City Council members approved an electronic sign ordinance to govern the use of scrolling and animated signs this morning.“Recent advances in technology have changed the display capabilities and uses of electronic message signs,” said Planning Director Barbara Holly. “These signs are now capable of being animated.”Prior to the ordinance change, individual signs were allowed to be a maximum of 64 square feet in size and not allowed to be animated in any way.When the trend of animated signs began to sweep through Tyler businesses, several meetings were held between affected business owners and the Planning and Zoning Commission.By bringing together the wishes of business owners, public opinion and the input of the Tyler Historical Board, the ordinance changes are based on the electronic signs already in place, and aim to limit the addition of future signs in specific areas.No electronic message signs currently in place will be in violation of the ordinance. However, the ordinance now requires screens to hold a single message for one second per line of copy displayed, with a three-second minimum.The ordinance will also allow for the total amount of square feet a business can use for signage, to be divided between electronic and traditional signs.City officials said an example would be that most businesses are allowed 164 square feet of signs. The ordinance will therefore allow business owners display a 100 square-foot electronic sign and a 64 square-foot traditional sign, for a total 164 square feet.Finally, the ordinance change now prohibits any new electronic message signs to be built within or face residential or historic districts.
Source: Tyler Morning Telegraph, By ADRIENNE GRAHAM
Thursday, July 26, 2007
World outdoor advertising market to reach $30.4 bln by 2010
Modern urban lifestyles exhibit a tendency towards greater indulgence in outdoor activities. In addition, people spend a greater portion of their time outdoors traveling.
The rapidly growing popularity of digital billboards, and their ability to air attractive full motion video, and visually informative graphic presentations, is helping advertisers communicate effectively with mass audiences. Technology advancements are leading to innovations in signage, and outdoor displays such as Hi-fi displays, plasma screens, magicink, LED, digital displays and electronic kiosks with interactive touch-sensitive-screens. In addition, continuous innovations are also helping expand outdoor advertising spaces.
Marketers today, wield the flexibility to display their outdoor advertisements in a variety of public places like point-of-purchase, newsstands, bus stops, washrooms, airports, subways and public transportation. This is directly translating into a marked increase in out-of-home advertising expenditures and conversely a rise in the number of outdoor advertising contracts signed. Digital printing, on the other hand, has emerged into a major driver propelling growth in outdoor advertising, since it extends advertisers the agility to quickly and cost-efficiently change outdoor ads. All of these factors, among several others, lay a strong foundation for future growth, by strengthening the perceived effectiveness of the reach, frequency, and cost efficiency of outdoor advertising. In terms of modes of outdoor advertising, world billboard advertising market, the largest mode of outdoor advertising, is expected to increase by $2.85 billion between the period 2007 to 2010.
As stated by the recent report published by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., Europe dominates this market with a 31% share, while Asia-Pacific turbo charges global growth with a CAGR of 12.3%. Transit advertising market represents the fastest growing mode of outdoor advertising flaunting the potential to reach $7.14 billion by the year 2010. Street furniture advertising market in Middle East & Africa is expected to reach $64.05 million by the year 2010.
By region, the world outdoor advertising market is dominated by Europe. Growth in Europe is fashioned by the highly lucrative Russian market, which is forecast to grow at a robust double-digit CAGR of 30.2% over the analysis period. Outdoor advertising expenditures in the two other fast growing European markets, Hungary, and Norway together, are expected to rise by $119.9 million between the period 2007 to 2010.
In Asia-Pacific, unbridled growth is forecast to be witnessed in Indonesia, Thailand, and China. Together, these three regional markets are expected to corner close to 65% of the total expenditures on outdoor advertising in Asia, by 2010. In Middle East, UAE, and Turkey are expected to generate the highest growth, with expenditures in both these markets projected to reach $214.03 million by 2010.
Source: Budapest Business Journal
The rapidly growing popularity of digital billboards, and their ability to air attractive full motion video, and visually informative graphic presentations, is helping advertisers communicate effectively with mass audiences. Technology advancements are leading to innovations in signage, and outdoor displays such as Hi-fi displays, plasma screens, magicink, LED, digital displays and electronic kiosks with interactive touch-sensitive-screens. In addition, continuous innovations are also helping expand outdoor advertising spaces.
Marketers today, wield the flexibility to display their outdoor advertisements in a variety of public places like point-of-purchase, newsstands, bus stops, washrooms, airports, subways and public transportation. This is directly translating into a marked increase in out-of-home advertising expenditures and conversely a rise in the number of outdoor advertising contracts signed. Digital printing, on the other hand, has emerged into a major driver propelling growth in outdoor advertising, since it extends advertisers the agility to quickly and cost-efficiently change outdoor ads. All of these factors, among several others, lay a strong foundation for future growth, by strengthening the perceived effectiveness of the reach, frequency, and cost efficiency of outdoor advertising. In terms of modes of outdoor advertising, world billboard advertising market, the largest mode of outdoor advertising, is expected to increase by $2.85 billion between the period 2007 to 2010.
As stated by the recent report published by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., Europe dominates this market with a 31% share, while Asia-Pacific turbo charges global growth with a CAGR of 12.3%. Transit advertising market represents the fastest growing mode of outdoor advertising flaunting the potential to reach $7.14 billion by the year 2010. Street furniture advertising market in Middle East & Africa is expected to reach $64.05 million by the year 2010.
By region, the world outdoor advertising market is dominated by Europe. Growth in Europe is fashioned by the highly lucrative Russian market, which is forecast to grow at a robust double-digit CAGR of 30.2% over the analysis period. Outdoor advertising expenditures in the two other fast growing European markets, Hungary, and Norway together, are expected to rise by $119.9 million between the period 2007 to 2010.
In Asia-Pacific, unbridled growth is forecast to be witnessed in Indonesia, Thailand, and China. Together, these three regional markets are expected to corner close to 65% of the total expenditures on outdoor advertising in Asia, by 2010. In Middle East, UAE, and Turkey are expected to generate the highest growth, with expenditures in both these markets projected to reach $214.03 million by 2010.
Source: Budapest Business Journal
Digital billboards will aid police in Janesville
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Three siblings, the children of divorced parents, spend the weekend with their father.They are expected to return home Sunday night, but don't.The father, believed to be depressed and suicidal, is suspected of taking the kids out of state.Their mother calls police, and an AMBER Alert is issued.This particular situation is hypothetical, but it happens all too often in real life.Efforts to help rescue children left in this situation were enhanced locally over the weekend as Lamar Outdoor Advertising erected six digital billboards. Along with displaying advertisements, the billboards provide an alternative for police to reach the public quickly.
The billboard along West Court Street in Janesville was installed by Lamar Outdoor Advertising. The screen can cycle through different messages.
The billboard along West Court Street in Janesville was installed by Lamar Outdoor Advertising. The screen can cycle through different messages.
"We've made the digital billboard available to the Janesville Police Department in the event they're looking for any type of criminal suspect, missing child or person," said Brad Yarmark, general manager of Lamar in Janesville.Lamar can splash a police artist sketch or even a low-resolution photograph on a digital billboard within minutes of getting an image from police."We can even take a photo from a Web site because the digital billboards have an Internet connection," Yarmark added.Deputy Chief David Moore said Tuesday he intends to share this billboard opportunity with department staff "so if in the event we need help, we can use it."Many of our crimes are solved by tips or clues from citizens, and the more our community is aware of crimes the better chance we have of solving them," he said. "The department is very appreciative that this business has reached out to us and offered their assistance."Lamar, like other state outdoor billboard advertising companies, is tied into and able to participate with AMBER Alerts just like broadcast stations, Yarmark said.Lamar Digital Displays in Janesville are located at the Center Avenue Bridge, Milton Avenue at Holiday Drive, the Memorial Drive Bridge, West Court Street at Crosby Avenue, Highway 14 next to Dunham's Sports and Highway 14 north of where the highway splits with Highway 11.Lamar doesn't plan to put up any more digital billboards in the city at this time, Yarmark said.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Officials debate safety of flashy signs
By Mallory Panuska-Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT, WV
Drivers heading southbound on Route 250 may have recently noticed a new, flashy addition to the area’s skyline in an unincorporated territory between the boundary lines of Fairmont and White Hall.Known as a Light Emitting Diode (LED) billboard, this brightly colored digital sign displays advertisements for five local businesses in eight second intervals. And while the Department of Highways (DOH) considers this a positive advancement for the advertising industry, other officials have questioned the safety aspect of a flashing distraction along this busy stretch of road. “I would have some concerns about the issue,” said Fairmont City Planner Jay Rogers of the sign. “Drivers can be distracted by the messages. It is kind of compound, where it is located on that road.”And although Rogers said Fairmont’s code does not allow this type of signage within the city’s corporate limits, he said the area where it has been erected, just several feet from Muriale’s Restaurant and just before Wood’s Boathouse, is not considered part of the city.Similarly, the neighboring town of White Hall’s billboard ordinance, which is currently being tweaked to clear up its language for other purposes, also does not allow for this type of display within its boundary lines. “It would be a distraction for drivers. It would be more of a safety issue, especially on a busy stretch of road where there are quite a few accidents anyway,” said White Hall Mayor Jesse Corley of the reasons the town chose to ban this type of signage in its boundaries. In fact, at White Hall’s Monday council meeting, several officials brought up this newly erected sign and said they noticed it clearly while driving along the road recently. “It is eye catching,” said Councilwoman Beverly Owens of the sign. Additionally, Councilman Chad Corley said he almost pulled over off of the road to time how often the pictures changed on the billboard, and noticed other drivers slowing down as well. However, because the area in which this particular billboard stands is between the two corporate boundary lines of Fairmont and White Hall and County Planner Richard Walton said there is no ordinance banning these signs within the county, it is completely legal for this advertisement to be displayed at this location.And according to a representative of Lamar Outdoor Advertising, the company responsible for displaying the billboard, this particular advertisement has been flashing above Route 250 since July 16 with no reports of any accidents. But while Carolyn Ledsome, director of central communications in Marion County, confirmed this fact, she added that this section of Route 250 has been the site of a number of vehicle accidents in the past. The representative from Lamar added that there are similar billboards the company erected in both Clarksburg and Morgantown that have not returned any proof of larger volumes of car accidents, but declined to comment any further on the issue. In 2006, the DOH passed an ordinance allowing these types of signs in West Virginia in an effort to keep up with the advertising practices of other surrounding states, said Bill Light, DOH division chief for outdoor advertising.“(Advertisers in the industry) came and wanted more signage,” said Light. “They wanted the same playing field for advertising in the state of West Virginia that they had in Ohio and other states. So, we wrote the code change.”Introduced first in Wheeling, these types of signs, which carry a list of rules and regulations for safe and proper display, began popping up all over the state, including Beckley, Huntington, Clarksburg and Morgantown.Light added that if a car is driving at 60 or 70 mph by one of these signs, the driver will likely not even see it change. However, he said most of the signs are not displayed on interstate-type roads, but more on city and town roads where there are lower speed limits and more stoplights so the advertisers will receive more exposure.Where the billboard is on Route 250, the speed limit is 45 mph, and traffic is currently stop-and-go with the turn-off for Muriale’s and other roads and businesses within view.In spite of the criticism from some, Light said he has read studies on these LED billboards across the country that have proven they do not pose any harm to drivers, especially with the strict DOH regulations in place.“We put everything in that would relate to any issues or problems that the state would have,” said Light of the regulations. “We haven’t been advised of any major problems or issues that that type of (signage) has caused. It is a good move for the industry and the state of West Virginia.”Light added that the company keeps an eye on the reactions of the viewing public to these billboards for both safety and targeted response reasons with cameras attached to the displays. “Every time you drive by and look at one of those signs, they can see you on a computer watching the billboard,” he said. “There are cameras looking at the face of the billboard to make sure that what it’s supposed to be doing, it’s doing.”He said in the future, these types of signs may also be used for not only advertising, but public notification purposes.“(The advertising industry) does not want a dangerous distraction any more than the state does. They are merely trying to advertise a product for good of service,” said Light in defense of these signs. “With a year behind us, we have no knowledge of any wreck or any complaints of wrecks or any distractions at any of the billboard sites.”
