Working Together: Stone Industry Associations Partner for Joint Study Tour in Vermont

Contact:
Marble Institute of America
(440) 250-9222
networking@marble-institute.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 27, 2011 — The Marble Institute of America (MIA) and Building Stone Institute (BSI) are excited to announce a first-time partnership between the two organizations in hosting a joint fall study tour October 23 - 26, 2011. The BSI has coordinated many successful study tours in the past and decided that the granite and marble region of Vermont offers many points of interest to stone professionals. Vermont was also the setting for two popular MIA quarry tours in 2007 and 2009 and was a priority for the MIA to go back in 2011. The 2011 study tour is a joint venture developed through the efforts of MIA's vice president Jim Hieb, and BSI executive vice president Jane Bennett. This partnership launches a powerful new movement within the natural stone industry of the many individual organizations working together toward common goals.

The BSI will hold their semi-annual board meeting on Sunday the 23rd followed by a welcome dinner for BSI members. The two-day joint event begins Monday with a day of granite inspired tours including Rock of Ages' Bethel White quarry and fabrication center, plus a view of the world's deepest granite quarry (E.L. Smith), located just ½ mile away. A tour of Hope Cemetery, a virtual museum of stone art and local history, will be enhanced through the accounts of renowned artisan Julian Cecchinelli. Day two focuses on marble with a visit to the largest North American underground quarry at Danby Marble, plus a stop at the Vermont Marble museum and the Vermont Verde Antique's Rochester quarry. Barre-based Trow and Holden Company, Miles Supply and several other stone industry operations will also factor into the event.

A closing dinner involving both organizations will be held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Montpelier. Local areas stone artisans and other stone industry affiliates from the Barre Granite Association will also be invited.

"This is just an exciting opportunity for two industry groups to work together on a common goal," stated BSI executive vice president Jane Bennett. MIA's Jim Hieb added, "we've previously held two successful events in Vermont and the addition of our BSI friends has all the makings of the October 2011 event being the best Vermont study tour yet!"

About the Marble Institute of America
For over 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 in over 50 countries around the world.

About the Building Stone Institute
Building Stone Institute (BSI) is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to serving its members in the natural stone industry. The BSI provides educational materials and continuing education on the uses and benefits of natural stone. Since 1919, the Building Stone Institute has worked on behalf of the quarries, fabricators, dealers, importers, exporters, carvers, restorers, designers, and installers that comprise our membership. We support efforts to continually increase the quality of service, quality of products, and demand for stone.