ÿþ<html> <head> <title>Signs For The Times</title> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <style type="text/css"> <!-- body,td,th, p { font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; color: #4D4D4F; line-height: 14px; } body { background-color: #FFFFFF; } .style1 { color: #003366; font-weight: bold; } --> </style> <link href="vgs-emailcapture.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <style type="text/css"> <!-- .style2 {color: #003366; font-weight:bold} .style3 {font-size: 9px} --> </style> <script language="javascript" type="text/javascript"> function Show(num) { if (num == 1) { HideMe.style.display = "block"; plus.style.display = "none"; minus.style.display = "block"; SeeMore.style.display = "none"; Collapse.style.display = "block"; bullet.style.display = "block"; Div15.style.display = "block"; Div16.style.display = "block"; } else if (num == 2) { HideMe.style.display = "none"; plus.style.display = "block"; minus.style.display = "none"; SeeMore.style.display = "block"; Collapse.style.display = "none"; bullet.style.display = "none"; Div15.style.display = "none"; Div16.style.display = "none"; } else if (num == 3) { plus2.style.display = "none"; minus2.style.display = "block"; SeeMore2.style.display = "none"; Collapse2.style.display = "block"; bullet2.style.display = "block"; HideMe1.style.display = "block"; HideMe2.style.display = "block"; HideMe3.style.display = "block"; Div1.style.display = "block"; Div2.style.display = "block"; Div3.style.display = "block"; Div4.style.display = "block"; Div5.style.display = "block"; Div6.style.display = "block"; Div7.style.display = "block"; Div8.style.display = "block"; Div9.style.display = "block"; Div10.style.display = "block"; Div11.style.display = "block"; Div12.style.display = "block"; Div13.style.display = "block"; Div14.style.display = "block"; } else if (num == 4) { plus2.style.display = "block"; minus2.style.display = "none"; SeeMore2.style.display = "block"; Collapse2.style.display = "none"; bullet2.style.display = "none"; HideMe1.style.display = "none"; HideMe2.style.display = "none"; HideMe3.style.display = "none"; Div1.style.display = "none"; Div2.style.display = "none"; Div3.style.display = "none"; Div4.style.display = "none"; Div5.style.display = "none"; Div6.style.display = "none"; Div7.style.display = "none"; Div8.style.display = "none"; Div9.style.display = "none"; Div10.style.display = "none"; Div11.style.display = "none"; Div12.style.display = "none"; Div13.style.display = "none"; Div14.style.display = "none"; } } </script> </head> <body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" leftmargin="0" topmargin="0" marginwidth="0" marginheilanght="0"> <div align="center"> <!-- ImageReady Slices (SignsForTheTime-01.psd - Slices: 00, 02, 03, 04, 05, 08, 10, 12, 13) --> <table id="Table_01" width="599" height="973" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tr> <td height="2" colspan="7"> <img src="images/spacer.gif" width="599" height="2" alt=""></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="7" bgcolor="E7E8E9"> <img src="images/spacer.gif" width="599" height="2" alt=""></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="2" rowspan="5" bgcolor="E7E8E9"> <img src="images/spacer.gif" width="2" height="969" alt=""></td> <td colspan="5"> <img src="images/SignsForTheTime-01_04.jpg" alt="" width="595" height="90" border="0" usemap="#Map2"></td> <td width="2" rowspan="4" bgcolor="#E7E8E9"> <img src="images/spacer.gif" width="2" height="967" alt=""></td> </tr> <tr> <td height="30" colspan="5"> <img src="images/spacer.gif" width="595" height="30" alt=""></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="36" height="847" rowspan="2"> <img src="images/spacer.gif" width="36" height="847" alt=""></td> <td width="351" valign="top"><img src="images/SignsForTheTime_10.jpg" width="351" height="23" alt=""><br> As the business climate changes, so do your needs. After nearly 30 years of creating brands and building in-store communications for hundreds of businesses in the food service industry, VGS has gained unique insight into what works. You may want to try these ideas in your business, so we created <span class="style2"><strong>Signs FOR the Times</strong> &ndash; tools, resources and information to help you, not only survive, but to thrive! </span><br> <table width="100%" border="0" bgcolor="#E7E8E9"> <tr> <td width="3%"><img src="images/spacer.gif" width="7" height="7" alt=""></td> <td width="94%"></td> <td width="3%"><img src="images/spacer.gif" width="7" height="7" alt=""></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td valign="top"><span class="style1">Quick Fact:</span> <span class="style3"> 85% of quests know what they want before entering a QSR. How can you change their minds? <span class="style1">Stay Informed</span> to read more.)