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SIGN BIZ® INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION GOES ABROAD |
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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 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. 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." "Sign Biz, Inc. wishes to acknowledge the assistance provided by our Gold Sponsor, N.Glantz & Son, and our Silver Sponsors, Georgia Printco and Nu-Sign. Their support, along with six Bronze Sponsors, has allowed our educational format to draw record attendance, and has allowed our amenities to remain second to none in the industry," states Paul Strauch, VP Marketing for the corporation.
About Sign Biz® Inc. The Mission of the Sign Biz organization is to provide an innovative and productive digital sign and graphics business model, the best education and equipment, and lifetime member services, to support entrepreneurs in the most successful network of full-service imaging sign companies worldwide. ### Contact Us |
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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. 
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. Peter and Kate 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."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. 