Why We Still Print Election Signs – And Why They Still Matter

Carla Duncan inside TR Trades Reproduction

Carla Duncan, President

In an age of digital-first campaigns and social media blitzes, it’s easy to wonder: are lawn signs still relevant?
At TR Trades Reproduction, we’ve been answering that question for over 50 years — with ink, corrugated plastic, and a whole lot of local pride. And the answer is still yes.

Recently, Vancouver Sun featured our company in a story about the enduring impact of election signs and how our Kitsilano-based print shop continues to serve local candidates with fast turnaround and unmatched quality. From traditional lawn signs to bold window decals and vibrant campaign posters, we’ve stayed true to our mission since 1969: helping messages stand out. Read the full article here.

 

Signs Work — Even If Social Media Shouts Louder

Political scientists agree — physical signs may seem old-school, but they still deliver results. As UBC’s Professor Emeritus Richard Johnston explained, signs help boost name recognition and send a message of credibility. Research from Yale shows that signs can increase voter margins by as much as 1.7 percentage points — often enough to tip the balance.
Plus, when someone places a candidate’s sign on their lawn, it’s a public statement. It shows commitment, belief, and community connection — the kind of grassroots visibility that no social media ad can replicate.

Local Printing = Local Power

At TR Trades, every election sign we produce is proudly Canadian-made. We use high-quality materials sourced from within Canada, like election-grade Coroplast from Quebec, and we deliver most orders the same day.
In a time when many local print shops are being bought out by large U.S. corporations or pushed aside by DIY services, supporting a Canadian-owned business means supporting local jobs, expertise, and sustainability.

Technology That Makes a Statement

To keep ahead of the curve, we’ve recently invested in one of the most advanced flatbed printers in North America — imported from Switzerland and housed in its own climate-controlled studio. It prints up to 126 x 79.9 inches at ultra-high resolution, on nearly any surface up to 2 inches thick — even a door.
Want campaign graphics on wood, acrylic, ceiling tiles, or even rubber mats? We can do that. Want tactile raised text, Braille, Spot UV, or 3D Droptix effects? We can do that too.
We’re not just printing signs — we’re creating visual statements that get noticed.

Campaign Season? We’re Ready.

As election day approaches, sign orders will ramp up — and we’ll be here, as always, ready to deliver. Whether you’re running for office or managing a campaign, TR Trades is your trusted partner for fast, reliable, high-impact election signage.

Whatever your message, let’s make it stand tall — on lawns, in windows, and across the city.

Social Share Buttons and Icons powered by Ultimatelysocial
“McKenzie is always eager to respond and help. Great customer service as always!”
Smart Design Group

McKenzie

Senior Account Manager

McKenzie joined the TR team with a solid foundation of experience in the print industry. His career began in production, where he developed his skills in maintenance, operations and finishing. Quickly recognized for his talent, initiative and charisma, McKenzie was promoted to Production Lead. At the helm of the production team, he proved a natural leader and infected the team with his positivity and work ethic.

After building his knowledge leading the production team, McKenzie progressed into the Sales department, honing his sales skills under the leadership of Carla Duncan and TR’s customer focused approach. His natural penchant for customer service and dedication to quality assurance proved an ideal fit for the TR sales team where McKenzie now functions as Account Manager.

Never one to rest on his laurels, McKenzie enhanced his knowledge with sales courses at BCIT and can regularly be seen applying his skills throughout the shop. Don’t be surprised to find him supporting the finishing department, assisting clients at the front desk, or onsite ensuring installations surpass customer expectations.

Also goes by: Mac

Interesting fact about McKenzie: he can be found on Wikipedia

Best described in three words as: loyal, funny, and stubborn

Cannot live without: his back massager

Quote to live by: “When you look at someone through rose-coloured glasses, all the red flags just look like flags” – Wanda the Owl

“Bruce has always provided excellent customer service.”
InterCAD Services Ltd.

Bruce

CAD & eProject Manager

When you meet Bruce you automatically know he is a seasoned professional in the reprographics industry. Starting out as a driver for Hughes Owens Printing in 1978, he eventually transitioned to Trimen Blueprinting where he acted as a reprographics technician for 13 years. With the onset of the digital era in 2000, TR Trades hired Bruce as CAD Manager. Since then he has been an invaluable asset to the company and anyone who has questions regarding CAD plotting. When Bruce is not overseeing others in the CAD department, he spends countless hours troubleshooting client issues, unearthing customer print errors, and providing eProject software support. He is regularly looked to for printing advice by both coworkers and clients.

Bruce is also well versed in troubleshooting onsite issues and participating in client presentations, having assisted Carla and TR sales staff in many client meetings. If you’re looking for a history lesson on the print industry or if you want to optimize your drawings for print, you’ll want to call on Bruce. Many may not know, but Bruce is a musician at heart! He originally studied engineering and math, eventually realizing it was not the career path he wished to pursue. Following this, Bruce went on to complete both a music program and a piano technician program through Douglas College. During his spare time, you’ll find him creating music or acting as a vocalist in several bands. When he is not playing the guitar and recording music, you can find Bruce tinkering around on one of his computers or watching hockey.

Also goes by: Stretch

Best described as: Humble

Favourite place in Vancouver: Minnekhada, Coquitlam

Guilty pleasure: Audio software

Favourite TV show: Hockey

Ideal meal: Mac & cheese (with ketchup)

Cannot live without: Music

Carla Duncan

President

Having worked in the family business since before she can remember, Carla has a natural talent for helping clients reach their printing goals. Always an advocate for education, Carla completed the Marketing Management course at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and then obtained a degree in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University with a double major in Management Technology and Human Resources. And all of this is in addition to sales and marketing courses at BCIT!

Combining her extensive education with a lifetime of experience, Carla is a driving force behind the success of TR Trades. On a daily basis, she can be found anywhere in the shop, always striving to enhance client satisfaction. Her familiarity with our systems, equipment, and services make her uniquely capable of ensuring clients benefit from every possible way that TR Trades can help businesses grow.

Favourite place in Vancouver: None. She would rather be off the grid camping!

During her free time you can find her: riding her atv or dirtbike, camping in the wild, fishing off the West Coast, fishing in a river, or in her garden.

Ideal meal: steak and double stuffed potatoes

What gets her motivated in the morning: coffee and coming to work!

Contact Me

“If you’re looking for an alternative option to your current print supplier, please call my cell at 604.376.7803. I would love to speak with you about how we can help your business.

604.736.4571 x 121