FAIRMONT, WV
Drivers heading southbound on Route 250 may have recently noticed a new, flashy addition to the area’s skyline in an unincorporated territory between the boundary lines of Fairmont and White Hall.Known as a Light Emitting Diode (LED) billboard, this brightly colored digital sign displays advertisements for five local businesses in eight second intervals. And while the Department of Highways (DOH) considers this a positive advancement for the advertising industry, other officials have questioned the safety aspect of a flashing distraction along this busy stretch of road. “I would have some concerns about the issue,” said Fairmont City Planner Jay Rogers of the sign. “Drivers can be distracted by the messages. It is kind of compound, where it is located on that road.”And although Rogers said Fairmont’s code does not allow this type of signage within the city’s corporate limits, he said the area where it has been erected, just several feet from Muriale’s Restaurant and just before Wood’s Boathouse, is not considered part of the city.Similarly, the neighboring town of White Hall’s billboard ordinance, which is currently being tweaked to clear up its language for other purposes, also does not allow for this type of display within its boundary lines. “It would be a distraction for drivers. It would be more of a safety issue, especially on a busy stretch of road where there are quite a few accidents anyway,” said White Hall Mayor Jesse Corley of the reasons the town chose to ban this type of signage in its boundaries. In fact, at White Hall’s Monday council meeting, several officials brought up this newly erected sign and said they noticed it clearly while driving along the road recently. “It is eye catching,” said Councilwoman Beverly Owens of the sign. Additionally, Councilman Chad Corley said he almost pulled over off of the road to time how often the pictures changed on the billboard, and noticed other drivers slowing down as well. However, because the area in which this particular billboard stands is between the two corporate boundary lines of Fairmont and White Hall and County Planner Richard Walton said there is no ordinance banning these signs within the county, it is completely legal for this advertisement to be displayed at this location.And according to a representative of Lamar Outdoor Advertising, the company responsible for displaying the billboard, this particular advertisement has been flashing above Route 250 since July 16 with no reports of any accidents. But while Carolyn Ledsome, director of central communications in Marion County, confirmed this fact, she added that this section of Route 250 has been the site of a number of vehicle accidents in the past. The representative from Lamar added that there are similar billboards the company erected in both Clarksburg and Morgantown that have not returned any proof of larger volumes of car accidents, but declined to comment any further on the issue. In 2006, the DOH passed an ordinance allowing these types of signs in West Virginia in an effort to keep up with the advertising practices of other surrounding states, said Bill Light, DOH division chief for outdoor advertising.“(Advertisers in the industry) came and wanted more signage,” said Light. “They wanted the same playing field for advertising in the state of West Virginia that they had in Ohio and other states. So, we wrote the code change.”Introduced first in Wheeling, these types of signs, which carry a list of rules and regulations for safe and proper display, began popping up all over the state, including Beckley, Huntington, Clarksburg and Morgantown.Light added that if a car is driving at 60 or 70 mph by one of these signs, the driver will likely not even see it change. However, he said most of the signs are not displayed on interstate-type roads, but more on city and town roads where there are lower speed limits and more stoplights so the advertisers will receive more exposure.Where the billboard is on Route 250, the speed limit is 45 mph, and traffic is currently stop-and-go with the turn-off for Muriale’s and other roads and businesses within view.In spite of the criticism from some, Light said he has read studies on these LED billboards across the country that have proven they do not pose any harm to drivers, especially with the strict DOH regulations in place.“We put everything in that would relate to any issues or problems that the state would have,” said Light of the regulations. “We haven’t been advised of any major problems or issues that that type of (signage) has caused. It is a good move for the industry and the state of West Virginia.”Light added that the company keeps an eye on the reactions of the viewing public to these billboards for both safety and targeted response reasons with cameras attached to the displays. “Every time you drive by and look at one of those signs, they can see you on a computer watching the billboard,” he said. “There are cameras looking at the face of the billboard to make sure that what it’s supposed to be doing, it’s doing.”He said in the future, these types of signs may also be used for not only advertising, but public notification purposes.“(The advertising industry) does not want a dangerous distraction any more than the state does. They are merely trying to advertise a product for good of service,” said Light in defense of these signs. “With a year behind us, we have no knowledge of any wreck or any complaints of wrecks or any distractions at any of the billboard sites.”
Friday, July 20, 2007
School District loses revenue
Newport, KY
19 July
While other companies' electronic billboards are blazing away, Norton Outdoor Advertising has been working to build a regular, or "static" one on Newport school district property.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said it still violated the 50-foot set-back requirement.
"It's run into a bunch of bureaucratic red tape," said Michael Brandt, Newport superintendent.
He said the sign would have generated $660,000 over 15 years to the school district. But now, the process to get a sign, any sign, has started over.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet ruled that Norton could not build a LED billboard on the property because it violates state law. Norton and the school districts went back to the drawing board and decided on building a static billboard.
Norton is appealing the cabinet decision on the set-back issue.
"If that doesn't work, then we'll shop for other options," Brandt said.
Mike Norton, vice president of the Columbia Township-based company, said the decision is a burden on the school, the business and the region as a whole. But school would be hurt most.
"Our lease agreement provided for a great deal," Norton said. "They could pay a lot of bills."
Under the original electronic billboard agreement, the schools district would have received $44,000 per year for 15 years, plus 500 free advertisements on the board every day. The value of the free ads would bring the "value" of the deal for Newport schools to about $900,000.
But only $660,000 of it would be actual money, because the district wouldn't have spent that money on the ads had they not been free.
Brandt said missing out on those postings is a painful blow to a school district that could use a medium to show off its good side.
"To be able to show the better side of things, it would have been invaluable," he said.
Under the new agreement, for the one-sided static sign Norton is appealing, the money drops to $16,000 per year.
And no advertisements.
"It's very frustrating," Brandt said. "We're being penalized for trying to do things correctly."
There are two electronic billboards near the proposed site, both owned by Norton competitor Lamar Outdoor Advertising.
"Nobody seems to be able to make the exception, even though the exception is in plain view," Brandt said.
All the school district can do now is wait for Norton to exhaust its appeals, and after that, explore less favorable options. If the appeal fails, Brandt said they may look at placing the sign on a more intrusive location, that is, if Norton still wants to do the deal.
Norton said the electronic billboards are a step forward, but one that must be taken after going through the appropriate steps. "These signs would do nothing but help."
Source: The Cincinnati Post by Tom Demeropolis
19 July
While other companies' electronic billboards are blazing away, Norton Outdoor Advertising has been working to build a regular, or "static" one on Newport school district property.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said it still violated the 50-foot set-back requirement.
"It's run into a bunch of bureaucratic red tape," said Michael Brandt, Newport superintendent.
He said the sign would have generated $660,000 over 15 years to the school district. But now, the process to get a sign, any sign, has started over.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet ruled that Norton could not build a LED billboard on the property because it violates state law. Norton and the school districts went back to the drawing board and decided on building a static billboard.
Norton is appealing the cabinet decision on the set-back issue.
"If that doesn't work, then we'll shop for other options," Brandt said.
Mike Norton, vice president of the Columbia Township-based company, said the decision is a burden on the school, the business and the region as a whole. But school would be hurt most.
"Our lease agreement provided for a great deal," Norton said. "They could pay a lot of bills."
Under the original electronic billboard agreement, the schools district would have received $44,000 per year for 15 years, plus 500 free advertisements on the board every day. The value of the free ads would bring the "value" of the deal for Newport schools to about $900,000.
