WMU to replace old electronic billboard with high tech sign

By Kevin Doby
Western Herald

The electronic billboard on U.S. 131 advertising Western Michigan University’s Business Technology and Research Park is set to be replaced.

The replacement will be a new billboard with rotating messages and new technology making the sign look much better and brighter, according to WMU’s vice president of community outreach, Bob Miller.

This replacement will take place during the fall semester, although no specific date has yet been said, according to Miller.

“I think that the new sign is going to look great, and it will also be a great advertising tool for the BTR Park and the rest of the university,” Miller said.

According to Miller, a deal was struck with Adams Outdoor Advertising that will allow WMU to pay no expense towards the sign.

Adams has agreed to pay for the removal of the existing sign, the construction of the new sign and all upkeep the sign will require.

However, in order to get this free advertising, WMU had to give Adams something as well.  The sign will have a total of 12 rotating messages, with six on each side.

At any current time, WMU is guaranteed to have three of the 12 advertisement spots filled.  The rest of the ads will be sold through Adams, but WMU will have final say over the ads that appear on the sign.

The sign will also act as a social tool by running Amber Alert messages and severe weather alerts.

Miller also said that if at any time all 12 slots have not been sold, WMU has the right to use those ad slots.

The new sign also provides an opportunity for WMU students to learn about the new technology that goes into new billboards such as this one.

Short URL: http://www.westernherald.com/?p=18751

Posted by HeraldAdmin on Aug 8 2010. Filed under Campus, Local, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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