FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2007

SGIA Canal Street Initiative Covers More of the Big Easy - Volunteer project adds nearly 50 large-format panels to NOLA storefronts

SGIA Canal Street Initiative Covers More of the Big Easy

Volunteer project adds nearly 50 large-format panels to NOLA storefronts

Fairfax, Virginia -- The SGIA Canal Street Initiative in New Orleans kicked into high gear with the recent addition of nearly 50 large-format graphic panels along boarded-up stores on Canal Street.

Within the last week, SGIA members and affiliates generously produced and installed the panels along sections of Canal Streets as well as side streets.

"The SGIA Canal Street Initiative continues to demonstrate the incredible possibilities that large-format graphics bring to renovation and construction areas," said SGIA President/CEO Michael Robertson.

The New Orleans community is taking notice of the positive impact of the panels. "The panels help considerably," said Andre Rubentstein, Co-owner of Rubensteins, a family-owned, men's and women's fashion store at the corner of Canal Street and St. Charles Avenue.

"We have tried to make the sidewalks and trees look nice and clean, but having closed-up buildings [along Canal Street] does a lot to detract from the ambiance of the street," Rubenstein noted.

The panels, which feature images of the city's rich heritage and culture, also reinforce New Orleans' efforts to encourage commerce and reintroduce businesses that had closed during the reconstruction process, said Kurt Weigle, Executive Director for New Orleans' Downtown Development District.

"Several merchants along Canal Street, shoppers and folks from out of town have told me what a positive impact these panels are having on the face of Canal Street," he added.

The SGIA Canal Street Initiative will have provided New Orleans with more than 80 graphic panels by the time the project is completed in November. Volunteer companies and affiliates will add one more installation of large-format panels and two "super graphics" -- measuring at 6 meters by 36 meters (20 feet by 120 feet).

Find more information and pictures of the initiative at SGIA.org, Keyword: NOLA.
http://www.sgia.org/new_orleans/press_support.cfm

SGIA -- Supporting the Leaders of the Digital & Screen Printing Community
"Specialty imaging" comprises digital imaging, screen printing and the many other imaging technologies SGIA members use, including those they'll tap in the future. These are the imaging processes and technologies employed to create new products and to enhance existing products including point-of-purchase displays, signs, advertisements, garments, containers and vehicles. Make the most of your specialty imaging business. Take full advantage of the information on SGIA.org, and experience the specialty graphic imaging industry firsthand at SGIA '07 (Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida; October 24-27, 2007).

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