But only $660,000 of it would be actual money, because the district wouldn't have spent that money on the ads had they not been free.
Brandt said missing out on those postings is a painful blow to a school district that could use a medium to show off its good side.
"To be able to show the better side of things, it would have been invaluable," he said.
Under the new agreement, for the one-sided static sign Norton is appealing, the money drops to $16,000 per year.
And no advertisements.
"It's very frustrating," Brandt said. "We're being penalized for trying to do things correctly."
There are two electronic billboards near the proposed site, both owned by Norton competitor Lamar Outdoor Advertising.
"Nobody seems to be able to make the exception, even though the exception is in plain view," Brandt said.
All the school district can do now is wait for Norton to exhaust its appeals, and after that, explore less favorable options. If the appeal fails, Brandt said they may look at placing the sign on a more intrusive location, that is, if Norton still wants to do the deal.
Norton said the electronic billboards are a step forward, but one that must be taken after going through the appropriate steps. "These signs would do nothing but help."
Source: The Cincinnati Post by Tom Demeropolis
Starkville mayor uses veto power to stop billboard reconfiguration
STARKVILLE , MS
Starkville Mayor Dan Camp kept his veto pen handy Wednesday, and stopped the reconfiguration of a Lamar Advertising billboard on Highway 12 in the Green Oaks shopping center.
It was the second veto the mayor had issued that day. He first stopped - for the second time - the promotion of Starkville Fire Department Battalion Chief David Gaudin to fire chief.
The billboard in question sits on the Green Oaks Phase II shopping center development. An original site plan approved by the board slated it for removal.
“This is a violation of what the planning and zoning commission and the Board of Aldermen originally wanted,” said Camp, citing the original site plan removed the billboard.
“And besides, we're trying to have an attempt at beautifying out city, and I don't see how billboards work into that picture,” the mayor added.
The aldermen voted 4-3 Tuesday night to allow the amended site plan to move forward. Vice Mayor and Ward 6 Alderman Roy A. Perkins, Ward 4 Alderman Richard Corey and Ward 3 Alderman P.C. “Mac” McLaurin Jr. voted against allowing the sign.
In the original site plan, which the aldermen approved some months back, the billboard, which today has a 45 degree cantilevered center mast over Christy's Hamburger, was to be removed. However, last month the site plan came back before the Starkville Planning and Zoning Commission with a request to amend the approved site plan, this time reconfiguring the existing billboard. The commissioners halted, saying they were uncomfortable with the sign since it reflects a non-conforming use according to the city's sign ordinance, which states billboards cannot be closer than 2,640 feet to one another. Lamar has another billboard 500 feet away. And the commissioners tabled the matter for further study.
A month later, at last Tuesday's P&Z meeting, the commissioners heard consultation from board attorney Rodney Faver, who did not believe the sign was in violation, since Lamar has no intention of moving the base, only reconfiguring the sign to straighten the mast-pole and remove the catwalk and lighting. The amended site plan passed the P&Z commissioners 5-2.
“I didn't have any problem with it (the billboard) either way,” said Dan Moreland, owner of the Green Oaks shopping center. Moreland also collects rent on the sign.
“But it could stay up or come down, it didn't matter to me,” Moreland added. “At some point I washed my hands of it and handed it over to Lamar for them to deal with.”
The billboard veto issued Wednesday, was Camp's sixth since he took office two years ago.
Source: The Commercial Dispatch by Skip Descant
Starkville Mayor Dan Camp kept his veto pen handy Wednesday, and stopped the reconfiguration of a Lamar Advertising billboard on Highway 12 in the Green Oaks shopping center.
It was the second veto the mayor had issued that day. He first stopped - for the second time - the promotion of Starkville Fire Department Battalion Chief David Gaudin to fire chief.
The billboard in question sits on the Green Oaks Phase II shopping center development. An original site plan approved by the board slated it for removal.
“This is a violation of what the planning and zoning commission and the Board of Aldermen originally wanted,” said Camp, citing the original site plan removed the billboard.
“And besides, we're trying to have an attempt at beautifying out city, and I don't see how billboards work into that picture,” the mayor added.
The aldermen voted 4-3 Tuesday night to allow the amended site plan to move forward. Vice Mayor and Ward 6 Alderman Roy A. Perkins, Ward 4 Alderman Richard Corey and Ward 3 Alderman P.C. “Mac” McLaurin Jr. voted against allowing the sign.
In the original site plan, which the aldermen approved some months back, the billboard, which today has a 45 degree cantilevered center mast over Christy's Hamburger, was to be removed. However, last month the site plan came back before the Starkville Planning and Zoning Commission with a request to amend the approved site plan, this time reconfiguring the existing billboard. The commissioners halted, saying they were uncomfortable with the sign since it reflects a non-conforming use according to the city's sign ordinance, which states billboards cannot be closer than 2,640 feet to one another. Lamar has another billboard 500 feet away. And the commissioners tabled the matter for further study.
A month later, at last Tuesday's P&Z meeting, the commissioners heard consultation from board attorney Rodney Faver, who did not believe the sign was in violation, since Lamar has no intention of moving the base, only reconfiguring the sign to straighten the mast-pole and remove the catwalk and lighting. The amended site plan passed the P&Z commissioners 5-2.
“I didn't have any problem with it (the billboard) either way,” said Dan Moreland, owner of the Green Oaks shopping center. Moreland also collects rent on the sign.
“But it could stay up or come down, it didn't matter to me,” Moreland added. “At some point I washed my hands of it and handed it over to Lamar for them to deal with.”
The billboard veto issued Wednesday, was Camp's sixth since he took office two years ago.
Source: The Commercial Dispatch by Skip Descant
Banned highway billboards still lit
Cincinnati, Ohio
Electronic billboards reach thousands of tri-state drivers with lit-up advertisements every eight seconds.
And even though the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has said they are illegal, four signs in Northern Kentucky keep on lighting up.
"From our standpoint, they are not in compliance," said Doug Hogan, director of public affairs for the transportation cabinet. "We told them, take them down, turn them off until they can be reverted back to permitted configurations."
The electronic billboards in question are on Interstate 71/75 in Covington and I-471 in Newport. Three of the signs are owned by Lamar Outdoor Advertising. The other, near the 600 block of Pike Street in Covington, is owned by Lewisburg Enterprises. They are illegal along highways in Kentucky, but not Ohio, because they are considered too much of a distraction to drivers.
Local governments also are trying to figure out how to handle the illegal signs. Frank Warnock, Covington's city solicitor, said the city's code enforcement board held a five-hour meeting last week to determine what to do with Lamar's electronic billboard.
The code enforcement board regulates the city's nuisance codes and zoning violations.
Warnock said Lamar brought in a team of lawyers, the company's vice president and a witness to contest that the sign is not in any violation. The board decided it needed time to read through the information presented and come to a decision.
"Next Wednesday night they should render a decision," Warnock said.
Tom Fahey, vice president and general manager for Lamar in Cincinnati, said the company is working with the state of Kentucky on language that would clarify the law. He said the state is reviewing its regulations and considering updates to its codes to allow the LED billboards.
Warnock said many issues come into play on whether or not the signs should stay up.
"It's balancing commercial speech with local government's right to control signage," he said. "Constitutional issues come into play, nuisance laws come into play."
Along with Lamar, Covington's Code Enforcement Board sent Lewisburg a notice of violation for its electronic sign that went up in May. Warnock said a hearing has not been set up for that sign, but he expects it to come up at Wednesday's meeting.
Ohio allows the electronic billboards, but requires screen changes no quicker than every eight seconds, fade-in and fade-out, rather than jarring changes, and prohibits blinking light or scrolling text.
Hogan and Warnock said the signs present a safety issue.
"It's a safety issue as well as a regulatory enforcement-type issue," Hogan said.
"The signs are very bright, eye-catching and a lot of people don't like them," Warnock said.
Lamar and other outdoor advertisers including Cincinnati-based Norton Outdoor Advertising, have been trying to get Kentucky and other states to make the signs legal.
"To change the law, they would need to make it a legislative issue," Hogan said.
The regulations come from the legislative research commission or the general assembly. To change the regulations, it would have to come from one of those bodies.
There is no timeline for changing the current regulations, and Hogan said it would not be easy.
"It's an involved process," he said.
Source: The Cincinnati Post by Tom Demeropolis
Electronic billboards reach thousands of tri-state drivers with lit-up advertisements every eight seconds.
And even though the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has said they are illegal, four signs in Northern Kentucky keep on lighting up.
"From our standpoint, they are not in compliance," said Doug Hogan, director of public affairs for the transportation cabinet. "We told them, take them down, turn them off until they can be reverted back to permitted configurations."
The electronic billboards in question are on Interstate 71/75 in Covington and I-471 in Newport. Three of the signs are owned by Lamar Outdoor Advertising. The other, near the 600 block of Pike Street in Covington, is owned by Lewisburg Enterprises. They are illegal along highways in Kentucky, but not Ohio, because they are considered too much of a distraction to drivers.
Local governments also are trying to figure out how to handle the illegal signs. Frank Warnock, Covington's city solicitor, said the city's code enforcement board held a five-hour meeting last week to determine what to do with Lamar's electronic billboard.
The code enforcement board regulates the city's nuisance codes and zoning violations.
Warnock said Lamar brought in a team of lawyers, the company's vice president and a witness to contest that the sign is not in any violation. The board decided it needed time to read through the information presented and come to a decision.
"Next Wednesday night they should render a decision," Warnock said.
Tom Fahey, vice president and general manager for Lamar in Cincinnati, said the company is working with the state of Kentucky on language that would clarify the law. He said the state is reviewing its regulations and considering updates to its codes to allow the LED billboards.
Warnock said many issues come into play on whether or not the signs should stay up.
"It's balancing commercial speech with local government's right to control signage," he said. "Constitutional issues come into play, nuisance laws come into play."
