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Dana Point, Calif., (February 2, 2002) - Sign Biz, Inc., founder of the largest non-franchise sign chain in the US, hosted its Sign Biz National Convention during a week-long cruise to the Bahamas which departed from Port Canaveral in Florida on January 20th. In attendance were 117 Sign Biz store owners and guests such as Mark Rugen, a Scanvec Amiable instructor, and Mario Herman, Esq, who sits on the corporation's executive panel. 

The cruise was a new venue for their eleventh annual convention, with the choice to host the international meeting made by majority vote of Sign Biz Network business owners. Jon Hoffman, a Sign Biz Network Member and owner of A2Z Signs in Upland, California originally proposed the concept of a cruise to the Bahamas. His efforts were assisted by the Sign Biz Advisory Board, which is comprised of 18 Network Members elected by the network to represent regional issues in seven geographic markets across the US and abroad. 

Featured activities include a series of fifteen OwnerShare Workshops, covering a range of topics such as Internet Technologies, Digital Print Marketing, Financial Analysis, Sales Tactics, and Marketing Signs. Also included were special workshops to answer legal and contractual questions, moderated by Mario Herman, Esq., and Digital Printing with FlexiSign Pro, presented by Mark Rugen.                         See Photo Album! >>> 

The majority of the workshops were developed and moderated by members of the Advisory Board, who polled their regional Network Members to elicit material and desired topics.  

A very special party was hosted in Nassau by Peter and Kate Bates (L), Sign Biz Network Members who own a large sign company in the Bahamas.

See Photo Album! >>>>

The Bates attended the entire cruise, as well as did employees of Peter's company, The Signman Company, Ltd. "People at home just laughed when we told them we were taking a cruise. To the Bahamas, where we live," quipped Peter. The party was an extraordinary event filled with spectacular entertainment, and plenty of good food, drink and dancing. 

One of the highlights was a surprise musical event of the evening arranged by the Bates. A tremendously impressive train of brightly costumed, traditional "Junkanu" musicians and dancers streamed into the party, and moved through the crowd with horns, drums, and bells.  Network Members were caught up in the pounding island rhythms and Carnival-like festival, and joined the procession. "The percussion and instruments were beyond words! I have never seen anything like it, and it is something just spectacular, that I will remember forever," said Paul Strauch, Sign Biz VP of Marketing.         See Photo Album! >>>>

"We had a blast at the party on the beach," stated Gloria McDavitt, an Advisory Board Member. "Nassau was unforgettable," added Loren Doppelt, a new store owner. 

All Advisory Board members were in attendance, and were instrumental to the success of the workshops. Each of the following moderated one or more of the OwnerShare workshops: Myriam Ceballos, Dennis Anderson, Fred Barbaria, Jon Hoffman, Bill Potts, Peter Wolf, Peter Bates, Linda Levitan, Michael Quigley, Steve Scalph, Sue Callinan, Larry and Audrey Maschino, Gloria and Dan McDavitt, and Clyde and Alice Willis. Additional moderators included Network Members Lynn Whitebook, and Loren Doppelt. 

The 4-Day convention program also included award ceremonies for Sales Consultants, Milestone Club inductees (Bill Potts, L), and the new Century Club for stores who achieved a minimum of $100,000 in sales in a single month. 

A special award was presented to Jon Hoffman, as the International Entertainment Guru, in recognition of his careful handling of many cruise details, as well as pre- and post-cruise travel and hotel arrangements.                          See Photo Album! >>>>

The McDavitts, whose store, Quick Signs and Awards uses a laser engraver to produce high-quality results, engraved the many handsome plaques and trophies. 

The end result was a convention that earned the highest marks of all such symposiums to date. "It's hard to beat this year!" pronounced Bill Potts, a member from California. "There is always something to learn, even for us oldies," stated Terri Jackson, a seasoned store owner. The 'Mature Shop' workshop was popular with the senior stores, as Michael Quigley explained, "This OSW made the biggest impact as it gave me insight on buying a facility vs. continuing with a lease." 

The success of the event was unanimously expressed, and Steve Dunn, a member from California, summed it up, "A truly entertaining and informative event." 

 For further information call (949) 234-0408 or (800) 633-5580.

About Sign Biz® Inc. 

Sign Biz, Inc. is founder of the world's largest international chain of non-franchised computer-aided sign (CAS) companies. The corporation was established in 1989 to guide entrepreneurs into the new field of digital visual communications, and today trains, equips, and supports their network of 150 independent sign businesses across the US and in 6 foreign markets. The corporate office is located in Dana Point, CA.

The mission of the Sign Biz organization and it's network is to "provide tools and examples for those who are serious about owning their own business and becoming the architects of the most fulfilling experience of entrepreneurship possible." They can be contacted toll free: 800-633-5580. 

Contact Us
If you have any further questions or would like additional information about Sign Biz Inc., please contact:

Paul Strauch
Vice President Corporate Communications
24681 La Plaza, Suite 270
Dana Point, CA 92629
800-633-5580
pstrauch@signbiz.com

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