews Paint
Media Resources
Miratec Systems, Inc.
MK Insurance
Next LED
Optec Displays
OxCart Manufacturing
Oxford Graphics, Inc.
Palram Americas
Payler Wholesale Print
Production
Piedmont Plastics, Inc.
Plaskolite
Principal Industries
Reece Supply Co of Dallas, Inc.
Reece Supply Co of Georgia, Inc.
Reece Supply Co of Louisiana,
Inc.
S & F Custom Sign Corp
Saginaw Pipe
Scott Powerline and Utility
Equipment
Sherwin-Williams
Sign Builders, Inc.
Sign Leaders
Sign Pro Wholesale
SignComp
Southern Stud Weld
Steel Art Company
Sullaway Engineering
ThinkSIGN Inc.
Tri-State Utility Contractors, Inc
Trinity Products
Trinseo LLC
Tubelite Company, Inc. -
Birmingham
Tubelite Company, Inc. -
Memphis
Vantage LED USA
Volkan Signs
Watchfire Signs
World Wide Sign Systems
Yorston and Associates
Z3 Graphics, Inc.
Zlight Technology, LL
MID-SOUTH MESSENGER
19

Opt-Cool - 2.5mm pixel pitch (1.8' x 5’6)
Opt-Slim - 2.6mm pixel pitch (6’6 x 11'5)
AN LED DISPLAY PARTNER YOU CAN TRUST
1700 S. De Soto Place, Ontario, CA 91761 USA
800.876.1668 | OPTEC.COM
Infinity-SMD - 6.667mm pixel pitch (10' x 16')
Infinity-SMD - 10mm(HB) pixel pitch (12'6 x 7'9)
FREE PROJECT MANAGER TRAINING
Elrod Engineering is presenting a two-part webinar
as part of MSSA’s Brown Bag Club!
“An Introduction to Sign Engineering for Project Managers”
A live, two-part webinar covering codes, design principles, wall mounted signs,
freestanding signs, and existing sign structures - hosted by MSSA.
april 20th
may 4th
can’t make it,
and want to schedule your own?
give us a call, or send us an email
615.890.9405x114 - chearin@elrodllc.com
just need
some engineering?
scan here to access our
online quote form!
Easily Monitor
and Manage
Your Paint
Mixing
Operations
800.323.6593 • MatthewsPaint.com/PaintManager
20 MID-SOUTH MESSENGER MID-SOUTH MESSENGER 21

MSSA REGIONAL NETWORKING EVENT
If you live in Huntsville or the surrounding areas, be sure to SWING BY FORE our next Local’s Bash Regional Networking
event! Our second of three events will be Thursday, May 18th at Top Golf in Huntsville, AL. We are ready to PAR-TEE with
you!
The goal of these regional events is to reach potentiall new members and to create an opportunity for current MSSA member
companies to meet throughout the year in addition to MSSA’s larger annual events that may be harder to attend.
RSVP
TODAY
Top Golf
Thursday, May 18
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Cost: $20 per person
Includes game play, food, and drinks
6100 Topgolf Drive NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
“Top golf was a great venue for this event, it was fun and relaxed. Plenty of space
to move around, mingle, and connect without feeling rushed. Everyone was so
friendly! Overall, great networking event!”
Celebrate DAY ONE of the Sign Expo with MSSA!
You’re invited to mix and mingle with your fellow MSSA
members and colleagues!!! After what we know will be a
successful day one, join us for fun conversations and a few
cocktails before heading to ISA Rocks!
Wednesday, April 12th,
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
MSSA will see YOU in Vegas!
RSVP FOR FREE
111 S. Highland St. #361
Memphis, TN 38111
(662) 401-8113
(901) 490-3932
www.midsouthsign.org
annie@midsouthsign.org
22 MID-SOUTH MESSENGER