Marble Institute CEU Program Reaches Milestone — 100 Speakers Already Trained

CLEVELAND, OH, March 25, 2010 — The Marble Institute of America (MIA) has announced it has reached an important new milestone in its CEU (continuing education units) speakers bureau — as of March 1, 2010, 100 member instructors have been trained for the bureau. These 100 individuals now are able to represent the MIA in making presentations to members of the architectural and design communities.

"The concept of MIA members (through a 'train the trainer' program) providing education to architects and designers using MIA's PowerPoints and the MIA's CEU provider status is starting to pay real dividends for participating members," indicated Greg Mowat, Forensic Tile Consultants, chair of the MIA's CEU committee. He added, "This program connects stone companies, and specifically the 100 newly trained member instructors, with current and potential customers (architects and designers) who are required to attend continuing education classes to maintain their professional credentials. When each class is over, MIA member stone companies have the opportunity to spend extended quality time with those potential customers, while in the role of the trusted resource on natural stone."

The MIA expects it's speakers bureau to continue to grow given the priorities afforded to the program:

1. The program has been expanded to include classes for the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). ASLA joins the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Interior Designers of Canada (IDC), Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and American Institute of Architects (AIA) in recognizing the MIA CEU Program.
    
2. Several classes for kitchen and bath design professionals through the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) will be launched in the upcoming weeks.
    
3. Application is being made to the Construction Specifiers Institute (CSI) to recognize the MIA CEU program.
    
4. A new CEU class on sustainability is in development for release to MIA CEU speakers in the summer.

Jim Hieb, MIA vice president added, "For a modest enrollment price, trained MIA members can become known in their marketplace as the source for CEU credits. The fact that the program has been expanded beyond architects is appealing to members who desire to connect with the broader design community The pending CEU program on sustainability is strategic as natural stone positions itself in the green marketplace."

Members are encouraged to learn more about the program online at: http://www.marble-institute.com/education/education-archive/continuing-education/.

About the Marble Institute of America
For 65 years the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has been the world's leading information resource and advocate for the natural dimension stone industry. MIA members include marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and other natural stone producers and quarriers, fabricators, installers, distributors, and contractors around the world.