The signs they are a-changin’ around Helena — or perhaps more accurately, the people who make the signs around Helena are a-changin’.

Two local sign companies recently changed hands, one becoming part of a well-known regional company, the other fulfilling the dream of small business ownership for a local couple.

Earlier this year, Montana Signworks, a 30-year-old firm started by Barry Simmons, was bought by Young Electric Sign Co., which has a presence in 13 Western states as well as a couple in the southeast.

Montana Signworks did the signs for both Mountain West Bank and Valley Bank, as well as the new facade on the Lundy Center.

Privately-held YESCO, founded more than 80 years ago, has designed and built some of the most famous neon displays in Las Vegas, including the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” marquee.

Officials say little has changed since the transition, as YESCO Montana, as the local presence is now known, still employs around 20 here.

Meanwhile, just last week, Peter and Bridget Butler of Helena took over Qwik Signs from previous owners Mindi Erickson and Sue McKean. Qwik Signs was founded in 1990 and had been owned by Erickson and McKean since 1997.

Peter Butler, formerly a marketing specialist with New West Health Services, said he and his wife were searching for a business to buy.

“We had been looking for a long time,” he said. “We wanted something service-oriented that gives us an opportunity for hands-on creativity, and this fits that bill.”

Qwik Signs is responsible for the logos of both Rocky Mountain Development Corp. and the Meals on Wheels buses, as well the signs on dozens of other businesses around town.

Butler said the company is also close to completing a new logo and sign for the Filling Station. Speaking of which....

Filling Downtown: Jeff Spurlin recently relocated the Filling Station, the popular crepe restaurant, to the Downtown Walking Mall from its previous home at the corner of Euclid and Benton.

Spurlin, who opened the restaurant in, yes, an old filling station, five-plus years ago, had to move when plans were announced to raze the old Hardee’s and build anew closer to the intersection. He first looked on the West side in hopes of keeping his drive-thru, but didn’t find a space he liked.

Spurlin took over his new location, in the space formerly occupied by Gourmet to Go, at the beginning of August.

“At first I was not happy, but the move has been incredible,” he said. “The traffic and support downtown have been great.”

E-mail your Open for Business ideas to john.harrington@helenair.com