Marble Institute of America: Press Room

Marble Institute Greatly Broadens Regional Educational Offerings

February 3, 2005, CLEVELAND, OH — The Marble Institute of America (MIA) announced today a quantum leap in its educational offerings on a regional basis, adding one-day programs and customized training for member companies to its two-day seminars on the natural stone residential business.

Gary Distelhorst, executive vice president of the 1200-plus member group, called it the most dramatic expansion of the association's regional programs, which will jump from two in 2004 to nineteen in the current year.

"This offering represents a milestone in our attempt to carry MIA's educational opportunities way beyond what occurred in the past," he said. "Members and non-members now have a choice of the education sessions they want to attend close to home and at value pricing. There's nothing else like these offerings anywhere in the stone industry."

In addition to the five two-day residential seminars already announced, MIA will host at least 14 other one-day seminars on subjects ranging from improving shop efficiency to natural stone restoration and maintenance. The fabrication shop program will be taught by Kevin Padden, long-time industry trainer. Tom McNall will host the maintenance seminar.

Distelhorst said one of the most exciting new packages will be customized programs for individual company employees, in which the firm can pick and choose among several subjects, adding up to a one-day program.

In 2005, MIA one and two-day programs open to members and non-members will be held in Arizona, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Missouri, Kansas, Washington D.C. Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Washington, British Columbia, Indiana, Illinois, Connecticut, Montreal, North Carolina and Oregon.

Complete details on subjects, scheduling and pricing is available at www.marble-institute.com or by calling MIA headquarters at 440-250-9222.

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.