A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this (Thursday) morning in Atlantic for a new electronic sign that replaces an older sign that stopped working last Spring, and was un-repairable. The new sign — located on the corner of Highway 6 and Chestnut Street – features an LED display that scrolls messages with regard to community events, as well as the current time and temp.

Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors gathered on a cloudy, breezy, 31-degree morning, to hear about how the sign will be used, and from the man who everyone acknowledged spear-headed efforts to get the sign brought up-to-date, Gerald Brink, owner of Brink Flowers and Gifts. Brink said “For 50 or 60-years, it’s been a cornerstone of the community.” He said he “Couldn’t stand to sit back and watch the thing be taken down. So, the Image Builders [Committee] decided ‘hey, lets take on this project.” Brink said “It was probably one of the easiest projects they’ve ever taken on to raise money [for]. Everybody thought that this sign was very important to Atlantic.”

He said also “I think it will be an important part of our community to the future.” The previous sign, which was 12-years old, was replaced with the more modern, longer-lasting display, thanks to more than $30,000 in contributions raised through the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce’ Image Builders Committee.

Chamber Programs Director Kate Christensen said due to DOT regulations, messages on the new marquee cannot be used for business advertising. It can only used to promote community events. There will be no charge to community organizations and non-profit groups to scroll their events on the sign.

Those organizations can e-mail the Chamber to obtain a form for submission about the event they wish to promote. It will be placed into rotation as soon as possible. Kate says also, anyone with suggestions about message color combinations or anything else related to the sign, is welcome to call her with those ideas.