Another Congressman Visits ISA Member Sign Company
On April 3, Congressman John Shimkus (R-Ill.) visited Watchfire Signs in Danville, Ill. to witness firsthand how the sign industry plays a role in America’s manufacturing sector. While there, Rep. Shimkus discussed local initiatives, such as the development of technical education and training programs to provide a stable and qualified workforce, as well as the need to enhance the image of careers in manufacturing as a key way to promote economic health on the local, state and national level. According to Watchfire’s Paul Kero, the congressman’s visit was a great opportunity to “show him the work we are doing here in the nation’s heartland…using American labor and American know-how.” Kero also noted that elected officials can always “benefit from learning what we do — creating products that people want. We design them, specify and procure the right materials to make them durable. We assemble them using techniques and methods that are usually far beyond what most officials could ever imagine.” Last October, Congressman David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) toured YESCO’s Phoenix shop in a visit facilitated by ISA and learned how the company employs his constituents and how their signs help local businesses. ISA is working with congressional offices to set up more of these visits so that federal officials will remember the sign industry when they’re making decisions in Washington, D.C. If you’d like to offer your facility for a congressional tour or would like more information, please contact [email protected].
