Contracting Installer Membership

In 1944 contracting installers were the primary industry group involved in the formation of our association. Today, the contracting installers continue to benefit from the many services provided by the MIA. The MIA sets the stone industry standards for fabrication/installation and provides many services to assist you! Whether it is offering support with a technical question, providing you with sales & showroom videos or brochures, or offering training resources to help run an installation company, the MIA can make a difference in your success. Don't forget that the MIA represents the entire natural stone supply chain (from the quarries to maintenance) — which means it is highly likely that many of your suppliers are MIA members too.

As a member, we thank you for your support! The MIA is the largest trade association in the world representing the dimension stone industry, and for over 65 years, it has been a leader in providing advocacy, networking, marketing/publicity, information/education, professionalism and stone promotion.


Top Contracting Installer Benefits...

Access to industry peers, networking, technical support, education, promotion, discounts, referrals, money savings business services, and supporting the industry are among the top benefits enjoyed by contracting installer members.

If you have any questions about MIA member benefits, feel free to contact our member services team at membership@marble-institute.com or 440-250-9222.

Quick Links


Building a Better Industry

MIA membership is powerful. It affords the industry the power to collectively address issues that no one company can tackle on their own. Members subscribe to a code of ethics, proudly display the member logo as the symbol of trust and authority in the natural stone industry, and look to MIA membership as a way to give back to the industry. The natural stone industry needs a strong association to help it to fully succeed and grow. Member firms build a better industry through the MIA.


Join your industry colleagues in building a better industry.


Technical Expertise

The Dimension Stone Design Manual is the U.S. stone industry's single-source reference for dimension stone design and construction specs and details. MIA's technical department responds to thousands of inquiries annually from stone installers and others. Access to MIA's technical staff, standards, and technical bulletins is annually ranked the #1 member benefit.

Many installers lend their technical expertise on MIA technical committees and assist with writing MIA Technical Bulletins. These bulletins provide an ongoing educational resource to MIA members and the design community at large. Upcoming topics cover such subjects as joint sealant design use, air barriers, insulation, crack isolation products, portland cement, flashing designs, and more.


Dimension Stone Anchorage

Joint Sealants

Cement-Usuage with Natural Stone

Countertop standards are among the many standards (flooring, cladding, showers, etc) established by the MIA for the stone industry.


Networking / Referrals

To compliment open access to other MIA members, MIA provides installers with a number of networking opportunities to connect with other fabricators, suppliers, and industry leaders. MIA holds many face-to-face events at several industry trade shows and regional educational seminars around the country.

The online membership directory, social media sites, and other electronic communication tools also can connect consumers with fabricator members.


A recent MIA Member networking event at StonExpo.


Access to Information

As part of the MIA "community," members stay informed, explore new markets, and showcase their business to fellow MIA members worldwide. Installers utilize the MIA newsletter, technical publications, and industry reports to stay informed. Learn more.


Education / Training

At MIA's regional seminars, installers are given the opportunity to focus on their business operations. Many installers also participate in the annual performance analysis report to obtain financial benchmarks to compare their company against other installers.

Members can also take advantage of items available from the MIA bookstore. Products include technical standards, stone source references, health & safety materials, sales & marketing (includes consumer brochures and showroom posters) resources, reference materials, training & education, design, and business management publications & videos. MIA Members generally save up to 50% off the non-member price.


Facility Tours

Quarry Tours

Financial Surveys

Safety Training

Installers gather for a 1-day seminar hosted by the MIA and Stone World magazine


Consumer / Design Community Education

Many installers utilize MIA's consumer-oriented materials from the MIA to help educate their customers. Several consumer brochures, videos, and showroom posters are available from the MIA bookstore.

Members who also connect with members of the architectural and design communities, find value in the MIA's CEU (continuing education units) program for architects, designers, and kitchen & bath dealers. Learn more.

"The MIA CEU program has opened doors for us! This program is well worth the investment and has positioned our company and natural stone in a great light with the design community."
Scott Lardner, Rocky Mountain Stone


Accreditation — Commercial Contractors Leading the Industry

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. The MIA accredits companies, not individuals. MIA membership is not required for this program, however, most accredited fabricators are also MIA members.

Commercial Contractors that achieve MIA accreditation (2 classifications available) exemplify best practices in these areas: physical facilities and equipment; business and trade practices; technical knowledge and expertise; quality control; safety; finance; ethics; customer service and education; advertising and promotion; and employee training policies.


Learn more


Promotion / Awards Programs

Installers have the opportunity to receive worldwide exposure when named a winner of any of the different awards that are available to members. MIA's coveted Awards programs honor and recognize natural stone companies, natural stone professionals, and architects from around the globe. The MIA Natural Stone Scholarship program also recognizes a young professional in the industry with an all-expense paid trip to StonExpo. Learn more.


MIA Awards Programs


Money Saving Business Services

Shipping
Save money on shipping costs by using the services of FedEx®, Yellow Transportation, and UPS Freight. Even if you ship only occasionally, the MIA Discount Shipping Program is free to MIA members. When signing up you may also want to inquire about the standard, select, and special trade show shipping program. Learn more.

Other Business Programs
MIA also offers discounts on collections, credit card processing fees, employment practice liability insurance, office supplies and print services, utility audit, and website optimization. Learn more.

"We saved more than our member dues by enrolling in the endorsed partner program for both shipping and credit card processing."
Manny Mojica, Twin Stone Designs & Installation, Inc.


1st Year Membership Benefits — The famous MIA 10# box

Your membership benefits get started immediately after you submit your membership application. A member of our team will contact you to review the application, provide you with your Member ID# and password to access the members-only website, and review any questions you might have.

We will also help you get connected to a number of 1st year member benefits that will arrive in the "famous MIA 10# box."

Learn more about the 10# box.


Jeff Handley, MIA's Member Relations Manager, showcases a sample of the 10# box