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August 19, 2010

News for the sign and visual communications industry

The Storefront

Walgreen expands food sections in Chicago
Walgreen is expanding its food offerings at Chicago stores that are in areas that lack traditional grocery stores. The move is part of a partnership with Chicago officials to eliminate the city's "food deserts." Ten Walgreens stores will offer fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and other items under the initiative. Chicago Tribune (8/11), Progressive Grocer (8/11), Drug Store News (8/11)

University of Texas approves $800M hospital plan
The University of Texas has launched plans for an $800 million development, including a 424-bed hospital at UT's Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and a thermal energy plant. The project requires additional approvals but is being hailed as a step closer to Southwestern's goal of becoming one of the nation's top 10 academic medical centers. HealthLeaders Media (8/16)

Gap expands overseas shipping to dozens of countries
Gap is now allowing shoppers in Brazil, Mexico, Australia and dozens of other countries to order from its brands. The U.S.-based retailer plans to make online shopping available in as many as 65 nations by the end of the year. The move also allows Gap to test different markets for greater expansion. Google/The Associated Press (8/12)

Technology and Trends

New digital platform from Axiomtek suits large installations
Axiomtek has launched a large-size digital signage platform designed to provide more computer power and digital capability on larger installations. The all-in-one platform is suitable for multiple applications including shopping malls, restaurants and hospitality venues, the company says. Digital Signage Today (8/16)

Government and Regulatory

Complaints drive evaluation of Maui County sign rules
A rash of recent complaints by businesses about sign violations at other businesses has spurred officials in Maui County, Hawaii, to find solutions that may range from better enforcement of existing regulations to a revamping of the sign ordinance, The Maui News reports. "A re-evaluation of the ordinance and possible legislation to change that particular law could result," said spokeswoman Mahina Martin. The Maui News (Wailuku, Hawaii) (8/16)

Tennessee county planners reject proposed sign ordinance
The Regional Planning Commission in Dyer County, Tenn., unanimously voted down a proposed sign ordinance, opting to keep existing regulations in place. The defeated ordinance would have defined different types of signs, regulated the use of electronic signs and spelled out rules governing electronic signs at churches, banks and schools. State Gazette (Dyersburg, Tenn) (8/13)

ISA Update

ISA launches a new membership directory powered by Signsearch
ISA has partnered with the Visual Communications Group to provide its members with a more technologically advanced directory on its website, www.signs.org. This new directory harnesses the unique technology of the online Signsearch.com directory to help increase traffic to ISA members' websites. Read more.

ISA meets with state DOT officials
ISA represented the on-premise sign industry at the 13th annual conference of the National Alliance of Highway Beautification Agencies to discuss the regulatory issues that state and federal officials face regarding digital signs, including electronic message centers. ISA Director of Government Relations David Hickey participated in a panel presentation with officials from the Federal Highway Administration, the Mississippi Department of Transportation and Scenic America, where the group discussed the differences between on- and off-premise signs and debated the right way to regulate each type. For more information, contact David Hickey at david.hickey@signs.org.

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SmartQuote

The best social program is a good job."

--Bill Clinton,
42nd U.S. president,
quoted for his birthday, Aug. 19, 1946

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