HEADLINES AT A GLANCE:
"Association to Test Local Co-op Advertising Program"
"Fabricator Market Forecast: Steady for 2008 and Solid in the Future"
"Natural Stone Council Funds Marble Institute Silicosis Video Distribution"
"Survey to Assess Environmental Performance of Stone"
"Rock-Solid and Elegant: Kitchen Designers Choose Granite for Durability and Ease"
"New Stone Fabrication Plant Has Solid Efficiency Features"
"China Has Largest Stone Exports Worldwide for Two Consecutive Years"
"U.S. Countertop Demand to Reach 540 Million Square Feet in 2011"
"What's OSHA Doing in the Surfacing Industry? Five Things to Watch Out For In Your Shop"
"New Technology Nurtured for Natural Stone Business - MIA Announces Webinar Series"
"Pakistan Stone Development Company for Marble and Granite Uplift"
"Marble Institute Sets 2008 Seminar Schedule"
"This Is One Honey of a Stone, And It's Almost Gone"

Association to Test Local Co-op Advertising Program
Marble Institute of America (01/17/08)

A major test of a long-awaited co-operative advertising campaign in which MIA member and non-member fabricators and MIA member distributors in a local market area join forces on a cooperative basis to expand mutual business opportunities will be launched in the Northeast Ohio area sometime this spring. The program currently being developed will utilize a mix of media which will be focused on generating sales leads for participating fabricators. Details of the program are still under development, but initial plans call for advertising via he major daily newspaper, cable television (HGTV) and direct mail. The preliminary plan is being developed by a special task force consisting of MIA Executive Vice President Garis Distelhorst, MIA marketing consultant Bill Levy, Dinesh Bafna, owner of Mont Granite of Solon, OH., and Martin Gould, president of Focalize Consulting of Cooper City, FL. Potential fabricator participants are being gleaned from the MIA member and prospective member database.
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Fabricator Market Forecast: Steady for 2008 and Solid in the Future
Stone World (01/15/08) ; Reis, Michael

Although 2007 was a tough year for the stone fabrication industry, insiders are generally optimistic about 2008, according to a recent survey conducted by Stone World magazine. Nearly half of the fabricators polled were confident that the market would increase this year, thanks to such factors as the affordability of stone, market demand, and consumer awareness. Roughly a third of those surveyed said they thought the market would hold steady in 2008, while just 15.7 percent said they believe the market would decline this year due to problems in the housing market and increased competition from new stone fabricators. Of those who predicted a flagging market in 2008, 94 percent said the decline would be greater than 10 percent. While many stone fabricators were positive about the outlook for 2008, many were equally optimistic in their outlook for the industry over the next five to 10 years. More than 80 percent of poll respondents said they expect the industry to expand during this time; while 13.9 percent said it would hold steady, and 4.8 percent said it would decline. Fabricators who were upbeat about the industry's future prospects again cited the affordability of stone and the growing popularity and demand for stone as reasons for their optimism.
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Natural Stone Council Funds Marble Institute Silicosis Video Distribution
Marble Institute of America (01/14/08)

The Marble Institute of America (MIA) new video, "Silicosis: Incurable but Preventable," will be distributed to the entire natural stone industry in the United States via the February 2008 issue of Stone World magazine. This industry-wide effort is being made possible by a generous grant from the Natural Stone Council. "Safety in the workplace is everyone's uppermost concern and silicosis is such a serious occupational health issue for workers in our industry, as well as other occupations where crystalline silica dust is generated," said Chuck Monson, CEO, Dakota Granite Co. and NSC board member. "The NSC is pleased to underwrite the distribution of this worthwhile effort. Over 11,000 natural stone fabricators and distributors will receive the training video." The video expands on a recent Stone News Channel feature that addressed reducing silica exposure through work practices by employers and employees. Grants from DuPont and Water Treatment Technologies helped fund the production of the video. DuPont has also agreed to fund two translations (French and Spanish) when the English version is completed. "Silicosis: Incurable but Preventable," focuses on prevention. Silicosis is a debilitating lung disease which literally takes the victim's breath away. It is caused by inhaling crystalline silica - prevalent in shops that cut and grind granite, slate or other quartz containing materials without the proper controls or personal protective equipment. Crystalline silica is so fine that it cannot be seen by the naked eye. That's what makes it so deadly. Avoiding exposure to it is the fundamental element in prevention.
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Survey to Assess Environmental Performance of Stone
Surface Fabrication (01/08)

