CatWalkChatt.com

The city of Ringgold Georgia has put up six billboards to tell tourists, travelers, and people from surrounding Georgia cities that Ringgold is indeed open for business.

It’s been a little more than three months since a tornado hit the city, leaving one of the its business districts — Ga. 151 (Alabama Highway) — in shambles. Several businesses in that district have reopened.

The city’s downtown business area, while it suffered some damage, was left largely intact.

“It was one of the worst tragedies imaginable for a city to have to endure,” said marketing coordinator Daniel Shepard. “At the same time though, it’s been somewhat tragic in a different way that people just pass by the town with the thought that there’s nothing left. There are so many shops, businesses, and eateries here that have been up and running since right after the storm, and it’s a shame that they’re losing business due to the perception that the city is out of commission.”

The six new billboards are along state roads in the area and are an expansion of banners that the city installed in early July.

Josh Green, Staff Writer

Atlanta – Gwinnett —

DULUTH — If Interstate 85 commuters find the image of a wrecked car hugging a tree unsettling — well, that’s the idea.

A highly visual billboard — replete with police and firefighters racing to the accident scene — was unveiled this week near Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, representing a collaboration between local law enforcement, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Gwinnett Safe Kids and businesses who want to impart this unwavering message:

“Just drive!!!! Don’t gamble with your life.”

It’s all part of Operation Drive Smart, an initiative funded by the state and managed by Duluth police that teaches an annual 20,000 Georgia high school students the importance of prudent driving.

Duluth officers will visit 15 high schools statewide to spread the message this year, and the billboard’s an extension of that message to all drivers, said Duluth police Lt. Bill Stevens, the Drive Smart program leader.

“This billboard will send a clear message to thousands of drivers daily,” Stevens said.

Lamar Advertising supplied the sign space gratis, and Willard’s Wrecker Service provided the smashed vehicle for the billboard photo, Stevens said.

Police and firefighters from the county level joined Duluth police to make the photo realistic, and “without spending a dime of tax dollars,” Stevens said.

“This project is a win-win, if only the driving public will heed the message,” he said.

The next local Operation Drive Smart event is scheduled Thursday at Central Gwinnett High School. For more information, call Duluth police Lt. Bill Stevens at 770-329-8514.

GwinnettDailyPost.com

Paul Crawley

ATLANTA — It’s one of the oldest battles in Georgia politics: billboards versus trees.

When it flared up again on the State House floor Thursday, Rep. Ed Lindsey (R-Atlanta) said it was like “Groundhog Day” or “Night of the Living Dead.”

With over 9,000 billboards in Georgia, the industry wants to re-write state law about how many and what type of trees they can cut back on public right-of-way when they block the view.

To sweeten the deal, they’ve thrown in higher payments, more replanting and lower height restrictions.

During a two-hour debate, supporters said the main argument is about the thousands of jobs they create.

“This is a plan to replant trees; what’s the plan to replace the lost jobs if this measure fails?” asked Rep. Mark Hamilton (R-Cumming).

Opponents criticized the bill as an environmentally damaging government bailout for outdated eyesores.

“If you and your grandchildren and your children in some cases, my case grandchildren, want to read more signs that say ‘We Bare All’, go ahead and vote for this bill,” replied Rep. Richard Smith (R-Columbus).

When the smoke cleared, the House approved the new billboard bill with a 98 to 69 vote.

“We’re ecstatic to finally get our bill passed in the House,” said Ray Moyers, President of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia. “It’s been a struggle for many years.”

“We are of course disappointed,” said Mary Lovings of the GardenClub of Georgia. “We’ve been fighting this for 83 years; we’ll continue to fight.”

The battle isn’t over yet.

The House will reconsider its vote on Monday and if it confirms Thursday’s vote, the bill moves on to the State Senate.

But for now, billboards are ahead at halftime.

 Ariel Hart, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

One of the longest-running, hardest-fought political wars in Georgia returns to the battlefield Thursday: the one between billboards and trees.

Under House Bill 179,billboard owners could clear-cut state-owned trees from in front of their signs, so that drivers can better see the advertisements. The bill is expected to enter a pitched battle on the House floor Thursday, prompting legislative leaders to limit the debate to two hours.

