MIA Launches New Stones of North America IPAD APP

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(MIA0027)

FIRST STONE SELECTION RESOURCE OF ITS KIND, NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD ON ITUNES

CLEVELAND, OH, April 2, 2012 — The Marble Institute of America has just released a comprehensive, new iPad® app that gives design and construction professionals quick, easy access to detailed information about natural stones quarried in North America.

The Stones of North America app is available for free download at the iTunes Store. The app has been produced by MIA with generous support from MAPEI, the world leader in the production of adhesives and other products for the installation of stone and other floor and wall coverings.

The app features marble, granite, and other stones from more than 70 quarries in North America. MIA's goal in creating the app was to give architects, builders, designers, homeowners, and others shopping for natural stone an easy way to view and select stone on the popular iPad. The app is being promoted to architects and design professionals through a robust advertising campaign.

The Stones of North America app displays stones in vivid color and offers an array of dynamic capabilities and valuable content for stone selection and use:

Users can explore natural stones by type, color, intended use, location, and distance from a project.
Featured stones are showcased through stunning photos of their use in commercial and/or residential applications.

Technical specifications, physical properties, and details on recommended use make it easy to specify the right stone for any project.
Sophisticated mapping technology enables users to measure the distance from the stone's quarry and processing centers to a job site for sustainable projects.

"The new Stones of North America app is an ideal resource for professionals who specify materials for residential and commercial projects," said Gary Distelhorst, MIA Executive Vice President and CEO. "Whether at the drafting table, a client meeting, or on a job site, architects, designers, and construction professionals will have instant access to robust information for finding the right natural stone for their project and using it effectively."

MAPEI, the world leader in the production of adhesives and complementary products for the installation of all types of floor and wall coverings and an MIA member company, provided support for the development of the app. "We are honored to help bring this unique new app to the stone and building industry," said Diane Choat, Public Relations Specialist, MAPEI. "This is the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art stone selection resource of its kind and we're proud to partner with MIA to showcase the beautiful stones of North America."

To download the Stones of North America App, go to iTunes or the App Store and search "Stones of North America."

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 around the world.

About MAPEI
With 67 subsidiaries including 58 plants in 27 countries, MAPEI Group is the world leader in the production of adhesives and complementary products for the installation of all types of floor and wall coverings. Eighteen MAPEI manufacturing facilities are located in the Americas, with headquarters in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

MAPEI Americas is a registered provider to the AIA/CES program and offers training related to ceramic and stone tile, floor coverings, and concrete repair through the MAPEI Technical Institute. The majority of MAPEI Americas facilities are ISO 9001-2001 certified. Visit www.mapei.com for technical data or call 1-800-42-MAPEI (1-800-426-2734) for the nearest location.

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