Washington, DC Sign Company Wins Nationals Stadium Contract

Washington, DC (PRWEB) June 5, 2007 -- Gelberg Signs has been awarded the contract to engineer, develop, fabricate and install all signage for the new Washington Nationals Ballpark. The Washington, DC sign company, with a local history dating back to 1941, was selected by Clark Construction Group, LLC in part because of its involvement with the Local, Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (LSDBE) program, run by the District of Columbia's Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD).

Gelberg's contract includes the production and installation of all stadium identification including: illuminated signs, directional and parking garage signs, concession area signs, luxury box and seat number signs as well as many sign features still in the design phase. When the new stadium opens its doors, it will feature more than 3,000 Gelberg signs.

"We are honored to have been selected as the sign company for DC's next major landmark," said Guy Brami, principal of Gelberg Signs, along with his brothers and fellow principals Luc and Neil Brami "This latest contract is a major milestone for Gelberg Signs," added Brami. "As a family-owned business with a 66-year history in this city, we are pleased that the District has renewed its emphasis on the LSDBE program."

The District's LSDBE program was created in 1983 to develop contract and procurement opportunities for District-based businesses. The program was designed to foster economic growth within the District through the development of local, small and disadvantaged business enterprises by directing the District's discretionary spending to participating local businesses. In a strong show of support for small and local businesses, the Council of the District of Columbia mandated that at least 50% of construction on the new Washington Nationals Ballpark be managed by participating LSDBE vendors.

Erik Moses, acting director for the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development, noted that the program is expanding to offer greater resources and opportunities for DC-based businesses. "Recognition and the award of business opportunities for LSDBEs is a testament that we're on the right track."

"Thanks to the LSDBE program, Gelberg Signs has a terrific opportunity to be involved in this historic stadium project; an opportunity they might not have received otherwise," added Wes Stith, Vice President of Clark Construction, a leading force behind the resurgence of the LSDBE program. "Clark Construction is happy to be a supporter of the LSDBE program, and we look forward to working with Gelberg Signs on this project."

To prepare for the project -- and ensure that all signs are in place before Opening Day -- Gelberg Signs will begin on pre-production and fabrication early next month, as soon as they receive sign-off from various architectural and design committees involved in the project. The stadium framework is expected to be complete by the end of July, at which point Gelberg can begin the process of installing signage in and around the stadium.

Brami said the company has been winning more local business since its initial involvement in the program in 1989, especially in recent years. Recently awarded projects include: The DC Department of Transportation, St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Jair Lynch Co.-Friendship Charter School, The Forest City Project, the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation (AWC) Business Resource Center and AWC-Kingman Island & Canal Street project.

The 41,000 seat stadium, slated to open in April 2008, will be located in Southeast Washington along the Anacostia River

Gelberg Signs is one of the region's leading designers and fabricators of commercial signage. Founded in Washington, DC in 1941 by William P. Gelberg, the company was purchased by the Brami family -- brothers Guy, Luc and Neil -- in 1988, after their father, Georges Brami, spent his career with the Company. From a 35,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, Gelberg Signs produces an array of exterior and interior signs, canopies, building Identification, menu boards, dimensional lettering and electrical signs for companies including Marriott, Aramark, AARP, Sodexho, Rappaport Mgmt. Co., HMS Host, Mattress Discounters and Maaco Enterprises. For more information, visit www.gelbergsigns.com.

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