FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2003

ISA to Launch International Educational Exchange Forum

Alexandria, VA. (February 25, 2003) ­ In an effort to encourage international contacts between sign companies around the globe and ISA members, ISA will launch an International Exchange Program in April. This program will provide individual young signmakers the opportunity to expand their knowledge base by participating in arranged visits with other progressive sign companies around the world.

"ISA is excited about the opportunities this program offers for participants," stated ISA President and CEO Dean Garritson. "This is just one example of how ISA is reaching out to its international members with new and innovative programs that encourage the exchange of information."

The program is reciprocal. Exchanges can only be arranged if an ISA member is willing to host a return visit. Though there is no set duration for exchange visits, they are anticipated to last for weeks rather than months. Details will be agreed upon between participating employers.

During the course of an exchange, the young signmaker will not be permitted to receive compensation. The purpose of the exchange is to provide the signmaker an opportunity to observe and learn how other international sign companies do business. Visas, where required, will therefore either need to be as short-term visitors or students.

This Web-based exchange will be available through www.signs.org. Interested candidates will post their information on the exchange Web site or browse the postings to find an exchange partner. After identifying an exchange partner candidates will contact the individual on their own. ISA is not certifying or endorsing the companies. Individuals will need to perform their own due diligence before agreeing to the exchange.

Participants must be between the ages of twenty-one and thirty who have been employed with an ISA or ISA affiliated sign association member company for a minimum of twelve months.

Host companies must be a member of ISA or an ISA affiliated sign association, have been operating in their local sign industry for more than five years, have a minimum of ten full-time employees, provide accommodation and local transportation for the candidate and ensure that the visiting candidate have the opportunity to absorb some of the local culture and history.

ISA is a 2,200 member organization composed of manufacturers, users, and suppliers of on-premise signs and sign products produced by more than 400,000 employees in all 50 states and 69 foreign countries. ISA exists to support, promote, and improve the $30 billion-a-year sign industry, which sustains the nation’s nearly $3 trillion-a-year retail industry.

International Sign Association
707 N. Saint Asaph Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-836-4012 • Fax: 703-836-8353

For Exhibitor Information - Virginia Gonzalez - virginia.gonzalez@signs.org

For Advertising Information - Janay Rickwalder - janay.rickwalder@signs.org

For Education Information - Patricia Hayden - patricia.hayden@signs.org

For Convention & Housing Information - Leander Gholeston - leander.gholeston@signs.org

Website URL: www.signexpo.org