Along with Lamar, Covington's Code Enforcement Board sent Lewisburg a notice of violation for its electronic sign that went up in May. Warnock said a hearing has not been set up for that sign, but he expects it to come up at Wednesday's meeting.
Ohio allows the electronic billboards, but requires screen changes no quicker than every eight seconds, fade-in and fade-out, rather than jarring changes, and prohibits blinking light or scrolling text.
Hogan and Warnock said the signs present a safety issue.
"It's a safety issue as well as a regulatory enforcement-type issue," Hogan said.
"The signs are very bright, eye-catching and a lot of people don't like them," Warnock said.
Lamar and other outdoor advertisers including Cincinnati-based Norton Outdoor Advertising, have been trying to get Kentucky and other states to make the signs legal.
"To change the law, they would need to make it a legislative issue," Hogan said.
The regulations come from the legislative research commission or the general assembly. To change the regulations, it would have to come from one of those bodies.
There is no timeline for changing the current regulations, and Hogan said it would not be easy.
"It's an involved process," he said.
Source: The Cincinnati Post by Tom Demeropolis
Moultonborough residents to decide on sign moratorium
Moultonborough, NH
19 July
Residents will decide on a special warrant article calling for a moratorium on electronic signs this weekend.The warrant article was generated by a petition signed by 98 residents and was presented to the Board of Selectmen. Because the article has no implications for the town budget, the selectmen had the authority to declare a special town meeting without having to petition the court. New electronic signs have appeared at several local businesses, including several real estate offices and Murphy's Mobil on Route 25. The signs can change lettering and display the time and temperature."Some people find that a disturbance and that it's not keeping with the charm if the town," said Town Administrator Chuck Connell.The article calls for a moratorium on electronic signs until the planning board can meet and decide on a change to the ordinance."Right now, if you submit an application, it meets the provisions of the zoning ordinance, the selectmen can't pick and choose," Connell said.If the article passes, it would "stall any more approvals until it is acted on," which will likely happen at town meeting in 2008.Article 5, Section D of the town zoning ordinance prohibits signs that are "intermittently illuminated" or of a "traveling light type, animated, or flashing" except if the illumination shows the time and temperatures.The amended sign ordinance would prohibit signs with any fixed, video, electronic, floating, or moving text and images created by lights, LEDs, diodes, holographs, liquid crystal, fiber optics, and hologram display. The only signs that would be exempt from the ordinance are signs meant for traffic use.Connell said the issue was initially raised in January, too late for inclusion on the 2007 town warrant. In June, the petition with 98 signatures was presented to the selectmen who authorized a special town meeting.Shortly before Moultonborough's petition was turned in, Meredith announced it would hold a special vote on whether to ban electronic signs. The Meredith decision was prompted by resident concerned about a few new electronic signs appearing in town, as well as a court ruling against Concord's ordinance, allowing the time and temperature as the only electronic messages permitted on signs.The special town meeting will decide on the article and serve as an informational town meeting, especially for summer residents. An informational town meeting was first held in 2006 and will take place again this year with discussion of several topics, including a presentation on the Official Ballot Act, commonly known as SB2.The informational town meeting will take place this Saturday at 9 a.m., with the summer informational meeting being held during the first half. The warrant article will be discussed starting at 10:30 a.m.There will be a public hearing on the article today at 7:15 p.m.
Source: The Citizen of Laconia
By ERIN PLUMMER
19 July
Residents will decide on a special warrant article calling for a moratorium on electronic signs this weekend.The warrant article was generated by a petition signed by 98 residents and was presented to the Board of Selectmen. Because the article has no implications for the town budget, the selectmen had the authority to declare a special town meeting without having to petition the court. New electronic signs have appeared at several local businesses, including several real estate offices and Murphy's Mobil on Route 25. The signs can change lettering and display the time and temperature."Some people find that a disturbance and that it's not keeping with the charm if the town," said Town Administrator Chuck Connell.The article calls for a moratorium on electronic signs until the planning board can meet and decide on a change to the ordinance."Right now, if you submit an application, it meets the provisions of the zoning ordinance, the selectmen can't pick and choose," Connell said.If the article passes, it would "stall any more approvals until it is acted on," which will likely happen at town meeting in 2008.Article 5, Section D of the town zoning ordinance prohibits signs that are "intermittently illuminated" or of a "traveling light type, animated, or flashing" except if the illumination shows the time and temperatures.The amended sign ordinance would prohibit signs with any fixed, video, electronic, floating, or moving text and images created by lights, LEDs, diodes, holographs, liquid crystal, fiber optics, and hologram display. The only signs that would be exempt from the ordinance are signs meant for traffic use.Connell said the issue was initially raised in January, too late for inclusion on the 2007 town warrant. In June, the petition with 98 signatures was presented to the selectmen who authorized a special town meeting.Shortly before Moultonborough's petition was turned in, Meredith announced it would hold a special vote on whether to ban electronic signs. The Meredith decision was prompted by resident concerned about a few new electronic signs appearing in town, as well as a court ruling against Concord's ordinance, allowing the time and temperature as the only electronic messages permitted on signs.The special town meeting will decide on the article and serve as an informational town meeting, especially for summer residents. An informational town meeting was first held in 2006 and will take place again this year with discussion of several topics, including a presentation on the Official Ballot Act, commonly known as SB2.The informational town meeting will take place this Saturday at 9 a.m., with the summer informational meeting being held during the first half. The warrant article will be discussed starting at 10:30 a.m.There will be a public hearing on the article today at 7:15 p.m.
Source: The Citizen of Laconia
By ERIN PLUMMER
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Will Clear Channel buyout change Digital Billboard rollout
July 17, 2007
Clear Channel shareholders will vote on July 27 to consider the latest offer from a private equity group led by Bain Capital Partners and Thomas H. Lee Partners. Their offer of almost $19.5 billion is $39.20 per share.
It will be interesting to see if this deal affects their digital billboard expansion. generally the debt load on buyouts like this prevents or greatly reduces capital expenditures.
Clear Channel shareholders will vote on July 27 to consider the latest offer from a private equity group led by Bain Capital Partners and Thomas H. Lee Partners. Their offer of almost $19.5 billion is $39.20 per share.
It will be interesting to see if this deal affects their digital billboard expansion. generally the debt load on buyouts like this prevents or greatly reduces capital expenditures.
Charlotte Council skeptical on varying billboards
Tue, Jul. 17, 2007
Proposed changes to the city's billboard ordinance fueled debate among Charlotte City Council members during a public hearing Monday night.
The changes, which are backed by the billboard industry, would restrict the size, height and location of electronic billboards to interstates in industrial areas. The proposal also increases the space required between the "tri-vision" billboards, which have slats that flip ads, and electronic billboards, which are like flat-screen televisions.
But it was the frequency of ads changing and concern over driver distraction that generated the most discussion. A key issue is that the proposal would allow the signs to change once every eight seconds.
In 2005, the two largest billboard companies in the area asked for changes to the city's billboard ordinance to address the new digital technology in the sign industry. Planners then formed a group of residents, business owners and billboard companies to suggest ordinance changes.
Billboards along highways are governed by state law but also by the city's ordinance, which isn't as lenient. The city's rules are supposed to take precedence.
But under state rules, electronic billboards can switch ads once every eight seconds, while the city's rules say they can only switch once every 24 hours. During Monday's presentation, planners showed a number of electronic billboards that violate the city's ordinance.
"So they (the billboard companies) are asking us to legalize what they're already doing illegally?" Councilman Michael Barnes said.
A lawyer for Adams argued that the city's ordinance doesn't specify rules for the electronic signs changing. Those rules are only city policy, which is different.
Council members also said they were concerned about electronic signs creating driver distraction and clutter.
"We're not going to eliminate clutter, we're going to add to it?" Councilman Andy Dulin asked.
Electronic-sign backers say studies have shown there is no correlation between electronic billboards and accidents, said Bailie Morlidge, a real-estate manager for Adams Outdoor Advertising.
William Keenan said he doesn't buy it.
A resident member of the planning group, Keenan argued that the group started out balanced but, after some people dropped out, it was heavy on billboard representatives.
He urged the council to study the issue further before voting on the proposal. The proposal will be on the council's agenda in August.
"Think of drivers already distracted by their cell phones, " he said. "... Consider the impact if the next ad is J.Lo in a bikini. It has to be a distraction."
Source: Charlotte Observer by VICTORIA CHERRIE
Proposed changes to the city's billboard ordinance fueled debate among Charlotte City Council members during a public hearing Monday night.
The changes, which are backed by the billboard industry, would restrict the size, height and location of electronic billboards to interstates in industrial areas. The proposal also increases the space required between the "tri-vision" billboards, which have slats that flip ads, and electronic billboards, which are like flat-screen televisions.
But it was the frequency of ads changing and concern over driver distraction that generated the most discussion. A key issue is that the proposal would allow the signs to change once every eight seconds.
In 2005, the two largest billboard companies in the area asked for changes to the city's billboard ordinance to address the new digital technology in the sign industry. Planners then formed a group of residents, business owners and billboard companies to suggest ordinance changes.
Billboards along highways are governed by state law but also by the city's ordinance, which isn't as lenient. The city's rules are supposed to take precedence.
But under state rules, electronic billboards can switch ads once every eight seconds, while the city's rules say they can only switch once every 24 hours. During Monday's presentation, planners showed a number of electronic billboards that violate the city's ordinance.
"So they (the billboard companies) are asking us to legalize what they're already doing illegally?" Councilman Michael Barnes said.
A lawyer for Adams argued that the city's ordinance doesn't specify rules for the electronic signs changing. Those rules are only city policy, which is different.
Council members also said they were concerned about electronic signs creating driver distraction and clutter.
"We're not going to eliminate clutter, we're going to add to it?" Councilman Andy Dulin asked.