It’s a colorful war.Ladies in green jackets and scarves – the signature attire of the Garden Club of Georgia — have swarmed the legislative committee hearings, arguing the bill will leave swaths of highway bereft of oaks, sycamores, maples and other trees that now are protected.

Heavy-hitter lobbyists swarmed back, responding that jobs and hard-earned profits are at stake.

Right now, a billboard owner can cull some trees – hardwoods with trunks under eight inches in diameter, and pines under 12 inches in diameter — from the state-owned land that lies between the road shoulder and the private property a sign sits on.But the larger, older trees are off limits, and can grow so high they obscure the advertisement.

That undercuts the billboard owner’s investment in building the sign and can cost jobs, industry representatives say. According to the Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia, 10,000 Georgia businesses use billboards, and they employ 300,000 people.

The association can’t say how many of those jobs are endangered by the trees, said its executive director, Conner Poe. But he argues it’s only common sense that if those businesses depend on billboard advertising for customers, then when customers can’t see the ads, their business and the jobs they fund will decline.

Environmentalists say they’re not convinced jobs are at stake. Wilton Rooks, executive director of Scenic Georgia, pointed to higher unemployment in states with the highest number of billboards, Florida, Michigan and Georgia. Poe disputed there was any connection between that and billboards.

Both sides claim to be on the side of tourism.

“The fact is,outdoor advertising attracts people who are traveling through our state to stop and spend money in our state,” Poe said.

On the contrary,Georgia cities working to attract tourists “want to make sure that you’ve got a nice view leading into town, and not one that becomes pocked or scarred with trees removed for billboards,” said Jill Johnson, an environmental lobbyist.

She and other environmental advocates are concerned about a lot of things. While the bill would protect trees that are designated as historic and landmark trees, there is no state database of historic and landmark trees, they said. And it’s the arborist paid by the billboard owner who would be tasked with speaking up when a tree is more than 75 years old, they said. Poe said the arborists would do their job honestly.

Then there are the fees billboard companies pay to cut down trees. Courts have found that the billboard companies must pay back the state for the value of the trees they cut. Under the bill, the companies would be able to pay less than the value of the trees, instead taking a credit for work they do to pull down obsolete billboards elsewhere. The billboard companies note they would still pay a significant minimum amount for tree removal.  The tree removal would only be along a 250-350 foot zone in front of the billboard.

The political landscape is no clearer.  HB 179 flew through its subcommittee and committee hearings. The billboard industry’s lobbying firm on this issue, GeorgiaLink, has an intern with big-time connections: Matt Ralston, the son of House Speaker David Ralston. GeorgiaLink founder Trip Martin said the younger Ralston was doing no lobbying.  He said he expected no advantage for the bill.

While House Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones said she did not want to comment on the bill this year,she added “how I’ve voted (is) pretty clear in the past.”  In2009, she opposed the unsuccessful bill that was supported by the billboard industry.

She’s one of several current House leaders who did so.

Jay Black

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia’s insurance industry is teaming up with state authorities to launch an ambitious effort to crack down on the rising number of insurance fraud cases.

Incoming Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens, who takes office in January, said Wednesday he plans to beef up the department’s fraud unit and hire a former prosecutor who can help build criminal cases against fraudsters.

And insurance executives announced a new campaign to encourage residents to turn in people who stage fake car accidents or file other false claims. The campaign is putting up 10 billboards across the state that say “Insurance Fraud Costs Everyone” and urge residents to report cases by calling 1-800-TEL-NICB.

“We can’t do it by ourselves,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Brian Lamkin, whose agency helped coordinate the billboard campaign. “It takes a combined effort and combined partnership to address this issue.”

It’s part of an effort to curb the number of fraudulent claims in Georgia, which officials say can add hundreds of dollars to annual premiums of Georgia policy holders. The number of questionable claims in Georgia has swelled from about 2,1000 claims in 2007 to more than 2,700 in 2009.

Curt Jester of the National Insurance Crime Bureau said he hopes the effort will attract tips from the public rather than relying on law enforcement officials and industry executives.

The industry has also helped train more than 100 police officers on insurance fraud techniques, said Walter Swett, a Nationwide investigator who is also a past president of the Georgia chapter of the International Association of Special Investigation Units.

Hudgens, a Republican who replaces outgoing Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, likened the billboard campaign to a neighborhood watch program.