The Natural Stone Council, in partnership with the University of Tennessee's Center for Clean Products, is surveying U.S. quarries and stone fabricators to assess the environmental performance of the natural stone industry. Distributed early in January, the survey asks recipients for information about production processes, energy and water consumption, and other aspects of their daily operations that contribute to their environmental footprint. After the responses are received, the University of Tennessee will conduct a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the data in order to form the basis of a life-cycle analysis of the environmental impacts of particular stone products. The data also will be used to develop strategic sustainability goals for the natural stone industry and a plan for outreach to the environmental and Green Building communities.
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Rock-Solid and Elegant: Kitchen Designers Choose Granite for Durability and Ease
Houston Chronicle (01/12/08) ; Galehouse, Maggie

Granite countertops are becoming more popular in homes of all income levels. The coarse-grained stone composed mostly of quartz has become more of a competitive product and is no longer primarily found in high-end kitchens. A survey of 20,000 remodelers last year by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) reveals that granite accounted for 30 percent of countertops. Houston kitchen and bath designer Micqui McGowen says more of her clients are choosing granite, especially if it has been honed or antiqued. Some observers say customers prefer granite for its durability, and clients are also said to like its versatility. "Sometimes we do a light granite on the main countertops and a more unusual or darker granite on the kitchen islands, so it looks more like a piece of furniture," adds McGowen, co-owner of Kitchen and Bath Concepts. The cut and treatment, as well as the amount of labor involved, determines the cost of granite.
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New Stone Fabrication Plant Has Solid Efficiency Features
Phoenix Business Journal (01/11/08) ; Casacchia, Chris

Stone Systems of Arizona has a new fabrication facility in Phoenix that is being held up as an industry model because of its production, energy efficiency, water conservation, and recycling capabilities. About 50,000 square feet of Silestone and granite surfaces will be produced each month at the 50,000-square-foot facility, which will employ 60 to 70 workers when at full capacity. "We're able to keep 125,000 square feet of inventory on hand to meet our customers' needs, with 10,000 square feet of area accessible by an overhead bridge crane," says Gene Wells, general manager of Stone Systems. "This, along with the building's green features, reduces our operational and environmental costs." The plant has a custom reclamation system that captures water used in the stone fabrication process and then filters it for reuse. It also makes use of special natural-light canisters and Energy Star bulbs to conserve energy. Additionally, Stone Systems has partnered with Cosentino North America to recycle remnant Silestone and granite materials.
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China Has Largest Stone Exports Worldwide for Two Consecutive Years
China Retail Daily (01/14/08)

China has emerged as a primary stone processor and exporter to the international market, according to Wang Yuanjiang, the country's vice chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters. Through October 2007, China's stone exports were worth $2.83 billion and surpassed $3 billion for 2007 overall--the largest volume of stone exports globally for the second consecutive year. Wang noted that China mostly exported granite, monument stones, and stones used for construction in the form of finished products. The stone was produced primarily in the provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, and Shangdong as well as in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
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U.S. Countertop Demand to Reach 540 Million Square Feet in 2011
Market Wire (12/21/07)

Demand for kitchen and bathroom countertops in homes is forecast to increase 1.3 percent per year to 540 million square feet in 2011, according to a new study from The Freedonia Group Inc. Countertops fashioned out of natural stone will register the most significant growth during the period, buoyed by consumer interest in the luxury and style that granite and other stones offer. As the price of these materials comes down, they will fall within the financial reach of middle-income consumers, stoking demand even more. Residential kitchen and bath renovation expenditures are projected to remain positive through 2011, despite the fact that completions of new single-family housing, the largest market for new countertops, is slated for a decline.
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What's OSHA Doing in the Surfacing Industry? Five Things to Watch Out For In Your Shop
Surface Fabrication (12/07) ; DeCamp, Shannon

Personal protective equipment (PPE) violations were the most common type of violation the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) uncovered in the surfacing industry during the 12-month period from October 2006 through September 2007. Of these safety breaches, 75 percent were for failed compliance with the respiratory protection standard--which OSHA revised, effective Nov. 22, 2006. Under this new guideline, fabricators may be required to use respirators to protect themselves from breathing in grit and dust released when dry-cutting stone or masonry that contains silica as well as chemicals released during other operations. In addition, employers are responsible for ensuring that the protection level of respirators used by employees are adequate against the chemicals to which they are exposed. The second-most frequently cited area by OSHA was employee exposure to hazardous and toxic substances. The top violation in this category was having an inadequate "Right-to-Know" program in place for employees. OSHA regulations require that employers have a hazard communication program that includes Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals, safe handling and storage procedures for all chemicals, adequate PPE, quick drench showers and eye wash stations, and comprehensive training programs for employees. Companies that have more than 10 employees must be sure to put this program in writing. Also cited by OSHA were safety shortcomings in terms of materials transport such as cranes and forklifts; electrical safety; and general environment issues, including inadequate protection against noise and insufficient ventilation.
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New Technology Nurtured for Natural Stone Business - MIA Announces Webinar Series
Marble Institute of America (01/03/08)

