California State University East Bay Gets New LED Sign Installed in Time for AMGEN Tour of California
- July 5, 2012
SUEB-Concord campus replaces an old incandescent messages center with a new full color LED sign from ACE LED Displays and experiences the benefits of onsite advertising in the 21st century
Concord, CA (PRWEB) -- Cyclists competing in the 2012 AMGEN Tour of California may have noticed a new landmark while racing past California State East Bay’s Concord Campus. A brand new LED sign was installed just days before the May 15th run down Ygnacio Valley Rd during stage 3. This new sign replaced an aging incandescent message center that had been sitting dark for about a year. Coordination for the project was done by ACE LED Displays, a dealer for California based manufacturer Vantage LED.
The only public 4 year university in Contra Costa County, CSUEB-Concord provides important opportunities and services to the surrounding area. Advertising these services on a long term basis with a new LED sign is crucial to letting the public know they are there and available for students. They eventually found a new supplier, but had some major issues with the original sign dealer. Fortunately, ACE LED and the factory staff stepped in to keep the project moving forward.
“ACE was very concerned about service, and wanted to make sure they had a single contact throughout the process.” said Scott Hofheins, Project Manager for Vantage LED. “I was able to step in and help them manage the entire project to completion”.
ACE LED is a dealer for Vantage LED, a US based LED sign manufacturer in Corona, CA. After the final paperwork was completed in April, they worked closely together to produce the sign in only 4 weeks, shipping to the local installer in mid-May. But the coordination of the installation had both bureaucratic and installation challenges.
“Significant technical issues arose due to the age of the old sign, electrical system, and communications,” said Hofheins, “but we were able to get creative and provide quick solutions each time to keep the ball rolling.”
Installation was completed just in time for the AMGEN Tour allowing the campus to post messages on the sign prior to the event. The Concord campus served as a parking option and a gathering place for race watchers, so it was important that they get this message out to the public. According to the school, a big factor was the LightSpeed™ Media software that enabled them to produce messages more quickly than before, keeping the sign dynamic and interesting with minimal time commitment. They reported that Creation time went from 30 minutes per message, to 3 1/2 minutes per message with the new software.
It’s only been a few weeks since the race, but they have already reported positive results from the sign. The attendance to their annual “Welcome Day” for new students more than doubled, and the energy and maintenance savings on the sign have been a hit with the campus facilities crew. According Hofheins, they are using only 7% of the original power, and the sign is covered by a 5 year warranty to save on any service costs.
Looking to the future, CSUEB-Concord is optimistic about the LED signs power to communicate education options and events to the local community, including existing and potential students as they drive by. The CSUEB tagline is “where all your possibilities come into view” ; the new LED sign puts their direct marketing into the 21st century, empowering them to bring this message to wider audience in a colorful and exciting new way.