June 19, 2008
Atlanta, GA

This seminar provides a detailed look at the MIA Accreditation Program and the Natural Stone Fabricator distinction specifically. This program is the culmination of several years of work by a dedicated team of volunteers who represent the best the industry has to offer. The MIA accreditation program is a direct response to frequent requests for an industry credentialing program that would serve to differentiate stone companies in the marketplace and enhance their credibility with consumers.

The MIA accreditation process is designed to be purposely rigorous so that achieving Accreditation has meaning and credibility within the industry, with customers and the public. At the same time, it is important for the process to be straightforward and user friendly. The MIA serves as a resource throughout the process to assist and support stone fabricators in completing each phase.

This one-day seminar helps you learn what to expect as you go through the accreditation process.

You will learn more about….

• History - Gain perspective on why the MIA pursued an accreditation program, who participated in it's creation, and how the current standards and requirements were decided.
• The Three-Part Accreditation Process - This is a thorough review of the entire accreditation process from application request through the site visit. You will learn from this seminar knowing exactly what it takes to become an accredited fabricator.
• OSHA Site Visit - A special segment of the seminar will center around the most anguished-over portion of the accreditation process…an OSHA facility inspection. Learn what to expect when OSHA shows up for the inspection.

For more information about accreditation - click here.

Who Should Attend...
Fabrication Business Owners, Supervisors, and Safety/Facility Managers

Seminar Agenda...

9:00am		Expectations
9:15am		History of the Accreditation Program
9:45am		Differences in the 3 programs Which program is best for your company?
10:15am		Break
10:30am		Application Review MIA Accreditation Manager Garen Distelhorst will review the accreditation application steps Accreditation Commission Chair Scott Lardner will provide a first-hand look at application and insights about what his company went through preparing the application for submission - you'll gain new insight into what to expect. 30 Minutes (Q&A)
Noon		Lunch
1:00pm		OSHA An OSHA official will update stone companies on the process of taking your company through a voluntary inspection program More first-hand experience from a company who has gone through this process Q&A
2:00pm		Exam Accreditation Commission Member Lindell Lummer will review the 6 sections of the exam and suggested readings/resources used to prepare for the exam. Details on how the exam is administered / review of sample questions What to expect Feedback from previous test takers What happens if you fail?
2:45pm		Break
3:00pm		Site Visit How to prepare for the site visit - what you need to know. Q&A
3:15pm		Benefits - How will the program benefit your company? Accreditation Advertising Positioning Your Company Once Accredited
3:45pm		Q&A

About the Speakers...
GK Naquin serves on the Accreditation Commission. He operates a fabrication and installation company with facilities in Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Louisiana. GK also serves on the MIA board of directors.

Jon Lancto serves on the Accreditation Commission. He has years of fabrication experience and operates fabrication company in North Carolina.

Garen Distelhorst is the MIA's Accreditation Manager. He works at the Marble Institute headquarters in Cleveland, OH.

Registration...
Member: $99
Non-Member: $129

Fill out & fax the attached registration form -click here.

Registration includes:

• Morning coffee/refreshments
• Lunch
• Speaker handouts/resources (a $100 value)
• $25 Coupon for the MIA Bookstore

Event Site...
TBA

Refunds...
MIA reserves the right to amend the program should circumstances warrant such action. In the event of course cancellation, MIA will notify you within 7 business days to the program date, and will refund seminar fees. Liability for course cancellation is specifically limited to the amount of registration fees and excludes any incidential or consequential damages. If you plan to register on-site, please check MIA's website www.marble-institute.com (click on MIA Education) the date prior to the seminar for any updates on this event. Individual seminar cancellations must be made in writing. Registration fees are non-refundable for cancellations received less than 7 business days prior to the seminar. Substitutions are welcome.

Strategic Partners 2008: Schechner Lifson Corporation

Local Event Partners   To be announced

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28901 Clemens Rd, Ste 100, Cleveland, OH 44145 · T: 440-250-9222 · F: 440-250-9223
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