Form990-EZ
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Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Short Form
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except private foundations)
bullet Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public.
bullet Information about Form 990-EZ and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-1150
2015
Open to Public
Inspection
A
For the 2015 calendar year, or tax year beginning 01-01-2015, and ending 12-31-2015
B
Check if applicable:
C Name of organization
SOUTHERN STATES SIGN ASSOCIATION
 
Number and street (or P. O. box, if mail is not delivered to street address)PO BOX 2007
  Room/suite
City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code FLOWERY BRANCH, GA30542
D Employer identification number

57-1085089
E Telephone number

(770) 967-1614
F Group Exemption
Numberbullet  
G Accounting Method: Other (specify) bullet   H Check bulletI Website:bulletWWW.SOUTHERNSTATESSIGNS.ORGJ Tax-exempt status(check only one) - ( 6) bullet(insert no.) or
K Form of organization:  
L Add lines 5b, 6c, and 7b to line 9 to determine gross receipts. If gross receipts are $200,000 or more, or if total assets (Part II, column (B) below) are $500,000 or more, file Form 990 instead of Form 990-EZ ...........................bullet $ 119,875
Part I
Revenue, Expenses, and Changes in Net Assets or Fund Balances (see the instructions for Part I) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part I.....................
VerticalRevenue 1 Contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts received .................... 1 4,928
2 Program service revenue including government fees and contracts ............... 2 107,844
3 Membership dues and assessments ........................... 3  
4 Investment income ........................... 4 7,103
5a Gross amount from sale of assets other than inventory ..... 5a  
b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses ....... 5b  
c Gain or (loss) from sale of assets other than inventory (Subtract line 5b from line 5a) ...... 5c  
6 Gaming and fundraising events
a Gross income from gaming (attach Schedule G if greater than $15,000) 6a  
b Gross income from fundraising events (not including $   of contributions from fundraising events reported on line 1) (attach Schedule G if the sum of such gross income and contributions exceeds $15,000) ..6b  
c Less: direct expenses from gaming and fundraising events ... 6c  
d Net income or (loss) from gaming and fundraising events (add lines 6a and 6b and subtract line 6c) 6d  
7a Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances ...... 7a  
b Less: cost of goods sold ............. 7b  
c Gross profit or (loss) from sales of inventory (Subtract line 7b from line 7a) ......... 7c  
8 Other revenue (describe in Schedule O) .......... 8  
9 Total revenue. Add lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5c, 6d, 7c, and 8 .............. Bullet 9 119,875
VerticalExpenses 10 Grants and similar amounts paid (list in Schedule O) ............ 10  
11 Benefits paid to or for members ................ 11 11,500
12 Salaries, other compensation, and employee benefits ................ 12 64,500
13 Professional fees and other payments to independent contractors ............ 13 2,960
14 Occupancy, rent, utilities, and maintenance ................... 14  
15 Printing, publications, postage, and shipping .............. 15 76
16 Other expenses (describe in Schedule O) .............. 16 74,736
17 Total expenses. Add lines 10 through 16 .............. Bullet 17 153,772
VerticalNetAssets 18 Excess or (deficit) for the year (Subtract line 17 from line 9) ............ 18 -33,897
19 Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (from line 27, column (A)) (must agree with
end-of-year figure reported on prior year’s return) ............ 19 296,210
20 Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) .......... 20 -9,774
21 Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 18 through 20 ....... 21 252,539
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 10642I Form 990-EZ (2015)
Form 990-EZ (2015)
Page 2
Part IIBalance Sheets (see the instructions for Part II)Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part II.................

(A) Beginning of year(B) End of year
22Cash, savings, and investments................
307,927
22
269,289
23Land and buildings....................
 
