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A lot of folks have still expressed a desire to come down but missed the Jan 1st deadline. We have decided to extend the discount 'til Jan 15th.
Here are some of the goings-on that I have so far:
Running a Business - Not a Sign Shop - Roundtable
From my experience, this is a topic that is usually discussed one-on-one at the meets. I thought it would be a good idea to focus on running a shop from a profit standpoint. Subjects can include: determining overhead costs, determining market area(s), workflow management, estimating, invoicing and collecting, marketing, networking and customer retention.
Bring your forms - estimates, invoices, work orders, production sheets, any forms that make you work flow through your shop; marketing materials - flyers, postcards, mailouts, newsletters, business cards, copies of yellow page ads and any other forms of advertising that you use; lists of software that you use for contact and time management, estimating, production management, and invoicing; portfolios and any other ideas that can be brought to the table to discuss.
Gold Leaf
Not sure if I'll have another fire truck to do this time but we'll surely have surface leaf projects going and maybe some glass gilding demos.
Sandblasting and Carving
We have the carving tools and two blasting booths here - all are welcome to use them. We’ll have mask, cedar, HDU and computers available also. Bring your EPS or AI files.
Glass Chipping
I always thought that this was cool. I haven’t tried it but maybe we can get someone here who knows how to do it.
Mural Painting
I’ve go plenty of wall space outside my shop. I’m hoping to get a design ready for some walldoggin’.
Panel Jam
Of course.
Airbrushing
People always bring their airbrushes. I have a few here too to play with.
Digital Printing in a Modern Shop
They’re tools – I put ‘em to use.
All the rest of the stuff
Food, music (karaoke?) catch up with old friend, make new ones, talk about a$$hole customers, talk about GREAT customers, talk about ‘heads’ that didn’t make the meet, behind their backs , look forward, look back, good jokes, bad jokes, and a whole lot of camaraderie.
So, plan on coming down – this will be a “glad I was there” kinda meet. Hope you can make it...
posted
Only 4 more days folks! Looking forward to seeing everybody! Judy
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I don't know if my registration went through so I will mail my check out Monday Pat. I can't wait. I will be traveling with Ryan Culbertson & Joe Buck.
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Pat, was looking forward to finally seeing your shop, but as it stands now I can't make it. My son-in-law had emergency open heart surgery recently (24 years old!!!!)and until the doctor okays him for work again, we're covering their bills. Next time friend.
-------------------- John Byrd Ball Ground, Georgia 770-735-6874 http://johnbyrddesign.com so happy I gotta sit on both my hands to keep from wavin' at everybody! Posts: 741 | From: Ball Ground, Georgia, USA | Registered: May 1999
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Hi all I just got in from a heck of a great time at the Pinstripe Legends panel jam for the Wis. Childrens Hosp. don't know thw totalyet. Hey Pat, I told everyone there about your gig . I can't wait to see all you guys down it SUNNY Florida. Cheers AJ
-------------------- Alan Johnson Alan Johnson Grafix Blairstown, NJ 07825 [URL=http://www.alanjohnsongrafix.com] Posts: 261 | From: Blairstown, NJ | Registered: Dec 2001
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Getting excited to get out of Dodge, it was 12 below zero this morning when I walked the kids to the end of the drive to catch the bus. We're coming down the Sunday before the meet to do the Disney thing, any suggestions for non tourist trap things to see would be greatly appreciated. Also maybe looking to hitch a ride from Orlando to the meet Friday and Saturday. Thanks for any help.
-------------------- Silver Creek Signworks Dick Bohrer Two Harbors, MN Posts: 236 | From: Two Harbors, MN USA | Registered: Jun 1999
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If it's cool enough there may be a bunch of manatees at Blue Springs in DeLand about 45 minutes NE of Orlando. A few weeks ago when we were getting low 30's there were about 125 in the springs, the most I've ever seen.
Just a thought!
Pat, Gonna be a last minute thing on coming to the meet. Many things on my plate right now!!
-------------------- Amy Brown Life Skills 101 Private Address Posts: 3502 | From: Lake Helen, FL, USA | Registered: Feb 2001
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Pat, How many folks are signed up at this point?
-------------------- Ryan Culbertson The Sign Shop at Quick Copies Greenwood, SC
Rock and Roll means well, but it can’t help tellin’ young boys lies. Mike Cooley - Drive By Truckers Posts: 453 | From: Greenwood, South Carolina | Registered: Apr 2007
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I've got about 25 paid and confirmed right now Ryan but I've probably talked to about that many that said that they were coming. The there are those who'll just show up.