</span></td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="images/spacer.gif" width="7" height="7" alt=""></td> <td></td> <td><img src="images/spacer.gif" width="7" height="7" alt=""></td> </tr> </table> <br> <img src="images/SignsForTheTime_28.jpg" width="351" height="30" alt=""><br><br /> Periodically, we&rsquo;ll send you eBriefs on topics we think you&rsquo;d be interested in &ndash; from the latest trends to tips on improving customer experience, increasing $ per order, and value-driven techniques to retain customers and attract new ones. Access past eBriefs here:<br> <table width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td width="3%">&nbsp;</td> <td width="97%">&nbsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">&bull; </td> <td>Marketing during a recession? Yes and Here&rsquo;s Why &ndash; <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs080/1101639885849/archive/1102546005098.html" target="_blank">Vol 1</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">&bull; </td> <td>Marketing Now - What You can Learn from QSR Leaders &ndash; <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs080/1101639885849/archive/1102558890932.html" target="_blank">Vol 2</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">&bull; </td> <td>Personalizing the Customer Experience: Ideas with Big Impact &ndash; <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs080/1101639885849/archive/1102565909438.html" target="_blank">Vol 3</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">&bull; </td> <td>Creating Value: Hot Trends in 2009: Sustainability &ndash; <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs080/1101639885849/archive/1102592327192.html" target="_blank">Vol 4</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">&bull; </td> <td>Creating Value: Hot Trends in 2009: Leverage Menu Trends &ndash; <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs080/1101639885849/archive/1102599193675.html" target="_blank">Vol 5</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">&bull; </td> <td>Menu Board Secrets: 5 Tips to increase profitability &ndash; <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs080/1101639885849/archive/1102634236413.html" target="_blank">Vol 6</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td>&nbsp;</td> </tr> </table> <br> <img src="images/SignsForTheTime_34a.jpg" width="277" height="16" alt=""> <div id="emailform"> <strong class="style2"><br> Already a Subscriber?</strong><br /> Update your contact information. <form class="signup" name="ccoptin" action="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp" target="_blank" method="post"> <input type="hidden" name="PHPSESSID" value="e4788da9adb0ba678b66cb008d6c8823" /> <input type="hidden" name="m" value="1101639885849"> <input type="hidden" name="p" value="oi"> <input type="text" name="ea" size="24" value="Enter Your Email Address" onFocus="if (this.value == 'Enter Your Email Address') {this.value = '';}" onBlur="if (this.value == '') {this.value = 'Enter Your Email Address';}"> <input type="submit" name="go" value="subscribe" class="submit"> </form> </div> <p><br> <br> </p> <p> <img src="images/SignsForTheTime_48.jpg" alt="" /> <table> <tr> <td> <img src="images/SignsForTheTime_49.jpg" alt="" /> </td> <td valign="middle"> Take our <a href="http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2jfd97hfwkwfqp1/start" target="_blank">1 minute survey</a> to let us know what you think of SFtT. </td> </tr> </table> </p> <p style="font-size:10px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #4D4D4F;line-height: 14px;"><br> <img src="images/SignsForTheTime_39.jpg" width="351" height="13" alt=""><br> <br> VGS offers a wide range of ready-to-use signage and graphics designed for the food service environment. To see more and order online <a href="http://www.vgsonline.com/vgsonline/Main/frmProducts.aspx">Click here</a>.<br> <br> <span class="style1">Need something more or different?</span> VGS in-house design team is ready to create a program to meet your specific needs. Call or <a href="mailto:edirect@vgs-inc.com?subject=Please contact about for more information or a custom request">email</a> us for more information.<br> <span class="style1"><br> Prefer to speak with someone directly?</span> You can reach us at <span class="style2">800-203-0301</span> or <a href="mailto:edirect@vgs-inc.com?subject=Please contact about for more information or a custom request">email</a> us.