Electronic-sign backers say studies have shown there is no correlation between electronic billboards and accidents, said Bailie Morlidge, a real-estate manager for Adams Outdoor Advertising.
William Keenan said he doesn't buy it.
A resident member of the planning group, Keenan argued that the group started out balanced but, after some people dropped out, it was heavy on billboard representatives.
He urged the council to study the issue further before voting on the proposal. The proposal will be on the council's agenda in August.
"Think of drivers already distracted by their cell phones, " he said. "... Consider the impact if the next ad is J.Lo in a bikini. It has to be a distraction."
Source: Charlotte Observer by VICTORIA CHERRIE
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Charlotte's N.C. plan would alter billboard rules
July 15 2007
The Charlotte City Council will consider changes to the city's billboard rules after a public hearing Monday.
The proposed changes would allow electronic billboards to switch ads more frequently but would restrict their size, height and location.
Some council members are already riled up about the proposal. They are worried that the current ordinance hasn't been enforced, and that electronic billboards would create clutter and distractions.
"It's too much like Vegas," council member Warren Turner said. "We have enough distractions with people talking on the phone all the time."
There are about 450 billboards in Charlotte, and not all are in compliance with the city's ordinance.
"We've always followed state guidelines," said Bailie Morlidge, a real estate manager for Adams Outdoor Advertising.
Those along highways require state permits, but they also are governed by the city's rules, which aren't as lenient.
For example, the electronic billboards, which look like flat-screen televisions, and the "tri-vision" billboards with slats that flip ads are legal in the city. But under the city's ordinance they are supposed to change ads no more than once every 24 hours. Often they change once every eight seconds, which state law allows, officials said.
There are only a few flat-screen billboards in the city now, said Keith McVean, a Charlotte program zoning manager. Those and tri-vision boards violating the ordinance have been given a violation notice or cited, he said. But zoning administrator Gary Huss couldn't say who received citations or how many. Companies often appeal, which stalls the process, he said. Morlidge said his company, which was cited for its sign, learned it violated the city's ordinance when they started discussing the proposed changes.
Huss acknowledged that the current ordinance has not been consistently enforced.
"I don't have an answer for why," Huss said.
Council member Anthony Foxx said, "This needs to be addressed, whether we change the ordinance or not."
Proposed changes
Adams Outdoor Advertising and Lamar Outdoor Advertising, the two largest billboard companies in the area, sought the ordinance changes in 2005. Planners formed a group of about 35 stakeholders to propose changes.The proposal would allow the electronic and tri-vision billboards to change ads once every eight seconds but would restrict them to industrial zoning along interstates. The changes also limit the height and require more space between billboards.
Charlotte changed its billboard ordinance in 1988 but exempted many existing billboards. If a company wants to put up a new electronic or tri-vision billboard near a billboard that had been grandfathered, it must bring that board into compliance or remove it, McVean said.
Electronic billboards are the future of the industry. Companies are able to promote between four and eight advertisers at a time, officials said. If the changes are approved, Morlidge said, Adams Outdoor would probably increase the number of electronic billboards it has in the city to 12. The company now has one.
Other cities' approaches
"I find the whole medium an invasion, assaulting," said Van Kornegay, a professor of visual communications at the University of South Carolina. "It's ambush advertising."
Columbia officials recently passed a rule that allows companies to put up electronic billboards if they take down old ones. Vornegay, a member of the S.C. Scenic Byway Committee, said Columbia compromised.
"Whenever you come up with these sorts of compromises the industry finds a way to get more up," he said. "The clearest and most effective way to handle (billboards) is to ban them."
Virginia Beach, Va., banned billboards completely in 1986. Since then, billboard companies have been challenging the city's ordinance to allow the new technology, but have lost in court, said Kevin Hershberger, a Virginia Beach zoning inspector.
In Charlotte, council members are most concerned about how the electronic billboards look and how they could affect drivers. Turner and council member Nancy Carter said the flat-screen billboards are distracting.
But a recent study by Virginia Tech's Transportation Institute shows that billboards do not measurably affect driving performance.
"Part of the issue with distractions is your eyes being taken off the road," said Rob Foss of the UNC Highway Safety Research Center. "With billboards, you can at least have peripheral vision on the road."
By allowing the changes to the ordinance, the city could end up with fewer, more effective billboards, council member John Lassiter said.
"We don't prevent people from eating a sausage biscuit, drinking coffee, putting on lipstick and talking on a cell phone, all of which are more distracting than a moveable billboard," he said. "There's a role for outdoor advertising."Plan would alter billboard rules
Source : Charlotte Observer by VICTORIA CHERRIE
Interstate 77 Billboard http://www.charlotteobserver.com/images/video/billboard_77/
The Charlotte City Council will consider changes to the city's billboard rules after a public hearing Monday.
The proposed changes would allow electronic billboards to switch ads more frequently but would restrict their size, height and location.
Some council members are already riled up about the proposal. They are worried that the current ordinance hasn't been enforced, and that electronic billboards would create clutter and distractions.
"It's too much like Vegas," council member Warren Turner said. "We have enough distractions with people talking on the phone all the time."
There are about 450 billboards in Charlotte, and not all are in compliance with the city's ordinance.
"We've always followed state guidelines," said Bailie Morlidge, a real estate manager for Adams Outdoor Advertising.
Those along highways require state permits, but they also are governed by the city's rules, which aren't as lenient.
For example, the electronic billboards, which look like flat-screen televisions, and the "tri-vision" billboards with slats that flip ads are legal in the city. But under the city's ordinance they are supposed to change ads no more than once every 24 hours. Often they change once every eight seconds, which state law allows, officials said.
There are only a few flat-screen billboards in the city now, said Keith McVean, a Charlotte program zoning manager. Those and tri-vision boards violating the ordinance have been given a violation notice or cited, he said. But zoning administrator Gary Huss couldn't say who received citations or how many. Companies often appeal, which stalls the process, he said. Morlidge said his company, which was cited for its sign, learned it violated the city's ordinance when they started discussing the proposed changes.
Huss acknowledged that the current ordinance has not been consistently enforced.
"I don't have an answer for why," Huss said.
Council member Anthony Foxx said, "This needs to be addressed, whether we change the ordinance or not."
Proposed changes
Adams Outdoor Advertising and Lamar Outdoor Advertising, the two largest billboard companies in the area, sought the ordinance changes in 2005. Planners formed a group of about 35 stakeholders to propose changes.The proposal would allow the electronic and tri-vision billboards to change ads once every eight seconds but would restrict them to industrial zoning along interstates. The changes also limit the height and require more space between billboards.
Charlotte changed its billboard ordinance in 1988 but exempted many existing billboards. If a company wants to put up a new electronic or tri-vision billboard near a billboard that had been grandfathered, it must bring that board into compliance or remove it, McVean said.
Electronic billboards are the future of the industry. Companies are able to promote between four and eight advertisers at a time, officials said. If the changes are approved, Morlidge said, Adams Outdoor would probably increase the number of electronic billboards it has in the city to 12. The company now has one.
Other cities' approaches
"I find the whole medium an invasion, assaulting," said Van Kornegay, a professor of visual communications at the University of South Carolina. "It's ambush advertising."
Columbia officials recently passed a rule that allows companies to put up electronic billboards if they take down old ones. Vornegay, a member of the S.C. Scenic Byway Committee, said Columbia compromised.
"Whenever you come up with these sorts of compromises the industry finds a way to get more up," he said. "The clearest and most effective way to handle (billboards) is to ban them."
Virginia Beach, Va., banned billboards completely in 1986. Since then, billboard companies have been challenging the city's ordinance to allow the new technology, but have lost in court, said Kevin Hershberger, a Virginia Beach zoning inspector.
In Charlotte, council members are most concerned about how the electronic billboards look and how they could affect drivers. Turner and council member Nancy Carter said the flat-screen billboards are distracting.
But a recent study by Virginia Tech's Transportation Institute shows that billboards do not measurably affect driving performance.
"Part of the issue with distractions is your eyes being taken off the road," said Rob Foss of the UNC Highway Safety Research Center. "With billboards, you can at least have peripheral vision on the road."
By allowing the changes to the ordinance, the city could end up with fewer, more effective billboards, council member John Lassiter said.
"We don't prevent people from eating a sausage biscuit, drinking coffee, putting on lipstick and talking on a cell phone, all of which are more distracting than a moveable billboard," he said. "There's a role for outdoor advertising."Plan would alter billboard rules
Source : Charlotte Observer by VICTORIA CHERRIE
Interstate 77 Billboard http://www.charlotteobserver.com/images/video/billboard_77/
Friday, July 13, 2007
Craven commissioners adopt billboard restrictions
July 12, 2007
New Bern, North Carolina
Craven Commissioners passed an ordinance regulating off-premise signs Thursday, an ordinance outdoor advertisers said spells the ultimate end of billboards in the county. The ordinance became effective with passage. It ends a moratorium on new billboards in effect since Feb. 19, but industry spokesmen said following the meeting that they were disappointed. “The whole purpose of this was supposed to be curtailing the proliferation of billboards,” said Mark O’Dell, vice president of Lamar Advertising. “It morphed into a virtual elimination of billboards. It’s not going to happen in five to 10 years but it will eventually.” “I don’t think they understand the significance of what they’ve done,” said Mark Russell of NextMedia Outdoor Inc., who said the ordinance fails to protect the assets here which are used by local business and generate business and tax revenue. Planning Director Don Baumgardner said the ordinance is not intended to ban billboards. But it has some of the most restrictive rules spacing between new billboards of any in the 46 states which allow them at all. There will have to be 2,500 feet, almost a half mile, between signs. Maine, Vermont, Hawaii and Alaska prohibit billboards. Baumgardner said, however, that 71 of the 100 billboards in Craven County do not conform to the new ordinance. If those signs are damaged, the ordinance prevents them from being repaired if repair costs are more than 50 percent of the sign’s total value. A GPS reading done by county planning staff shows the spacing requirement will prevent additional new signs on the U.S. 70 East corridor, Baumgardner said. Recent proliferation of signs on that corridor is what prompted county officials to consider a billboard ordinance. The ommissioners decided not to ban electronic billboards with changeable copy and non-moving pictures after reviewing a study released by Virginia Tech July 10 provided by outdoor advertisers. It supports thinking that such signs are not driving hazards. The ordinance does ban animated signs and billboards on top of buildings. It allows signs up to 40 feet above the crown of the highway and at least 20 feet from the right-of-way. The signs can be as large as 378 square feet and have an extension of as much as 10 percent, so long as they are at least 200 feet from the radius of a schools, parks forests and bridges. The ordinance is available at planning board and county manager offices.
