A new facility for Wave Graphics will consolidate the workings of two buildings into one. The new building, set to be constructed on a lot near the intersection of Shelby Avenue and 5^th Street, will provide Wave Graphics owners Tom Epperson, John Stanley and new partner Danny Paulson with more space and a modem building. "We've just grown at a pretty fast rate and we've expanded services twice," said Epperson. "I think we're finally getting the reputation for being a good commercial printer."

The building is scheduled to be completed by May 1, and a grand opening ceremony is scheduled for July 2000. Epperson said two buildings, located behind the Mattoon Hardee's and the old Mattoon Electric Building on U.S. Rt. 45 are crowded with materials. The new structure will encompass 53,000 feet, nearly four times more space than owners have now.

"This will be nice," said Epperson. He attributes the business's growth capabilities to a team of hard-working employees and the community's generosity. "It's the people that make you," said Epperson. "We've just got a great staff right now, including our graphic designer (Shelly Nolte). I taught graphic arts at Mattoon High School for 19 years, and both my partners are ex-students of mine. They're just making things happen for us."

Wave Graphics, which came to Mattoon in 1997, offers shirt printing and vinyl graphics for signs, banners, commercial vehicles and store windows. It also provides quality commercial offset printing services such as business cards, letterhead, envelopes, brochures, custom carbonless forms and newspaper inserts.

"If we print for, a particular customer, chances are there will be a time when they need T-shirts printed," said Epperson. "We're just committed to trying to the customers what they instead of sending them s where else."

Wave Graphics' new facility is being built by Engel Construction Inc. and financed by First National Bank. Coles Together been instrumental in coordinating the expansion efforts.