23
 
24Other assets (describe in Schedule O) ..........
1,780
24
 
25Total assets......................
309,707
25
269,289
26
Total liabilities (describe in Schedule O) .............
13,497
26
16,750
27Net assets or fund balances (line 27 of column (B) must agree with line 21)
296,210
27
252,539
Part IIIStatement of Program Service Accomplishments (see the instructions for Part III) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part III . . Expenses
(Required for section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations; optional for others.)
What is the organization's primary exempt purpose? OUR MISSION IS TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF THE ON-PREMISE SIGN INDUSTRY AND ENHANCE RELATIONS BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL THROUGH COMMUNICATION, EDUCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, LEGISLATIVE, AND REGULATORY EFFORTS. WE AIM TO CONCEIVE AND INAUGURATE PROGRESSIVE SELF-EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND POLICIES DESIGNED TO DEVELOP STANDARDS AND ETHICAL GUIDELINES IN THE SALE, MANUFACTURE, AND MAINTENANCE OF SIGNS; AND TO ASSUME LEADERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR EXTENDING THESE PROGRAMS FOR MUTUAL BENEFIT, FOR THE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS, AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SIGN INDUSTRY AND PUBLIC AT LARGE. WE WILL DIRECT OUR EFFORTS TOWARDS MORE EFFICIENT AND PRACTICAL STANDARDIZATION OF MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION METHODS SO THAT PROGRESSIVELY BETTER QUALITY FOR ON-PREMISE SIGNS WITH AN INCREASING EFFICIENCY BY THE MEMBERS. WE PROMOTE CONTINUOUS RESEARCH IN NEW MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION METHODS AND MAKE INFORMATION ON THESE DEVELOPMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE MEMBERS. WE WILL ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. In a clear and concise manner, describe the services provided, the number of persons benefited, and other relevant information for each program title.
28 OUR CONFERENCE WAS HELD IN CHARLESTON, SC. WE HAD 79 ATTENDEES THAT SIGNED UP FOR VARIOUS EVENTS SUCH AS EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS, NETWORKING EVENTS, GOLF TOURNAMENT AND A TOUR OF THE BOEING MANUFACTURING PLANT.
(Grants $   ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...MediumBullet		 28a 21,325
29 OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL AWARDS TO MEMBER COMPANYS' EMPLOYEES OR DEPENDENT CHILDREN OF MEMBER COMPANYS' EMPLOYEES. THE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ARE DETERMINED BY A THIRD PARTY. SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISING TAKES PLACE AT EACH OF OUR EVENTS. WE WERE ABLE TO AWARD 11, 1,000 SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2015.
(Grants $   ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...MediumBullet		 29a 11,500
30 OUR CONVENTION TOOK PLACE IN PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL. THE 176 ATTENDEES PARTICIPATED IN VARIOUS EVENTS SUCH AS: GOLF TOURNAMENT, MEETINGS, TABLE- TOP EXHIBITS, EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS, NETWORKING EVENTS AND A SIGN SHOP TOUR.
(Grants $   ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...MediumBullet		 30a 47,531
31 Other program services (describe in Schedule O) ................
(Grants $   ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here...MediumBullet		 31a
32 Total program service expenses (add lines 28a through 31a).......... bullet 32 80,356
Part IV
List of Officers, Directors, Trustees, and Key Employees (list each one even if not compensated — see the instructions for Part IV)Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part IV............
(a) Name and title (b) Average
hours per week
devoted to position		 (c)Reportable compensation
(Forms W-2/1099-MISC) (if not paid, enter -0-) 		(d) Health benefits, contributions to employee benefit plans,
and deferred compensation		 (e) Estimated amount
of other compensation
ANNETTE SOUTHERN  
 
PAST PRESIDE 		1.00 0    
BETSY SWAN  
 
PRESIDENT 		1.00 0    
JEFF CROSKEY  
 
VICE PRES/PR 		1.00 0    
LYNN LATIMAR  
 
GEORGIA DIRE 		1.00 0    
KEVIN CRUTCHFIELD  
 
SECRETARY/TR 		1.00 0    
GAWEN GRAHAM  
 
SCHOLARSHIP 		1.00 0    
JENNIFER GRAHAM  
 
EXECUTIVE DI 		40.00 64,500    
MIKE YOPP  
 
SC DIRECTOR 		1.00 0    
ROGER BROWN  
 
SC DIRECTOR 		1.00 0    
MIKE BROWN  
 
FLORIDA DIRE 		1.00 0    
KENNETH SODAY  
 
FLORIDA DIRE 		1.00 0    
LEWIS HOLLAND  
 
GEORGIA DIRE 		1.00 0    
SCOTT MULLER  
 
NC DIRECTOR 		1.00 0    
TERRY SESSIONS  
 
SUPPLIER DIR 		1.00 0    
BRAD HARMON  
 
NC DIRECTOR 		1.00 0    
HENRY BROWN  
 
PRODUCT MANF 		1.00 0    
Form 990-EZ (2015)
Form 990-EZ (2015)
Page 3
Part V
Other Information
(Note the Schedule A and personal benefit contract statement requirements in the
instructions for Part V.) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part V.......
Yes
No
33
Did the organization engage in any significant activity not previously reported to the IRS? If "Yes," provide a detailed description of each activity in Schedule O ...................
33
 