Source: Sun Journal- by Sue Book
New Bern, North Carolina
Craven Commissioners passed an ordinance regulating off-premise signs Thursday, an ordinance outdoor advertisers said spells the ultimate end of billboards in the county. The ordinance became effective with passage. It ends a moratorium on new billboards in effect since Feb. 19, but industry spokesmen said following the meeting that they were disappointed. “The whole purpose of this was supposed to be curtailing the proliferation of billboards,” said Mark O’Dell, vice president of Lamar Advertising. “It morphed into a virtual elimination of billboards. It’s not going to happen in five to 10 years but it will eventually.” “I don’t think they understand the significance of what they’ve done,” said Mark Russell of NextMedia Outdoor Inc., who said the ordinance fails to protect the assets here which are used by local business and generate business and tax revenue. Planning Director Don Baumgardner said the ordinance is not intended to ban billboards. But it has some of the most restrictive rules spacing between new billboards of any in the 46 states which allow them at all. There will have to be 2,500 feet, almost a half mile, between signs. Maine, Vermont, Hawaii and Alaska prohibit billboards. Baumgardner said, however, that 71 of the 100 billboards in Craven County do not conform to the new ordinance. If those signs are damaged, the ordinance prevents them from being repaired if repair costs are more than 50 percent of the sign’s total value. A GPS reading done by county planning staff shows the spacing requirement will prevent additional new signs on the U.S. 70 East corridor, Baumgardner said. Recent proliferation of signs on that corridor is what prompted county officials to consider a billboard ordinance. The ommissioners decided not to ban electronic billboards with changeable copy and non-moving pictures after reviewing a study released by Virginia Tech July 10 provided by outdoor advertisers. It supports thinking that such signs are not driving hazards. The ordinance does ban animated signs and billboards on top of buildings. It allows signs up to 40 feet above the crown of the highway and at least 20 feet from the right-of-way. The signs can be as large as 378 square feet and have an extension of as much as 10 percent, so long as they are at least 200 feet from the radius of a schools, parks forests and bridges. The ordinance is available at planning board and county manager offices.
Source: Sun Journal- by Sue Book
Thursday, July 12, 2007
California puts electronic billboard bill on hold
Sacramento, California
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Legislation that would make it easier for billboard companies to erect large digital advertising displays along highways -- such as one near the Bay Bridge toll plaza that sparked complaints -- will be held until next year, its sponsor said Tuesday.
Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, D-San Francisco, author of the bill, AB830, decided to pull it Tuesday from the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee to hear the concerns of some critics, her chief of staff, Bill Barnes, said.
"We plan to have a stakeholder meeting to discuss (possible changes)," he said.
The bill has been a thorny one for Ma because the billboard near the Bay Bridge in Oakland has resulted in a flood of driver complaints to Caltrans. The sign, owned by CBS Outdoor, reportedly could be seen at night as far as the Oakland hills and across the bay in San Francisco.
Ma's bill would make it easier for companies to install such signs by removing existing restrictions that prohibit turning billboards into digital displays on landscaped highways. She has argued that it's time to take advantage of new technology that includes making the new signs available for emergency announcements such as Amber Alerts.
The bill had passed the state Assembly in a 60-6 vote. Four of the "no" votes came from Bay Area Assembly members -- Loni Hancock, D-Berkeley; Mark Leno, D-San Francisco; Gene Mullin, D-South San Francisco; and Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael.
Friday is the deadline for policy committees in both houses of the Legislature to pass all bills, and Ma wanted to take more time to consider potential amendments, Barnes said.
One potential change in the bill would require billboard companies to connect their new digital signs to the state's emergency announcement systems, Barnes said.
Other possible amendments include giving the California Highway Patrol greater authority to determine whether the signs bother motorists, and the Sierra Club's suggestion that billboard companies be required to use solar power to light the signs, he said.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle by Matthew Yi
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Legislation that would make it easier for billboard companies to erect large digital advertising displays along highways -- such as one near the Bay Bridge toll plaza that sparked complaints -- will be held until next year, its sponsor said Tuesday.
Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, D-San Francisco, author of the bill, AB830, decided to pull it Tuesday from the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee to hear the concerns of some critics, her chief of staff, Bill Barnes, said.
"We plan to have a stakeholder meeting to discuss (possible changes)," he said.
The bill has been a thorny one for Ma because the billboard near the Bay Bridge in Oakland has resulted in a flood of driver complaints to Caltrans. The sign, owned by CBS Outdoor, reportedly could be seen at night as far as the Oakland hills and across the bay in San Francisco.
Ma's bill would make it easier for companies to install such signs by removing existing restrictions that prohibit turning billboards into digital displays on landscaped highways. She has argued that it's time to take advantage of new technology that includes making the new signs available for emergency announcements such as Amber Alerts.
The bill had passed the state Assembly in a 60-6 vote. Four of the "no" votes came from Bay Area Assembly members -- Loni Hancock, D-Berkeley; Mark Leno, D-San Francisco; Gene Mullin, D-South San Francisco; and Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael.
Friday is the deadline for policy committees in both houses of the Legislature to pass all bills, and Ma wanted to take more time to consider potential amendments, Barnes said.
One potential change in the bill would require billboard companies to connect their new digital signs to the state's emergency announcement systems, Barnes said.
Other possible amendments include giving the California Highway Patrol greater authority to determine whether the signs bother motorists, and the Sierra Club's suggestion that billboard companies be required to use solar power to light the signs, he said.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle by Matthew Yi
Monday, July 9, 2007
Proposal: One billboard now, one later for Stuart
July 6, 2007
STUART — An advertising company is willing to wait two years to build one of two proposed electronic billboards if the city gives the firm permission to erect the other one now.
Lamar Advertising Co. has offered to delay construction of a sign slated for the southern part of the city, according to a report sent to city commissioners. Meanwhile, the proposed agreement would give the company the permission it has sought to begin erecting the other sign on private property just north of the Roosevelt Bridge.
Under the terms of the proposal, Lamar would choose seven of its existing traditional billboards to tear down within 90 days of the electronic sign's installation. It would clear the other six after the second sign goes up in two years.
In a June 2006 settlement agreement, Lamar agreed to take down all 13 standard billboards in exchange for permission to build the two electronic signs.
City Attorney Paul Nicoletti said the two-year delay for the southern sign would give the city and Lamar time to find a more suitable location for it. The City Commission did not like Lamar's plan to put the sign at the intersection of Kanner Highway and Monterey Road.
The proposal would also give the city 6,000 eight-second spots per month for public service announcements on the proposed billboard near the Roosevelt Bridge.
"It's half a loaf as far as Lamar is concerned, but hopefully, they still find it better than nothing," Nicoletti said. "The city's side of it is it's half of what we intended to obtain out of it immediately as far as getting the signs down."
The City Commission voted 3-2 in April to lease public land for the new signs to Lamar for $1.7 million over 20 years and the ability to post Amber alerts and hurricane warnings.
The commission reconsidered that decision at a June 11 meeting, telling the company it would like to renegotiate the settlement and keep the traditional signs.
In a letter sent two days later to Nicoletti, an attorney representing Lamar said the company intended to stick to the settlement. He added that Lamar expected the city to approve a permit application submitted in May for a digital billboard on private property near the intersection of Wright Boulevard and U.S. 1.
Source: TC Palm News, By JEREMY ASHTON
STUART — An advertising company is willing to wait two years to build one of two proposed electronic billboards if the city gives the firm permission to erect the other one now.
Lamar Advertising Co. has offered to delay construction of a sign slated for the southern part of the city, according to a report sent to city commissioners. Meanwhile, the proposed agreement would give the company the permission it has sought to begin erecting the other sign on private property just north of the Roosevelt Bridge.
Under the terms of the proposal, Lamar would choose seven of its existing traditional billboards to tear down within 90 days of the electronic sign's installation. It would clear the other six after the second sign goes up in two years.
In a June 2006 settlement agreement, Lamar agreed to take down all 13 standard billboards in exchange for permission to build the two electronic signs.
City Attorney Paul Nicoletti said the two-year delay for the southern sign would give the city and Lamar time to find a more suitable location for it. The City Commission did not like Lamar's plan to put the sign at the intersection of Kanner Highway and Monterey Road.
The proposal would also give the city 6,000 eight-second spots per month for public service announcements on the proposed billboard near the Roosevelt Bridge.
"It's half a loaf as far as Lamar is concerned, but hopefully, they still find it better than nothing," Nicoletti said. "The city's side of it is it's half of what we intended to obtain out of it immediately as far as getting the signs down."
The City Commission voted 3-2 in April to lease public land for the new signs to Lamar for $1.7 million over 20 years and the ability to post Amber alerts and hurricane warnings.
The commission reconsidered that decision at a June 11 meeting, telling the company it would like to renegotiate the settlement and keep the traditional signs.
In a letter sent two days later to Nicoletti, an attorney representing Lamar said the company intended to stick to the settlement. He added that Lamar expected the city to approve a permit application submitted in May for a digital billboard on private property near the intersection of Wright Boulevard and U.S. 1.
