Marble Institute of America: Press Room

MIA MEMBERSHIP PASSES 1,500
HEADS TOWARD 2,000

Cleveland, Oh., February 20, 2006—The Marble Institute of America continued its successful new member campaign in February, with membership topping 1500 for the first time.

The latest impetus came at MIA's booth at Surfaces, the major flooring show, where the association signed up several new members and planted the seeds with other companies which inked membership applications after the convention.

With several more tradeshows (including international shows in Brazil, Spain and Italy) on tap for the rest of the year, MIA should continue to ratchet up its record membership rolls, said Gary Distelhorst, executive vice president of the group.

Distelhorst indicated that MIA would reach the 2000-member level within the next two years.

"Obviously, we are very pleased with the progress being made in adding new members," Distelhorst said. "It shows that a growing number of companies In the U.S., and in fact, around the world are aware of, and recognize, the progress the Marble Institute is making in providing the kinds of services and products that help them succeed in this highly competitive business. Increased membership allows the MIA to continue to develop and introduce new programs and services that benefit the industry."

Since 2001, MIA's membership has increased by nearly 150 percent.

About the Marble Institute of America
For over 60 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.

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

MIA MEMBERSHIP PASSES 1,500HEADS TOWARD 2,000

MIA MEMBERSHIP PASSES 1,500
HEADS TOWARD 2,000