I'm estimating between 75 and 100 - It's gonna be a hoot!
-------------------- Pat Neve, Jr. 321-537-8675 Capt. Sign
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I'm possibly looking for a ride from Atlanta to the meet... Right now I'm still without wheels. Also, are there any gals coming who wanna split the cost and share a room?
-------------------- Nancie W. Phillips White Dove Painting Studio 74 Dacula Road, Dacula, GA 30019 678-887-3339
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If anybody's coming down I-75 and can pick me up; I'd like to consider coming too. Sharing a room would be cool too.
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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Hey Pat I just got off the phone with Russ Mowry who said he will be there too. Along with Tramp it looks like there will be some serious good panel jammin going on! See Ya soon AJ
-------------------- Alan Johnson Alan Johnson Grafix Blairstown, NJ 07825 [URL=http://www.alanjohnsongrafix.com] Posts: 261 | From: Blairstown, NJ | Registered: Dec 2001
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-------------------- Ryan Culbertson The Sign Shop at Quick Copies Greenwood, SC
Rock and Roll means well, but it can’t help tellin’ young boys lies. Mike Cooley - Drive By Truckers Posts: 453 | From: Greenwood, South Carolina | Registered: Apr 2007
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Is anyone driving a pickup and coming down I-75...I have some 2x8ft easels that I'd like to get down to Melbourne in case of overflow crowd ...was going to drive my van, but am having fuel pressure probs, and may be riding with another couple, Carl and Sara .
Easels are here in Gainesville. If you can get them, I'll fill up your tank.
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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Hi Pat, I just wanted to wish you all the best with your meet. Are your sons excited about being involved? I hope you have a good attendance and a smooth run. I wish I could be there, but I made my choices and you can't do it all. In any case I'll be thinking of you and ofer you the use of my mantra that got me through Moose Jaw. If it isn't going to impact your world in six months, it isn't worth worrying about. I hope you have a great time and lots of opportunity to kick back and join in the fun. Remember what a wonderful opportunity you are giving to all the attendees when things get stressed. All the best!
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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Hey Pat, Is there anything we should bring along, such as tools/supplies of any kind? We're newbies here, so be easy on us. Really looking forward to slinging some paint this weekend.
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Hey...I'm still needing a ride from the North Metro ATLANTA area... this meet hits me a week short of taking delivery of a vehicle. Anyone have room for a passenger?
-------------------- Nancie W. Phillips White Dove Painting Studio 74 Dacula Road, Dacula, GA 30019 678-887-3339
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I'm here at the shop, holdin' down the fort and startin' the pots of coffee.
THANX A BUNCH for this opportunity....
-------------------- Larry Ware Warehouse 360 Studios LLC Washington DC - Savannah, GA Posts: 53 | From: Washington, DC | Registered: Feb 2007
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Where's that webcam? I want to see what you Burly Earls look like when Y'all first get up in the Morn'. Wish the wife and I could make it this weekend. Next year for sure. Y'all have fun! -L-
-------------------- Lee McKee McKee Studios Birmingham, Al Planet Earth (sometimes) Posts: 277 | From: Birmingham, Al | Registered: Jan 2003
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This is Judy, I'm working on setting up my webcam. Barb, I need help. I am using Ryan's account to sign on here cause I don't remember my login for this new web address. Judy
-------------------- Ryan Culbertson The Sign Shop at Quick Copies Greenwood, SC
Rock and Roll means well, but it can’t help tellin’ young boys lies. Mike Cooley - Drive By Truckers Posts: 453 | From: Greenwood, South Carolina | Registered: Apr 2007
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Hello to ALL, had a great good time yesterday, thanks for the fun and food! You guys really know how to sling paint, whew! picked up some great tips along the way. Thanks again.
something funny...check out "Redneck Painting" on utube! ....unbelievable...I say WE TRY THIS NEXT YEAR at the MIGRATION!
-------------------- Kelly Chatham Kelly's Signs Inc. 5723 Morse Av. Jax., FL, 32244 Posts: 68 | From: Jacksonville, Fl. | Registered: Apr 2005
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![[Wink]](wink.gif)
, look forward, look back, good jokes, bad jokes, and a whole lot of camaraderie.
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