(Dana Point, CA)– Sign Biz, Inc.’s President and CEO, Teresa M. Young, founder of the largest non-franchise sign chain in the US, was a featured contributor to Sign Builder Illustrated magazine’s coverage of sustainability in the sign industry. Young was dubbed “trend-caster” since her 2008 keynote address for the Sign Biz annual convention, “Road Signs of the Global Economy – Shift Happens” in which she predicted four “macro trends” that will increase demand for the fast-growing, green-conscious digital sign company, and reshape the way businesses and workers communicate and collaborate worldwide.
Movement, Cause, Paradigm Shift
The Green Movement / Cause was illustrated by Young in a fast-moving PowerPoint presentation that began with the history of this “movement” beginning in the 1960s. “America is the largest consumer of energy in the world. Most of it comes from fossil fuels and other nonrenewable resources. The Roper Green Gauge Study in the US has shown that: 50% of all American Adults want to get involved in eco issues. In addition, business initiatives (GE, GM, Wal*Mart) and US states pushing the agenda are driving particular product sales at the store level. Retailers are going green and demanding action from suppliers. Employees expect their companies to do more. New expectations of industry leadership are driving change more rapidly than ever – almost to the level of “revolution.” Business is increasingly seen as part of the solution,” explained Young.
Some of these measures are driving sales volume to our chain of sign companies.
She reported back then that between 1997 to 2005, forty-five states voted to finance more than $30 billion worth of conservation measures. “Some of these measures are driving sales volume to our chain of sign companies. LEED’s Green Building Certification and rating system provides independent, third-party verification that a building meets a certain level of green performance standards. We have been building a bank of LEED-rated products and materials for use by our shops.”
It is no surprise that when Lori Shridhare, a writer for the trade publication, wanted to provide a 2012 snapshot of the sign industry’s progress and the demand for sustainable products, she turned to Young. The January issue of Sign Builder Illustrated features a wealth of resources and insight into the progress made by the sign industry in its gradual quest for sustainable practices and products. Young refers to the fact that 2009 brought a level of awareness to sustainability with the industry when legislation on VOCs and mercury was passed.
IN addition, the impact the sign industry has on the environment goes beyond its own relatively small footprint, Young is quick to explain. “Every purchase from an ecologically sound operator can impact not only the seller’s environment, but also the client’s operation and, ultimately, the community in which it’s located.”