<br> </p> </td> <td width="42" height="797"> <img src="images/spacer.gif" width="42" height="797" alt=""></td> <td width="132" valign="top"><img src="images/SignsForTheTime_24.jpg" width="129" height="17" alt=""><br><img src="images/SignsForTheTime_26_new.jpg" width="129" height="113" alt=""><br> The ultimate updateable menu board system with endless possibilities. <a href="http://www.vgsonline.com/vgsonline/upload/Documents/633794756327187500.pdf" target="_blank">Learn More.</a><br /> <br /> <table width="129" height="220" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" bgcolor="#E7E8E9" id="Table_"> <tr> <td><img src="images/SignsForTheTime-01a_01.jpg" width="7" height="7" alt=""></td> <td colspan="2"><img src="images/SignsForTheTime-01a_02.jpg" width="117" height="7" alt=""></td> <td><img src="images/SignsForTheTime-01a_03.jpg" width="5" height="7" alt=""></td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="7"><img src="images/SignsForTheTime-01a_04.jpg" width="7" height="206" alt=""></td> <td colspan="2" valign="top"><span class="style1">Stay Informed</span><br> <span class="style2"><img src="images/SignsForTheTime-01a_13.jpg" width="100" height="5" alt=""></span><br> We&rsquo;re always tracking the latest<br> information. We found these<br> articles not only relevant, but<br> helpful. We think you may too.<br> <span class="style2"><img src="images/SignsForTheTime-01a_13.jpg" width="100" height="5" alt=""></span><br> <span class="style2"> Marketing Research:</span></td> <td rowspan="7"><img src="images/SignsForTheTime-01a_06.jpg" width="5" height="206" alt=""></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">&bull; <br> <span class="style2"><img src="images/SignsForTheTime-01a_13.jpg" width="14" height="5" alt=""></span></td> <!--<td> Millward Brown&rsquo;s series -- <a href="http://www.mb-blog.com/Images/Recession_POV1_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Part<br> 1</a> and <a href="http://www.mb-blog.com/Images/POVMarketingDuringRecession2-0508.pdf" target="_blank">Part 2</a> -- on Recession<br> Marketing<br> </td>--> <td> <a href="http://www.brandweek.com/bw/content_display/news-and-features/direct/e3i71cdc4be5311379d5b8c51176003c6bb" target="_blank">Shoppers Respond Differently to Store Media (Miller Zell)</a> <br /> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"><div id="plus" style="color: #FF7F00; font-weight:bold;" > +</div> <div id="minus" style="display: none; color: #FF7F00; font-weight:bold;"> -</div> <div id="bullet" style="display: none" > &bull;</div></td> <td> <div id="SeeMore" > <a onClick="Show(1)" onMouseOver="this.style.cursor='hand';" style="color: #FF7F00; font-weight:bold">See more</a> </div> <div id="Collapse" style="display: none; color: #FF7F00; font-weight:bold;"> <a onClick="Show(2)" onMouseOver="this.style.cursor='hand';">Collapse</a> </div> <div id="HideMe" style="display: none" > <a href="http://blogs.bnet.com/intercom/?p=1573" target="_blank">BNET Intercom&rsquo;s</a> quick synopsis<br> on <a href="http://www.smeal.psu.edu/news/latest-news/mar05/leverage.html/" target="_blank">Penn State's</a> research report<br> </div></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"><div id="Div15" style="display: none" >&bull;</div> </td> <td><div id="Div16" style="display: none" >Millward Brown&rsquo;s series -- <a href="http://www.mb-blog.com/Images/Recession_POV1_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Part<br> 1</a> and <a href="http://www.mb-blog.com/Images/POVMarketingDuringRecession2-0508.pdf" target="_blank">Part 2</a> -- on Recession<br> Marketing<br></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" class="style2"><img src="images/SignsForTheTime-01a_13.jpg" width="100" height="5" alt=""><br> Food Service Specific:</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">&bull; <br /></td> <td valign="top"> <a href="http://www.fsafood.com/fsacom/News+and+Information/Solutions/Menuing/Menu+Psychology.htm" target="_blank">Menu Design: Menu Psychology (Food Services of America)</a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"><div id="plus2" style="color: #FF7F00; font-weight:bold;"> +</div> <div id="minus2" style="display: none; color: #FF7F00; font-weight:bold;"> -</div> <div id="bullet2" style="display: none" > &bull;</div></td> <td> <div id="SeeMore2"> <a onClick="Show(3)" onMouseOver="this.style.cursor='hand';" style="color: #FF7F00; font-weight:bold;">See more</a> </div> <div id="Collapse2" style="display: none; color: #FF7F00; font-weight:bold;"> <a onClick="Show(4)" onMouseOver="this.style.cursor='hand';">Collapse</a> </div> <div id="HideMe1" style="display: none" > <a href="http://www.rsgmag.com/public/100.cfm" target="_blank">The