No
34
Were any significant changes made to the organizing or governing documents? If "Yes," attach a conformed copy of the amended documents if they reflect a change to the organization’s name. Otherwise, explain the changeon Schedule O (see instructions) ..........................
34
 
No
35a
Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year from business activities (such as those reported on lines 2, 6a, and 7a, among others)? ............
35a
 
No
b
If "Yes," to line 35a, has the organization filed a Form 990-T for the year? If "No," provide an explanation in Schedule O
35b
 
 
c
Was the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization subject to section 6033(e) notice, reporting, and proxy tax requirements during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part III
35c
 
No
36
Did the organization undergo a liquidation, dissolution, termination, or significant disposition of net assets during the year? If “Yes," complete applicable parts of Schedule N ................
36
 
No
37a
Enter amount of political expenditures, direct or indirect, as described in the instructions. bullet
37a
 
b
Did the organization file Form 1120-POL for this year?...................
37b
 
No
38a
Did the organization borrow from, or make any loans to, any officer, director, trustee, or key employee or were
any such loans made in a prior year and still outstanding at the end of the tax year covered by this return?..
38a
 
No
b
If “Yes," complete Schedule L, Part II and enter the total amount involved .
38b
 
39
Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:
a
Initiation fees and capital contributions included on line 9.......
39a
 
b
Gross receipts, included on line 9, for public use of club facilities.....
39b
 
40a
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on the organization during the year under:
section 4911 bullet   ; section 4912 bullet   ; section 4955 bullet  
b
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Did the organization engage in any section 4958 excess benefit transaction during the year, or did it engage in an excess benefit transaction in a prior year that has not been reported on any of its prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If “Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I
40b
 
 
c
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on organization managers or disqualified persons during the year under sections 4912, 4955, and 4958bullet  
d
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Enter amount of tax on line 40c reimbursed by the organizationbullet  
e
All organizations. At any time during the tax year, was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction? If "Yes," complete Form 8886-T ................
40e
 
No
41List the states with which a copy of this return is filed. bulletGA
42aThe organization's books are in care of bulletJENNIFER GRAHAM
 Telephone no. bullet (770) 967-1614
Located at bullet5539 PRESERVE POINTFLOWERY BRANCH,GA ZIP + 4bullet30542
b
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in or a signature or other authority over a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)?
Yes
No
42b
 
No
If “Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: bullet
See the instructions for exceptions and filing requirements for FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR)
c
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization maintain an office outside the U.S.? . . .
42c
 
No
If “Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: bullet
43......bullet
and enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the tax year....bullet43
 
Yes
No
44a
Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completed insteadof Form 990-EZ.............................
44a
 
No
b
Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completedinstead of Form 990-EZ.............................
44b
 
No
c
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the year?.........
44c
 
No
d
If "Yes," to line 44c, has the organization filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If "No," provide an
explanation in Schedule O ............................
44d
 
 
45a
Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)?.........
45a
 
No
45b
Did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," Form 990 and Schedule R may need to be completed instead of Form 990-EZ (see instructions)......................
45b
 
No
Form 990-EZ (2015)
Form 990-EZ (2015)
Page 4
Yes
No
46
Did the organization engage, directly or indirectly, in political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition tocandidates for public office? If “Yes," complete Schedule C, Part I. ...........
46
 
No
Part VI
Section 501(c)(3) organizations only All section 501(c)(3) organizations must answer questions 47-49b and 52, and complete the tables for lines 50 and 51 Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part VI ..................
Yes
No
47
Did the organization engage in lobbying activities or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part II .......................
47
 
 
48
Is the organization a school as described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If "Yes," complete Schedule E ..
48
 
 
49a
Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization?......
49a
 
 
b
If "Yes," was the related organization a section 527 organization?................
49b
 