Source: TC Palm News, By JEREMY ASHTON
Meredith / Moultonboro towns may restrict electronic signs
One eyes moratorium; other to vote on ban
By WALTER ALARKON
Jul 6, 2007
Two Lakes Region towns will vote this month on whether to restrict electronic business signs.
In Meredith, the planning board has proposed a ban on electronic signs, even ones that give just the time and temperature.
In Moultonboro, more than 100 residents, turned off by the colored display of a real estate company, have petitioned for a moratorium on new electronic signs until March, when they hope to pass a permanent measure at town meeting.
Meredith residents will vote July 31 and Moultonboro's will vote July 21.
John Edgar, Meredith's community development director, said a ban would prevent sign clutter in the lakeside town. "We're a resort community," he said. "We have very historic and scenic approaches to the town. . . . There's a consensus that this manner of signage wouldn't be appropriate."
Like Concord's sign ordinance, which passed in August, Meredith's ban would prohibit any new electronic signs.
The town's zoning regulations allow signs with electronic displays of time and temperature. Dover, Exeter and Conway also have electronic sign regulations banning flashing digital displays.
Meredith's proposed ban would allow two signs to remain: one at the Meredith Car Wash and another at the Meredith Village Savings Bank, whose display gives the time, temperature and a short message. The bank is allowed to change the message once per day.
Even if the ban goes through, a sign at a third business could join those at the car wash and bank; Paugus Bay Marina received a permit for an electronic sign before the proposal, Edgar said.
Several residents at a public hearing in May supported the measure. They said it would help preserve the view along Lake Winnipesaukee and thereby protect local businesses, which rely on tourism.
At least one resident thought the ban would hurt businesses. Phil McGowan said stores often benefit from signs, which encourage drivers on busy roads such as Route 3 to stop and come inside.
"We need to help these people survive and stay in business and not be doing whatever we can to put them out of business," McGowan said.
Residents of Moultonboro, a town smaller and more rural than Meredith, said they're worried about the effect of signs similar to those at car dealerships in Tilton and at real estate companies in Manchester.
"When you're trying to sell rural New Hampshire and make it look like a Vegas strip, I think it's an oxymoron," said Mary Ann McRae, a Moultonboro resident for 11 years.
McRae started the petition calling for a moratorium on new signs after Century 21 installed a display showing color images of properties.
She said such signs could hurt, not help, local businesses.
The moratorium will not affect the town's six signs now in place, including Century 21's.
Although McRae supports a ban, she was concerned that few people would discuss the matter before voting this month. She hopes residents pass a permanent ban once the community has had enough time to consider all factors.
Bob Clark, a real estate agent on a Moultonboro committee considering the electronic signs, said he isn't sure a ban is the best solution.
Clark, whose company, Roche Realty, does not have such a sign, said he has few concerns about simple electronic displays that don't flash, scroll or show colors.
"If you're going to allow business, you have to allow them to certainly advertise there," he said.
Source: Concord Monitor
By WALTER ALARKON
Jul 6, 2007
Two Lakes Region towns will vote this month on whether to restrict electronic business signs.
In Meredith, the planning board has proposed a ban on electronic signs, even ones that give just the time and temperature.
In Moultonboro, more than 100 residents, turned off by the colored display of a real estate company, have petitioned for a moratorium on new electronic signs until March, when they hope to pass a permanent measure at town meeting.
Meredith residents will vote July 31 and Moultonboro's will vote July 21.
John Edgar, Meredith's community development director, said a ban would prevent sign clutter in the lakeside town. "We're a resort community," he said. "We have very historic and scenic approaches to the town. . . . There's a consensus that this manner of signage wouldn't be appropriate."
Like Concord's sign ordinance, which passed in August, Meredith's ban would prohibit any new electronic signs.
The town's zoning regulations allow signs with electronic displays of time and temperature. Dover, Exeter and Conway also have electronic sign regulations banning flashing digital displays.
Meredith's proposed ban would allow two signs to remain: one at the Meredith Car Wash and another at the Meredith Village Savings Bank, whose display gives the time, temperature and a short message. The bank is allowed to change the message once per day.
Even if the ban goes through, a sign at a third business could join those at the car wash and bank; Paugus Bay Marina received a permit for an electronic sign before the proposal, Edgar said.
Several residents at a public hearing in May supported the measure. They said it would help preserve the view along Lake Winnipesaukee and thereby protect local businesses, which rely on tourism.
At least one resident thought the ban would hurt businesses. Phil McGowan said stores often benefit from signs, which encourage drivers on busy roads such as Route 3 to stop and come inside.
"We need to help these people survive and stay in business and not be doing whatever we can to put them out of business," McGowan said.
Residents of Moultonboro, a town smaller and more rural than Meredith, said they're worried about the effect of signs similar to those at car dealerships in Tilton and at real estate companies in Manchester.
"When you're trying to sell rural New Hampshire and make it look like a Vegas strip, I think it's an oxymoron," said Mary Ann McRae, a Moultonboro resident for 11 years.
McRae started the petition calling for a moratorium on new signs after Century 21 installed a display showing color images of properties.
She said such signs could hurt, not help, local businesses.
The moratorium will not affect the town's six signs now in place, including Century 21's.
Although McRae supports a ban, she was concerned that few people would discuss the matter before voting this month. She hopes residents pass a permanent ban once the community has had enough time to consider all factors.
Bob Clark, a real estate agent on a Moultonboro committee considering the electronic signs, said he isn't sure a ban is the best solution.
Clark, whose company, Roche Realty, does not have such a sign, said he has few concerns about simple electronic displays that don't flash, scroll or show colors.
"If you're going to allow business, you have to allow them to certainly advertise there," he said.
Source: Concord Monitor
CN Tower no Billboard
Toronto's CN Tower gets lit up
The CN Tower has dominated Toronto's skyline during daylight hours since it opened 31 years ago; at 1,815 feet, this communications spire is the world's tallest freestanding structure. But at night, the dimly lit giant faded nearly to black. Not anymore. Last week, 1,330 LED fixtures created by Color Kinetics were illuminated for the first time in a dazzling light show.
The programmable mix of 16.7 million colors can be changed to commemorate national holidays and other special events. They can also "simulate a clock which will mark the hours by certain colors, but we won't turn it into a billboard," says Gordon McIvor, a vice-president with Canada Lands Company, which owns the CN Tower. He adds that each LED fixture, roughly the size of a shoebox, uses less than 20 percent of the energy required to light a conventional color changing fixture; overall, the newly lit tower will consume 60 percent less electricity than the old scheme.
Energy efficiency isn't the only benefit to the tower's new LED fixtures. McIvor says that, on a clear night, residents of Rochester, New Yorksome 100 miles distantwill be able to spot the illuminated tower. And that's exactly the idea. Boosters hope the new lighting will "act as a beacon" to the CN Tower's dining and entertainment attractions, helping end Toronto's five-year tourist slump. So while skyscrapers including Burj Dubai are challenging its standing as the world's tallest building, CN Tower can now claim to be the world's tallest illuminated structure.
Source: Business Week
Albert Warson
The CN Tower has dominated Toronto's skyline during daylight hours since it opened 31 years ago; at 1,815 feet, this communications spire is the world's tallest freestanding structure. But at night, the dimly lit giant faded nearly to black. Not anymore. Last week, 1,330 LED fixtures created by Color Kinetics were illuminated for the first time in a dazzling light show.
The programmable mix of 16.7 million colors can be changed to commemorate national holidays and other special events. They can also "simulate a clock which will mark the hours by certain colors, but we won't turn it into a billboard," says Gordon McIvor, a vice-president with Canada Lands Company, which owns the CN Tower. He adds that each LED fixture, roughly the size of a shoebox, uses less than 20 percent of the energy required to light a conventional color changing fixture; overall, the newly lit tower will consume 60 percent less electricity than the old scheme.
Energy efficiency isn't the only benefit to the tower's new LED fixtures. McIvor says that, on a clear night, residents of Rochester, New Yorksome 100 miles distantwill be able to spot the illuminated tower. And that's exactly the idea. Boosters hope the new lighting will "act as a beacon" to the CN Tower's dining and entertainment attractions, helping end Toronto's five-year tourist slump. So while skyscrapers including Burj Dubai are challenging its standing as the world's tallest building, CN Tower can now claim to be the world's tallest illuminated structure.
Source: Business Week
Albert Warson
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Craven County Commissioners hear public opinion on billboards
July 2, 2007
The Craven County Board of Commissioners heard from the public Monday on an ordinance it is considering to regulate billboards. Billboard industry spokesmen said it is excessive. Local residents said it is appropriate. The off-premises ordinance proposed by the Craven County Planning Board would limit billboard size to no greater than 360 square feet, 40 feet high, with at least 2,500 feet between boards on either side of the road. “That is so excessive it will render almost every billboard in Craven County non-conforming,” said Mark Odell of Lamar Advertising, whose territory covers 33 eastern North Carolina counties including Craven. The national company he represents owns 136 billboard signs in Craven County areas potentially affected by the proposed ordinance, including four digital signs, plus others within city limits of several municipalities in the county. “They don’t realize the impact this would have,” Odell said. The most restrictive spacing in other cities and counties in the region is 1,000 feet and Lenoir County requires only 500 feet between signs. He said 1,000 feet would do almost the same thing. Residents such as John Kirkland, feel differently, however. “Anybody who takes a look in the James City area toward Havelock can see it has really become a blight area,” he said. “The 2,500 feet, roughly a half mile, seems reasonable, and restrict the signs so they are not so gigantic.” Other requirements are minimum setbacks of 10 feet for up to 180-square-foot signs and 20 feet for 181- to 360-square-foot signs. The ordinance would ban new digital electronic billboards, preclude double-stacked billboards and regulate content, particularly obscenity as defined by state law. Nonconforming signs could be maintained for the reasonable life of the signs but the proposed ordinance would not allow them to be replaced if damaged and repairs exceeded 50 percent of the actual value. Odell said new studies, including one being made public July 10 by Virginia Tech, show that digital signs do not pose distracting danger to drivers, as some officials and hearing participants suggest. Lamar has an investment of nearly $250,000 per digital sign and “pays a lot of money to Craven County in taxes and to landowners for use of their property,” he said. The Outdoor Advertising Association of America Inc. lists the most common sizes of billboards in this area as 400 square feet and 378 square feet, and the commissioners plan to change to ordinance to conform. A six-month billboard moratorium set Feb. 19 expires in August.