Writing is on the Wall: A Menu Board Primer for Independent Operators (Restaurant Startup & Growth)</a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td valign="top"><div id="Div11" style="display: none" >&bull;</div> </td> <td><div id="Div12" style="display: none" > <a href="http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3190/is_47_42/ai_n31117433/" target="_blank">The value equation: rocky economy doesn t deter customers from dining out but it may change the way they do so (BNET 2008)</a> </div></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td valign="top"><div id="Div13" style="display: none" >&bull;</div> </td> <td><div id="Div14" style="display: none" ><a href="http://www.restaurant.org/pressroom/pressrelease.cfm?ID=1726" target="_blank">Industry Forecast Predicts Trends in Healthier Options and  Greener Restaurants in 2009 (National Restaurant Association 2008)</a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td valign="top"><div id="Div7" style="display: none" >&bull;</div> </td> <td><div id="Div8" style="display: none" ><a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2009/apr/30/business/fi-cheapeats30" target="_blank">Fast-food strategy: free, or practically free (Los Angeles Times April 2009)<br> (Fast Casual April 2009)</a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td valign="top"><div id="Div1" style="display: none" >&bull;</div> </td> <td><div id="Div2" style="display: none" ><a href="http://www.fastcasual.com/article.php?id=14120&na=1" target="_blank">Poll finds green buying power still strong<br> (Fast Casual April 2009)</a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td valign="top"><div id="Div3" style="display: none" >&bull;</div></td> <td><div id="Div4" style="display: none" ><a href="http://www.qsrweb.com/white_paper.php?id=1634" target="_blank">Free Sustainability checklist from QSRWeb</a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td valign="top"><div id="Div5" style="display: none" >&bull;</div> </td> <td valign="top"> <div id="Div6" style="display: none" ><a href="http://www.briefingnewsletter.com/newsletters/index.php?ATID=518" target="_blank">Uncommon Strategies for Making More Money in the 21st Century Food Service</a><a href="http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/operations/127/instore_marketing-1.phtml?microsite=bytopic_marketing" target="_blank"></a></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td valign="top"><div id="HideMe2" style="display: none" >&bull;</div> </td> <td><div id="HideMe3" style="display: none" ><a href="http://www.fastcasual.com/products.php?prod_id=685&sf_id=141" target="_blank">2009 Fast Casual State of the Industry Report</a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td valign="top"><div id="Div9" style="display: none" >&bull;</div> </td> <td valign="top"> <div id="Div10" style="display: none" ><a href="http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/exclusives/0808/sustainability-1.phtml" target="_blank">Sustainability is Here to Stay (QSR August 2008)</a><a href="http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/operations/127/instore_marketing-1.phtml?microsite=bytopic_marketing" target="_blank"></a></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="images/SignsForTheTime-01a_12.jpg" width="7" height="7" alt=""></td> <td colspan="2"><img src="images/SignsForTheTime-01a_13.jpg" width="117" height="7" alt=""></td> <td><img src="images/SignsForTheTime-01a_14.jpg" width="5" height="7" alt=""></td> </tr> </table> <br> <br> <img src="images/SignsForTheTime_33.jpg" width="128" height="159" alt=""><br> <a href="http://www.vgsonline.com/vmsfoodservice/">Click here</a> to see the many touch-points &ndash; opportunities for<br> you to visually communicate with<br> your customers &ndash; in a typical QSR. You&rsquo;ll also find links to order the<br> resources you need from VGS.<br> </td> <td width="34" height="847" rowspan="2"> <img src="images/spacer.gif" width="34" height="847" alt=""></td> </tr> <!--<tr> <td colspan="3"> <br> <img src="images/SignsForTheTime-01_12.jpg" alt="" width="525" height="50" border="0" usemap="#Map"></td> </tr>--> <tr> <td colspan="6" bgcolor="#E7E8E9"> <img src="images/spacer.gif" width="597" height="2" alt=""></td> </tr> </table> <!-- End ImageReady Slices --> </div> <map name="Map"><area shape="rect" coords="2,1,523,46" href="http://www.vgsonline.com"> </map> <map name="Map2"><area shape="rect" coords="3,1,210,85" href="http://www.vgsonline.com"> </map> <script type="text/javascript"> var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? 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