Marble Institute of America: Press Room

Local Natural Stone Training Programs on Horizon for Architects, Designers, Builders

February 2, 2005, CLEVELAND, OH — The first pilot phase of a new localized continuing education program on designing natural stone projects is underway and the entire eight-part program could be rolled out by the end of 2005, according to the Marble Institute of America, which is creating the package.

The program, which will be taught on a local or regional basis by members of MIA, will eventually include eight power-point presentations that cover an introduction to natural stone, natural stone selection criteria and how natural stone goes from the quarry to the residential countertop or commercial project.

Called the MIA Natural Stone Continuing Education Program, the package is being developed to train architects, interior designers, general and residential contractors and stone industry employees.

"This is one of the most exciting training programs ever developed by MIA," said Garis F. Distelhorst, executive vice president of the organization which includes more than 1200 natural stone quarries, fabricators and installers in the U.S. and around the world. "When finally implemented it will make MIA members qualified to teach the program the local authority on natural stone training.

Distelhorst said the continuing education package focuses on educating versus selling. "It can create a great deal of credibility for companies eventually participating in the effort."

The first power point presentation will be rolled out among eight companies in February and the remainder will be sent to the test group throughout the remainder of the year.

The presentations are being developed by MIA's Education Committee and technical staff with PowerPoint support from Kepco+, an award winning natural stone company operating in Salt Lake City.

All participating MIA members will be required to participate in the special "train the trainer" program which will quality those attending to host and teach the courses.

About the Marble Institute of America
Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2004, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) is the world's leading information resource and advocate for the natural stone industry. MIA members include marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and other natural stone producers and quarriers, fabricators, installers, distributors, and contractors around the world.

For more information, contact MIA at (440) 250-9222, e-mail MIAinfo@marble-institute.com, or visit www.marble-institute.com.