Source: Sun Journal, Sue Book
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Mobile Billboards hit streets
Here is an interesting idea. Perhaps they had some zoning issues for a permenant billboard.
I can't wait for one in my neighborhood.
I am not sure of location or contact info. Will try to find out for those of you that may want one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtN7y2EMgJc
I can't wait for one in my neighborhood.
I am not sure of location or contact info. Will try to find out for those of you that may want one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtN7y2EMgJc
Interactive Billboards
A few months ago I came across a prototype billboard allowing customer interaction. Fantastic idea…but never heard anything again until now! Swedish scientist are to introduce what might be the future of billboards - interactive paper. While many are already familiar with digital pens, this type of “circuitry” paper is quite different. It is responsive to a human touch - the images displayed can change, or play a sound once a certain area on the surface is pressed. And so, boring sheets of paper can turn into interactive, and therefore, more attractive displays, inviting the user to have a closer look.
The billboards are made almost entirely from paper materials, making them cheap to assemble, and easy to recycle, says Gulliksson. “We’ve used the roll-to-roll methods used by industry to process paper materials.”
To make the paper surfaces interactive, the team screen prints patterns using conductive inks containing particles of silver that overlap, allowing a current to flow.
The researchers behind this project call their invention “Paper Four”. This fourth generation of paper, they say, is the next step in using it after printed books, packaging, and hygiene. Because the smart paper contains three layers - an outer layer with the printed design and text, a middle layer containing the conductive inks, connected to a power supply, and a third one made of thick cardboard material - one can easily replace the middle layer, thus changing the billboard’s functionality, and making it respond differently.
These kinds of responsive, smart-paper billboards can be applied to a number of industries: think about an advertisement to any store, on which you can explore the specific item you are interested in, or billboards for holidays, playing music and repainting themselves once triggered by a human touch.
Check it out on YOU Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcm6ZEC2bbA
The billboards are made almost entirely from paper materials, making them cheap to assemble, and easy to recycle, says Gulliksson. “We’ve used the roll-to-roll methods used by industry to process paper materials.”
To make the paper surfaces interactive, the team screen prints patterns using conductive inks containing particles of silver that overlap, allowing a current to flow.
The researchers behind this project call their invention “Paper Four”. This fourth generation of paper, they say, is the next step in using it after printed books, packaging, and hygiene. Because the smart paper contains three layers - an outer layer with the printed design and text, a middle layer containing the conductive inks, connected to a power supply, and a third one made of thick cardboard material - one can easily replace the middle layer, thus changing the billboard’s functionality, and making it respond differently.
These kinds of responsive, smart-paper billboards can be applied to a number of industries: think about an advertisement to any store, on which you can explore the specific item you are interested in, or billboards for holidays, playing music and repainting themselves once triggered by a human touch.
Check it out on YOU Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcm6ZEC2bbA
Big billboard, big bills in Dyer, Indiana
Friday, June 29, 2007
Dyer officials have to weigh whether lease is financially wise move for town
DYER
By the numbers, it looks like this:Lamar Advertising would like to erect a billboard 10.5 feet high by 36 feet wide on Calumet Avenue. In exchange, it would pay Dyer $240,000 in gradually increasing increments over a 15-year period for allowing placement of the billboard on an industrially zoned area along that road.Town councilmen did not seem over enthusiastic about the payout when the idea was floated at a recent study session, but they said they would consider it. Any action would have to be taken at a regular Town Council meeting.
Lamar representative Shawn Pettit said one side of the sign would be digital, displaying up to six messages in sequence. The other side would be stationary. The lease would be more valuable with a two-sided digital sign, Pettit said, but Lamar proposed one side of digital because they thought it would be more acceptable to the town. Dyer would be able to advertise its own events on the digital side for free when space allowed. If the advertising schedule happened to be full, Dyer would have to pay for space. Exceptions would be made for Amber Alerts and other public safety messages.Although the money would be nice, Council President Paul Hayes said he could see little direct benefit to the town. Councilman Bob Block wanted to know how the digital sign would fit into the town's Dark Sky ordinance. That ordinance aims to reduce so-called pollution from residential and commercial lighting by having their beams directed downward.Pettit said Lamar could implement the sign in a way that will comply with Dark Sky. As it stands, Dyer's zoning ordinances really don't allow for billboards, and Lamar would have to seek a special exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
BY MARY WILDS Times Correspondent
Dyer officials have to weigh whether lease is financially wise move for town
DYER
By the numbers, it looks like this:Lamar Advertising would like to erect a billboard 10.5 feet high by 36 feet wide on Calumet Avenue. In exchange, it would pay Dyer $240,000 in gradually increasing increments over a 15-year period for allowing placement of the billboard on an industrially zoned area along that road.Town councilmen did not seem over enthusiastic about the payout when the idea was floated at a recent study session, but they said they would consider it. Any action would have to be taken at a regular Town Council meeting.
Lamar representative Shawn Pettit said one side of the sign would be digital, displaying up to six messages in sequence. The other side would be stationary. The lease would be more valuable with a two-sided digital sign, Pettit said, but Lamar proposed one side of digital because they thought it would be more acceptable to the town. Dyer would be able to advertise its own events on the digital side for free when space allowed. If the advertising schedule happened to be full, Dyer would have to pay for space. Exceptions would be made for Amber Alerts and other public safety messages.Although the money would be nice, Council President Paul Hayes said he could see little direct benefit to the town. Councilman Bob Block wanted to know how the digital sign would fit into the town's Dark Sky ordinance. That ordinance aims to reduce so-called pollution from residential and commercial lighting by having their beams directed downward.Pettit said Lamar could implement the sign in a way that will comply with Dark Sky. As it stands, Dyer's zoning ordinances really don't allow for billboards, and Lamar would have to seek a special exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
BY MARY WILDS Times Correspondent
Outdoor Digital Signage Market Builds with Acquisition
Mediacaster, 6/29/2007
Calgary’s Skyboard Corporation is being acquired by Powerstar International, a wireless and digital signage solutions provider, under the terms of a definitive agreement announced today. Skyboard operates six outdoor digital billboards in Alberta and has sales contracts for an additional twenty-two billboards across Canada. These billboards reach about fourteen million people each week, the company describes.Skyboard had recently acquired High Point Media Ltd of Edmonton, one of the largest and most experienced video billboard marketing companies in North America. This merger will leverage Skyboard's nine year history of designing and building LED displays with these acquired media service capabilities.
Skyboard will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Powerstar and aggressively expand advertising display locations.The purchase consideration is approximately four million, eight hundred thousand (4,800,000) common shares of Powerstar and fifty thousand dollars and twenty ($50,000) in cash. The acquisition is expected to close within a week and is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange."Skyboard has built some of the largest LED display installations in Alberta and we expect to expand on this success," said Dr. Hatim Zaghloul, Chairman and CEO of Powerstar, in a release. "We are excited about the advertising relationships Skyboard brings and are confident that we can build on those relationships."Robert Hoogveld, president of Skyboard added, "By joining forces with Powerstar, we have created a company with the marketing and financial strength necessary to drive dynamic growth and compete more effectively."Skyboard reports it is on track to achieve about two and half million dollars of profitable revenue within the next twelve months. Hoogveld will carry on as the president of the subsidiary. Terry Balaban is VP Operations and Client Services with Ken Rochat, the VP of Sales.PowerStar is a provider of digital signage/communications networks for consumers, businesses and the US government. Powerstar provides services under its Solutrea brand and companies. The company provides public Wi-Fi networks, digital signage, corporate communications and Business Television over wireless, satellite and terrestrial platforms.
Calgary’s Skyboard Corporation is being acquired by Powerstar International, a wireless and digital signage solutions provider, under the terms of a definitive agreement announced today. Skyboard operates six outdoor digital billboards in Alberta and has sales contracts for an additional twenty-two billboards across Canada. These billboards reach about fourteen million people each week, the company describes.Skyboard had recently acquired High Point Media Ltd of Edmonton, one of the largest and most experienced video billboard marketing companies in North America. This merger will leverage Skyboard's nine year history of designing and building LED displays with these acquired media service capabilities.
Skyboard will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Powerstar and aggressively expand advertising display locations.The purchase consideration is approximately four million, eight hundred thousand (4,800,000) common shares of Powerstar and fifty thousand dollars and twenty ($50,000) in cash. The acquisition is expected to close within a week and is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange."Skyboard has built some of the largest LED display installations in Alberta and we expect to expand on this success," said Dr. Hatim Zaghloul, Chairman and CEO of Powerstar, in a release. "We are excited about the advertising relationships Skyboard brings and are confident that we can build on those relationships."Robert Hoogveld, president of Skyboard added, "By joining forces with Powerstar, we have created a company with the marketing and financial strength necessary to drive dynamic growth and compete more effectively."Skyboard reports it is on track to achieve about two and half million dollars of profitable revenue within the next twelve months. Hoogveld will carry on as the president of the subsidiary. Terry Balaban is VP Operations and Client Services with Ken Rochat, the VP of Sales.PowerStar is a provider of digital signage/communications networks for consumers, businesses and the US government. Powerstar provides services under its Solutrea brand and companies. The company provides public Wi-Fi networks, digital signage, corporate communications and Business Television over wireless, satellite and terrestrial platforms.
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