 
50
Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated employees (other than officers, directors, trustees and key employees) who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None."
(a) Name and title of each employee (b) Average
hours per week
devoted to position		 (c) Reportable compensation
(Forms W-2/1099-MISC) 		(d) Health benefits, contributions to employee benefit plans, and deferred compensation (e) Estimated amount of other compensation
 
f
Total number of other employees paid over $100,000 ...bullet  

51
Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated independent contractors who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None."
(a) Name and business address of each independent contractor (b) Type of service (c) Compensation
 
d
Total number of other independent contractors each receiving over $100,000..........bullet  
52
Did the organization complete Schedule A? NOTE. All Section 501(c)(3) organizations must attach a
completed Schedule A ........................................bullet
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.
Sign Here
JumboBullet
Signature of officer Date
JumboBullet
Type or print name and title
Paid Preparer Use Only
Print/Type preparer's name
Preparer's signature
Date
PTIN
Firm's name bullet

Firm's EIN bullet
Firm's address bullet



Phone no.
May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? See instructions .........bullet
Form 990-EZ (2015)

Additional Data


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Software Version:  

Form 990-EZ, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description

SCHEDULE O
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ

Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or 990-EZ or to provide any additional information.
MediumBullet Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
MediumBullet Information about Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at
www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2015
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
SOUTHERN STATES SIGN ASSOCIATION
 
Employer identification number

57-1085089
Return Reference Explanation
FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 16 EXPENSES MARKETING 149 OFFICE SUPPLIES 1,096 PHONE/FAX/ INTERNET 1,138 BANK/MERCHANT FEES 3,721 MGMT SOFTWARE FEES 470 PLAQUES/AWARD SUPPLIES 210 PO BOX RENTAL 74 WEBSITE MAINT/DEVELOPMENT 1,584 TRAVEL 1,214 EXEC DIR TRAVEL 586 CONFERENCE CALLS 184 FALL CONFERENCE 12,600 ISA SHOW EXPENSE 1,693 CEU EXPENSE 1,065 TRADESHOW EXPENSE 47,531 LIABILITY 1,192 DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS 229 TOTAL 74,736
FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 20 UNREALIZED GAIN/LOSS -9,774
FORM 990-EZ, PART II, LINE 24 PREPAID EXPENSES AND DEFERRED CHARGES 1,780 0 TOTAL 1,780 0
FORM 990-EZ, PART II, LINE 26 DEFERRED REVENUE 13,497 16,750
FORM 990-EZ, PART III OUR MISSION IS TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF THE ON-PREMISE SIGN INDUSTRY AND ENHANCE RELATIONS BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL THROUGH COMMUNICATION, EDUCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, LEGISLATIVE, AND REGULATORY EFFORTS. WE AIM TO CONCEIVE AND INAUGURATE PROGRESSIVE SELF-EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND POLICIES DESIGNED TO DEVELOP STANDARDS AND ETHICAL GUIDELINES IN THE SALE, MANUFACTURE, AND MAINTENANCE OF SIGNS; AND TO ASSUME LEADERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR EXTENDING THESE PROGRAMS FOR MUTUAL BENEFIT, FOR THE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS, AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SIGN INDUSTRY AND PUBLIC AT LARGE. WE WILL DIRECT OUR EFFORTS TOWARDS MORE EFFICIENT AND PRACTICAL STANDARDIZATION OF MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION METHODS SO THAT PROGRESSIVELY BETTER QUALITY FOR ON-PREMISE SIGNS WITH AN INCREASING EFFICIENCY BY THE MEMBERS. WE PROMOTE CONTINUOUS RESEARCH IN NEW MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION METHODS AND MAKE INFORMATION ON THESE DEVELOPMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE MEMBERS. WE WILL ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE RELATIONS OF A HIGH MORAL CHARACTER FOR THE COLLECTIVE BENEFIT OF THE INDUSTRY. WE ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SOUND AND ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICE IMPLIED IN THE FOCUS OF THE COUNCIL AND WILL APPLY THESE PRACTICES IN THE CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS OF EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER. WE FURTHER AIM TO ESTABLISH CORDIAL AND COOPERATIVE RELATIONS WITH OTHER RELATED ORGANIZATIONS IN MATTERS AND ACTIVITIES OF MUTUAL BENEFIT. WE FURTHER ENCOURAGE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN CIVIC AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS IN EACH MEMBER'S AREA.
FORM 990-EZ, PART III, LINE 29 OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL AWARDS TO MEMBER COMPANYS' EMPLOYEES OR DEPENDENT CHILDREN OF MEMBER COMPANYS' EMPLOYEES. THE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ARE DETERMINED BY A THIRD PARTY. SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISING TAKES PLACE AT EACH OF OUR EVENTS. WE WERE ABLE TO AWARD 11, 1,000 SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2015.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 51056K
Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015


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