MIA Hosts First Ever Accreditation Immersion Course At Coverings

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(MIA0078)

Cleveland, OH, May 21, 2014 — The Marble Institute of America (MIA) hosted its first Accreditation Program Immersion Course during Coverings 2014, held in Las Vegas, NV April 29 – May 2. This one day course was designed to give companies interested in accreditation the opportunity to learn about the application, participate in a review of the exam material and to take the accreditation exam. The program background information and exam material review were conducted in the morning, while the 5 hour, open book exam was administered in the afternoon.

Rodney Harvey of Curtain Wall Design in Dallas, TX, Chair of the MIA Accreditation Commission, facilitated the program. He had this to say, "I was impressed by the level of interest and passion for the stone industry shown by the Accreditation Immersion participants at Coverings 2014. As a member of the group who worked diligently to develop the program these candidates exemplified the stated purpose of the MIA Accreditation program: 'To provide excellence in the natural stone industry and recognize companies demonstrating compliance with quality standards, so that the public values, has access to, and benefits from consistent, competent and safe fabrication, installation and maintenance of natural stone.' The feedback from the candidates was extremely valuable, we (MIA Accreditation Commission) learned from the event and plan to apply the knowledge gained to the betterment of the program."

MIA Board of Director, Jon Lancto (Surface Products, Cornelius, NC), who sat in for a panel discussion during the course offered this, "The accreditation immersion course was a great way for fabricators and commercial contractors to prepare for and take the test. We also got great feedback from the attendees that will make future immersion courses stronger."

Attendees, who will not be identified due to a commitment to confidentiality during the process, discussed their experiences with the course:

  • "It was very informational. I learned a lot."
  • "I love that the test was difficult. It covered many areas that I don't deal with that often, but that is a good thing. Keep it tough!"
  • "The course was a great experience. I had been wanting to get accredited for years, but the opportunity to sit for the test before making any real financial commitment was what pushed me over the edge. So happy I did it!"

The MIA currently has plans to conduct similar courses at StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas East in Miami, FL this October, StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas West in Las Vegas, NV next January, and upcoming other sites.

MIA Accreditation for natural stone fabricators and commercial contractors recognizes those companies that meet the industry's highest standards for business activities, product knowledge, fabrication and installation. To earn MIA Accreditation, a company must complete an intensive, rigorous process that includes documentation of its business and employment practices, letters of recommendation, a written examination and site visits to the facility and completed jobs. Currently there are over 70 MIA Accredited Natural Stone Fabricators and over 10 MIA Accredited Commercial Contractors in the United States and Canada. To learn more about the program and upcoming immersion classes, visit www.marble-institute.com/accreditation.


MIA members review exam material at the Accreditation Immersion Course held during Coverings 2014.

 

About the Marble Institute of America

Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has served as the authoritative source of information on standards of natural stone workmanship and practice and the application of natural stone products for over 70 years.

Membership in the association is worldwide and includes over 1,600 natural stone producers, exporters/importers, distributors/wholesalers, fabricators, finishers, installers, and industry suppliers committed to the highest standards of workmanship and ethics.

MIA offers an industry accreditation program for fabricators and installers, markets a range of technical publications and consumer pamphlets on natural stone, sponsors business and technical meetings and seminars on industry-related topics, provides educational programming for architects and construction specification professionals, and conducts the annual Pinnacle Awards competitions recognizing outstanding natural stone projects worldwide.

MIA is also a leading promoter of stone usage in the commercial and residential marketplaces, producing consumer education materials on the use of natural stone and its proper care and maintenance. More information can be found on the association's website: http://www.marble-institute.com.

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