Lima embracing digital signage: LED signs transforming cityscape and communication

LIMA — Digital signs are becoming increasingly prevalent in Lima, transforming the cityscape with their vibrant, dynamic displays. Schools, churches, banks, and restaurants are among the many establishments that have embraced LED message boards, replacing traditional plastic signs. This shift eliminates the cumbersome process of manually arranging letters, offering a more efficient and modern solution for communication. Switching to an LED screen doesn’t come without its wide variety of options, regulations, and a hefty price tag, however.

Signs Ohio, located at 5560 Bellefontaine Road, is a leading provider of these digital displays in Lima and Northwest Ohio, occasionally serving other regions across the state. The company specializes in signage solutions including high-rise signs, monument signs, electronic message centers, channel letters, architectural signs, awnings, light poles, and flag poles. According to Michael Liles, graphic designer and sales employee, the company manages between 50 to 60 sign projects annually, with about 20 to 30 digital signs. They offer LED screens in 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm resolutions.

Six millimeter screens provide the highest resolution, offering 2,304 pixels per square foot with a minimum viewing distance of 14 feet. These are ideal for locations where detailed messaging is crucial. Eight millimeter screens are suited for areas with high pedestrian traffic, featuring 1,296 pixels per square foot and a minimum viewing distance of 19 feet. Ten millimeter screens are best for locations near busy intersections or traffic congestion, with 900 pixels per square foot and a minimum viewing distance of 23 feet.

Recent projects by Signs Ohio include installing LED signs at Lima Senior High School, two First National Bank locations in Lima, Allen County Fairgrounds, the Fraternal Order of Police, and Ohio Means Jobs. Lima Senior High School, in particular, has seen three new digital signs installed in 2024. There are two on both sides of the school and one in the middle parking lot. Superintendent Jill Ackerman highlights that these signs serve dual purposes.

“We pursued digital signs for two reasons, one to increase communication with the parents and the public and the second due to an audio/engineering tech class where they learn how to work digital signs as part of the curriculum,” said Ackerman.

Lima Schools Treasurer Heather Sharp shared that the total sign expenditure was $430,613, averaging $143,537 per sign. The signs were funded through a COVID-19 ESSER grant. According to Sharp, the community’s feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the signs’ value and impact.

Watchfire, a domestic manufacturer of LED displays, collaborates with Signs Ohio. Both sides rely on each other for leads and projects, as Signs Ohio works on the foundation, installation, and fabrication, while Watchfire focuses on the screens. Jen Borba, project and sales facilitator with Signs Ohio, explained their relationship with Watchfire: “We have had a pretty good relationship with them over the years. They have a rep that scopes things out for us, and if we have a customer who comes to our shop, we reach out to Watchfire to get the ball rolling on the specific project.”

Watchfire emphasizes that the appropriate resolution for a digital sign largely depends on its viewing distance. Lower-resolution screens can still deliver clear images in high-traffic areas, while higher-resolution screens are better for close-up viewing. Its logo can be seen at the bottom of each screen on signs Watchfire employees work on.

To install a new sign, businesses must navigate city permit regulations, including zoning, and submit detailed drawings and blueprints for engineering approval before construction begins. Liles explained the process a business must adhere to before construction can begin.

“They have to submit drawings and blueprints to an engineer who determines the base under grade before construction,” she said.

According to Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules, sign lighting must be shielded to prevent beams or rays of light from any main-traveled portion of the road. The maximum area a sign face can be is 1,200 feet, excluding decorative bases and support. The city of Lima states that applications for signs which require permits must include 3 sets of plans, detailing all structural components, and be sealed by a design professional. All electrically illuminated signs must bear a UL, an approving testing agency label. Wall signs with an area exceeding 40 square feet must be constructed of metal. Signs in residential districts are prohibited except: “For Sale, “For Rent” and must be 1,200 square feet or less in area.

In addition to Signs Ohio, Phoenix Sign Installation & Repair, a small, family-operated business based in Shawnee, also plays a role in the local sign industry around Lima and Northwest Ohio. Phoenix sells, installs, and repairs various types of signs, with digital signs making up about 20 of their estimated 100 annual projects. Owner Karla Strange notes a noticeable increase in demand for digital signage, reflecting the broader trend toward modern, adaptable communication solutions.

Many customers update their older signs by switching to LED bulbs. “Message boards simply boost business. In many cases, customers report a noticeable increase in business after installing an LED message board on their sign, often citing an improvement of around 25 percent,” said Strange.

She also noted that even a simple display of the time and temperature on a message board can capture public attention effectively. Message boards serve various purposes, including communication, advertising, and sharing special messages such as birthdays and anniversaries. Phoenix has worked on signs for many clients, including churches, banks, and restaurants.

Strange remarked, “It’s surprising how many churches adopt message boards. Although churches might not seem like typical advertisers, they effectively use these signs.” Strange emphasized the importance of investing in a high-quality sign: “You need to spend the money to get a good sign. We advise customers in rural areas to avoid overspending on the largest and most advanced signs. The advertising needs in remote locations differ from those on busy streets like Elida Road, where standing out is crucial.”

As businesses and institutions increasingly adopt these modern solutions, the cityscape continues to evolve, showcasing the benefits of LED and electronic message boards in enhancing visibility, engagement, and overall business performance.

Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351