Cleveland, OH – Continuing its commitment to progressive and responsible green business practices Visual Marking Systems, Inc. (VMS) breaks new ground with the announcement from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) of Gold Level recognition for its commitment to sustainability as judged by a panel of transit experts. 

VMS is the first and only APTA Business Member to receive the Gold Level recognition from APTA’s peer review team.  As a supplier of products and services to agencies, VMS has shown dedication to uphold a companywide effort focused on improving the triple bottom line: People (social), Planet (environmental), and Profit (economic).

Public transit agencies and businesses that participate in this program on a voluntary basis make a commitment to putting processes and actions into place which allow for continuous improvement in sustainability. According to APTA, sustainability is about practices that make good business sense and good environmental sense. Balancing these two values helps build stronger transportation networks, thus a sustainable future.

“Congratulations to Visual Marking Systems for achieving Gold Level recognition in sustainability and setting the standard for other businesses,” said Michael Melaniphy, President and CEO of the American Public Transportation Association.  “Visual Marking Systems is the first business member of APTA to receive this recognition because of their commitment to environmental, social and economic sustainability.”       

VMS is the transit industry’s leading resource for a wide cross-section of quality transportation signs and graphics. Creating a variety of branding and print media for APTA business members, builders, consultants, OEM’s, and transit agencies. VMS’ sales consultants are highly trained in the industry’s ever-evolving safety standards, which ensure that the graphics in vehicles and stations are not only compliant but are also safe and effective in any situation.

According to Dolf Kahle, CEO of VMS, “The public transportation industry is a huge print buying community, and VMS’ participation in the APTA Sustainability program and its achievement of Gold Level recognition is evidence that VMS is committed as a supplier to APTA’s 2010-2014 Strategic Goals to reduce the transit industry’s environmental impact.” 

VMS worked with the FRA and APTA to help pioneer the manufacturing of High-Performance Photo Luminescent (HPPL) graphics in the United States for new egress standards (2007, 2011).  HPPL signage is an important standard because it directly aids in the safety of passengers and crew in emergency situations. Contact Boom or VMS for more information.

VMS was recognized by APTA in part because of the sustainable business practices it brings as a business member. Sustainability at VMS is a companywide initiative to enhance the environmental performance of our products and our customers. Every organization,  including all APTA Sustainable Commitment signatories, can enhance their supply chain by partnering with a SGP certified printer and demonstrate the public commitment to sustainable supply chain management.