“Anything we can do to reduce fraud, we’re all the beneficiary of that, because your premiums will go down,” Hudgens said. “And the more bad guys we put in jail, the more convictions we get, that will be a disincentive to people who want to perpetuate fraud.”

Online:

www.StopInsuranceFraudinGeorgia.org

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Shelia M. Poole, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Save the date: Jesus is coming on May 21, 2011.

At least, that’s according to organizers of a billboard campaign slated to hit metro Atlanta next week. Allison Warden of Raleigh, N.C.-based WeCanKnow.com said the Christian Web site plans to place 50 billboards in the metro area proclaiming the rapture and Jesus’ imminent return, based on analysis of Scripture and biblical genealogy.

“The Bible teaches that Christ is returning on May 21 and we want to encourage people to go to Scripture and investigate for themselves,” said Warden, who insists the Christmas-timed campaign is not a gimmick. “All information in the Bible points to this date. God is going to be saving people right up until the last moment.”

The billboards, which are up already in  places like Nashville, Detroit and Omaha, Neb., show three wise men on camels and the star of Bethlehem with the message, “He is coming again.”

Seventy-nine percent of U.S. Christians say they believe Christ will return one day, according to a 2006 survey by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life and the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press. Additionally, 20 percent of Christians in the United States believe it will happen in their lifetime.

Warden declined to say how much the billboard campaign, which will run for a month in metro Atlanta, will cost and who is paying for it. In other cities, billboards have been paid for by individual donors.  California-based Family Radio Worldwide, a Christian nonprofit radio network, sponsored the billboards in Nashville.

The campaign has raised some eyebrows locally, even before the first billboard is up.

The Rev. Kevin Myers, senior pastor of 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, said the Bible says that Christ will return, but doesn’t say when.

“I don’t think it helps to define the date and put it out there. It conflicts with the very Scripture you’re encouraging people to read.”

David P. Gushee, a professor of Christian ethics and head of the Center for Theology and Public Life at Mercer University, agreed. “I’m glad they have it figured out,” he said. “No one knows the day or the hour. Only the Father knows and I think that teaching has provided good guidance to Christians throughout the centuries. You never attempt to fix a date for Christ’s return.”

If May 21 passes with no return, he said, it could prove to be embarrassing for the campaign organizers and a disappointment for those who take such things seriously. “It’s really a bad idea.”

Smyrna resident Ed Buckner, a member of the board and former president of American Atheists, said the group is considering a reply.

“In all honesty, I think Christians, and not just atheists, ought to ridicule these billboards and protest against them,” he said. “They’re really putting Christianity on the spot.”

According to WeCanKnow.com, following the rapture for believers on May 21, God will destroy the world on Oct. 21, 2011.

Recently, both believers and nonbelievers have been using outdoor advertising to get their point across.

American Atheists recently created a stir with a billboard about Christmas outside the Lincoln Tunnel in New Jersey, saying “You know it’s a myth — this season, celebrate reason.” The billboard was countered by the Catholic League, which put up its own billboard, “You know it’s real — this season celebrate Jesus.”

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Billboards along an interstate are nothing new but billboards with a message about something that is now against the law has drivers switching gears. Billboards along I-75 in Cobb County are prompting people to send a text message. CBS Atlanta News had tough questions about why a company would promote texting along a roadway when texting and driving is against the law in Georgia.

Drivers buzz by billboards along I-75 every day. One said, “Text Madison to 29999.”

“That’s not a good idea,” said a driver.

Another billboard said. “Text G75 to 88500.”

“You can’t do that. It’s against the law, you’ll get a ticket,” said another driver.

When you send the text to Madison, you receive information about Madison Vinings Ridge apartments. CBS Atlanta News went to ask management the tough questions. The regional vice president said they know the sign is there. CBS Atlanta News gets action. The apartment complex said they’ll have the billboard changed in the next two weeks.

The text G75 sign gets you information about office space available at Galleria 75. Jeff Dils with Cousin Properties admitted over the phone they put the billboards up a month before the law changed to try to drum up business but when CBS Atlanta tried asking the tough questions, he hung up.

Drivers tell CBS Atlanta News they think the billboards are irresponsible.