The Marble Institute of America will embrace newer technology for five of their twenty educational seminars in 2008. New this year will be five webinars addressing needs specific to the stone business hosted by industry experts. Short for Web-based seminar, a webinar is defined as a presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar that is transmitted over the Web. "This is a new venue for us," said Jim Hieb, MIA's director of special projects. "We will offer five, 60-minute training sessions that can be viewed live or later via podcast. A key feature of a webinar is its interactive elements: the ability to give, receive and discuss information. This differs from a Webcast where the data transmission is one way and does not allow interaction between the presenter and the audience." There are three ways to participate: 1. Participate in the live webinar with an unlimited number of participants from your company; 2. If not attending or a session is missed, recordings of the webinar can be purchased online. Archives of past seminars are available 48-72 hours after the seminar, and can be listened to and viewed on your computer immediately after ordering. This option includes three replays; 3. Purchase a CD Box Set, which includes the audio recording and access to the session handouts. CD Box Sets will be shipped approximately two weeks after the live program date. Hieb concluded by saying, "The MIA Webinar Series provides busy stone professionals a convenient and affordable way to access valuable professional development and networking opportunities without taking time off from work or paying travel expenses." Registration for MIA Members is $99 per session (or $445.50 for all five seminars, a $49.50 savings) and for non-members: $129 per session ($580.50 for all five seminars, a $64.50 savings). Online registration began January 1, 2008.
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Pakistan Stone Development Company for Marble and Granite Uplift
Unique Pakistan (01/11/08)

The government of Pakistan has allocated 297 million Pakistani Rupees for the Pakistan Stone Development Company (PASDEC) to develop the country's marble and granite sector, according to sources. The money is being tapped from the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP), which has reserved a total of 500 million Rupees over three years for the industry's development. It reportedly will be used to establish two machinery pools and one model quarry, to upgrade three quarries, and to set up a training center as well as a warehouse for the dimensional stone. Sources add that the sector has strong potential to earn foreign exchange via the export of marble and granite, and the government has approved nearly 2 billion rupees over three years to this end. PASDEC has been instructed to launch measures for the development of the sector. It recently awarded a tender to a local agency of Daewoo for the import of earthmoving machinery from Korea. Sources report that another tender has been awarded to Dazzini for the supply of machinery, which would be used in the city of Khuzdar in Balochistan, Pakistan.
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Marble Institute Sets 2008 Seminar Schedule
Kitchen and Bath Design News (01/10/08)

Marble Institute of America members will be able to take advantage of 16 one- and two-day seminars this year. The Cleveland, Ohio-based trade association has announced its 2008 training schedule for the natural stone industry, which also includes five "webinars." Hundreds of natural stone industry insiders have participated in the "Education on Location series" since MIA introduced its broad educational program in 2005. "During the last three years, we’ve refined our offerings and added new destinations," says MIA's Gary Distelhorst. "This year, we will continue these efforts and add new technology by offering webinars for the first time." A pair of one-day preparation courses will be offered in San Diego and Atlanta as a result of rising interest in the MIA Accreditation program, and Countertop & Floor Repair classes are also scheduled for Knoxville and San Francisco. There will be four Stone Safety Seminars produced in conjunction with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one of which is scheduled for Jan. 24 in Miami. Also, the "Quarry Tours and More" will visit several locations in Texas. Interested parties do not have to be members of the industry group in order to sign up.
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This Is One Honey of a Stone, And It's Almost Gone
Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) (01/05/08) ; Frew, Wendy

Sydney, Australia's yellowblock sandstone is utilized to construct some of the most striking buildings in the city. Heritage experts claim no other stone exists that equals Sydney's yellowblock. It is required for an $A30 million initiative to shore up the disintegrating facade of the Town Hall and is so revered that the State Government keeps a closely guarded 10,000-ton supply of quarried material stashed along the Georges River. The amount of Sydney yellowblock, however, is dwindling as developers excavate construction sites and shatter the material into non-usable prices. The shortage is so great that Sydney planners are seeking ways to get developers to preserve any yellowblock found on construction sites. While the Sydney Council can permit the yellowblock to be "harvested," it currently does not have the power to order developers to excavate the material in a manner that protects it. Possible solutions include the Sydney Council of State Government bearing the financial burden of excavating and moving yellowblock located on city construction sites or development applications being expedited as a concession for builders willing to protect the stone.
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