MIA+BSI Launches Natural Stone University

Contact:

MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone Institute
(440) 250-9222
networking@naturalstoneinstitute.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(MIABSI0165)

Oberlin, OH, and Chestertown, NY, November 29, 2016 —MIA+BSI is pleased to announce the launch of the Natural Stone University, an online education tool for stone industry professionals. Safety will be the primary focus during the first phase of the Natural Stone University. All safety courses and materials have been made available free of charge, courtesy of the MIA+BSI safety committee. Courses include modules on safe slab handling, installation, OSHA compliance, and CNC operation. Toolbox Talks are also available. Each course includes video and written components, as well as a closing quiz to test knowledge gained from the course. The system will also record transcripts for all who pass tests and meet competency for the courses. Courses can be taken by individuals or downloaded by managers to be administered in group settings.

2016 MIA Vice President Jon Lancto commented: “Our industry will be thrilled to offer this groundbreaking, consistent, and verifiable method to teach and test competency of employees and associates. This tool will cover everything from safety to sealers and will expand over time to meet all the needs of our industry.” Nate Schultz (Innovative Surfaces, Inc.) remarked: “I became involved with this initiative because I thought it was the missing link, an opportunity to provide others with a resource that I wished would have been around years ago. By providing your staff the opportunity to partake in these courses you can feel confident that their career in the stone industry is being built on the proper foundation.” MIA+BSI Education Manager Aaron Dahnke stated: “Our goal is to create a safer and more productive workforce through education.” The next phase of courses will include quarrier safety.

MIA+BSI would like to thank the companies that have sponsored the Natural Stone University: Braxton Bragg, Custom Building Products, Polycor, Atlas Copco,Laticrete, the National Building Granite Quarries Association, the Rockhead Group, and Terminator Diamond Products.

Visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/university to view available courses. For information on how to get involved with the Natural Stone University, contact Aaron Dahnke (aaron@naturalstoneinstitute.org).

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About MIA+BSI
MIA+BSI: the Natural Stone Institute serves more than 1900 members in 55 countries who represent every aspect of the natural stone industry, offering them a wide array of technical and training resources, professional development, regulatory advocacy, and networking events.  Two prominent publications—the Dimension Stone Design Manual and Building Stone Magazine—raise awareness in both the industry and the design communities for the promotion and best use of natural stone. Learn more at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org

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