“I mean, don’t encourage it. It’s against the law now and don’t put up billboards advertising something that’s against the law,” said a driver.

Cobb County police told CBS Atlanta the signs are not illegal but spokesman Officer Joe Hernandez did issue this statement, “Everyone should be aware by now that texting while driving is illegal and officers will enforce the law should they witness a violation. While operating a vehicle on the roadway a driver’s attention should be focused on the road. To ensure their safety and the safety of their fellow drivers, a driver should pull off into a parking lot or wait until they reach their destination before texting on an electronic device.”

Cousin Properties sent CBS Atlanta a statement late Friday, “We are fully supportive of Georgia’s new law that bans texting while driving. Many billboards provide phone numbers, Web addresses, street addresses and other information for drivers to remember and safely use at their convenience. This billboard is fully compliant with all laws that regulate such advertising. We hope every driver will be safe and obey all traffic laws.”

Tyler Finn

Atlanta – Marietta, GA —

With midterm elections coming up and anger over the Health Care Bill boiling over, one group is taking their message to the streets. Literally.

Commuters driving on Atlanta highways this morning were greeted by billboards proclaiming “Stop Obama’s Socialism” and “America’s Coming for You Congress!” alongside a cartoon image of the president’s face.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Friday that the Anti-Obama billboards were appearing in several locations across the Atlanta metropolitan area. Reportedly, more markets are coming soon.

The group behind the signs call themselves Billboards Against Obama, and their message, posted on their Web site, is clear:

“Do you love freedom? Do you love independence? If the current administration completes the process they are racing to achieve, all of this will be gone! To stop the madness, we must speak out now. BILLBOARDS AGAINST OBAMA is a practical and effective way to join the battle, be seen, be heard, before it’s too late.”

Three standard messages can be purchased from the group, with prices ranging from $2,500-$3,500 per month. Examples of the vitriolic slogans on offer include “Now It’s Personal! America’s Coming for You Congress! Vote Liberals Out in 2010!” and “If You’re Not Outraged, You’re Not Paying Attention.”

The owners of the web site told 11Alive News today that they would not reveal who they are or where they are based, and that they will only communicate by e-mail. It is unclear whether they are driven primarily by ideology, financial interest or a combination of the two.

The highways signs have given the group a lot of exposure. Several billboards have already been sold, the group told the Journal-Constitution.

“Our website has received over 2,400 hits, with the vast majority being in full support of BILLBOARDSAGAINSTOBAMA.COM,” read the e-mail to the newspaper. “It’s time to fight, it’s time to speak out, it’s time to save our country!!!”

OAAG.org

A new technology is giving advertisers the unparalleled ability to change their ad messages quickly and efficiently. The same technology is making communities safer by helping catch fugitives and find lost children. It’s providing valuable information to keep the public informed about issues important to them. And it’s all wrapped in a familiar, comforting package: the billboard.

Digital technology’s marriage to billboards is one providing countless benefits to diverse groups of consumers. There are hundreds of digital billboards in the United States, and that number is expected to grow by several hundred over the next few years.

Digital billboards are updated electronically through a variety of methods. Some are networked together, most are operated remotely, and all of them can be updated quickly, sometimes with just the click of a mouse. This ability gives digital billboards flexibility and nimbleness.

This nimbleness gives local businesses a unique and powerful way to reach a large number of geographically targeted consumers very quickly. In Toledo, OH, the Toledo Blade newspaper has used digital billboards to display daily headlines and even to deliver breaking news. In other cities, television stations use the technology to advertise the stories airing on the 6 pm news in the afternoon and the 11 pm news in the evening.

The message is getting out. A recent study by Arbitron, the media research company, found nine out of ten people notice the advertising copy on digital billboards some or most of the time. Nearly two out of three find digital billboards to be a cool way to advertise and recall for specific brands hit 50% for some advertisers.

Yet the advantages of digital billboards go far beyond selling products and services. The Arbitron study found more than 80% of people believe digital billboards provide important community information, and for good reason. In many cases, digital billboards are used as powerful aids to public safety. Throughout the country, local police departments are entering into partnerships with outdoor advertising companies to post the pictures of people wanted for arrest.

Digital billboards represent a significant advance in the technology used by the outdoor advertising industry to provide substantial benefits to advertisers and communities.

Tim Evans, USA TODAY