Marble Institute of America: Press Room

KOHLER_® Provides Grant for New MIA "Making Money in a Tough Economy" Webinar Series for Business Owners

CLEVELAND, OH, July 8, 2008 — Today's ever-changing business environment demands that stone companies stay ahead of the competition. The Marble Institute of America (MIA) will be introducing a new webinar series offering stone industry owners and key executives the skills and strategies needed to be out in front regardless of the economic conditions. Controlling costs, getting aggressive with marketing efforts, and maximizing sales are all critical components that will be addressed in the upcoming webinars. Five new business owner-oriented webinars (interactive, 60-minute seminars conducted online) will be offered in part through the generous support of the Kohler Company.

Kohler joins a wide array of companies from the vendor community who are supporting the MIA's education program. The new webinar series will kick off on September 10th and include the following programs:

Making Money in a Tough Market—September 10, 2008

MARKETING - Online Searches & Yellow Pages Placement: Being in the Right Place When Customers Look for a Stone Contractor—September 17, 2008

Insurance and Your Bottom Line-Insure or Not to Insure—September 24, 2008

Understanding Your Countertop Fabrication Costs—October 1, 2008

Growing Revenue Through Diversification—October 8, 2008

MIA Vice President Guido Gliori, Grazzini Brothers & Company, indicated "we wanted to tackle several of the topics needed by business owners in today's economy. It will provide busy professionals a convenient and affordable way to access valuable professional development and networking opportunities without taking time off from work or paying travel expenses!" He added, "every stone company should take a look at this new program which would not have been possible without the support of Kohler."

"Kohler is pleased to offer its support to the MIA and this webinar series focused on growing revenue and controlling cost in today's economy," said Mally J. Henne, Channel Manager - Countertop Surfaces of the Kohler Company. "Kohler is committed to natural stone industry business owners as they face the many challenges of running their business." The webinar series:

Addresses topics for business owners given today's economy
Requires no travel
Allows for five sessions at one low cost
Includes tips that can be implemented immediately

MIA offers four ways to participate:

Live Webinar—You can have an unlimited number of participants from your company join you in your office or conference room. Participants will have an opportunity to ask the instructor questions through the online webinar messaging system. The webinar will be streamed so just turn up the speakers on your computer. If you are concerned about your busy schedule and the webinar times, we recommend that you take advantage of the 5 webinar package offer which includes a CD Box Set of all 5 seminars.

Archived Webinar—This is the same class we conducted live. While you won't have the opportunity to ask questions, you'll see the same great presentation and hear what questions were asked by the live audience. The archive webinar provides you and your team with up-to-10 opportunities to watch the class online. CD Box Set—You'll receive a CD Box Set with all five webinars (shipped following the conclusion of the fifth webinar). The CD Box Set allows for unlimited views.

Five Live Events + Archive Make-ups + CD Box Set Package—You'll be registered for each of the live webinars. If you can't participate in the live webinar, you'll automatically receive an email with a link to participate in the archived event (similar to a make-up class from your school days). AND you'll receive a CD Box Set with all five webinars.

Online registration will open on July 15th and the member price for each live/archived webinar is just $49 ($69 for non-members). Discounts are available if you purchase multiple webinars and the 5 webinar package offers the most flexibility for the busy executive at $199 ($249 for non-members). Complete agenda, speaker bios, and registration details can be found at http://www.marble-institute.com/education/webinars2008.cfm

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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.

About the Kohler Company
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of America's oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the design and manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations. To learn more, visit www.KOHLER.com

KOHLER® Provides Grant for New MIA "Making Money in a Tough Economy" Webinar Series for Business Owners

KOHLER_® Provides Grant for New MIA "Making Money in a Tough Economy" Webinar Series for Business Owners