Marble Institute of America: Press Room

Fargo, North Dakota Woman Receives The Marble Institute of America Migliore Natural Stone Education Scholarship

CLEVELAND, OH., OCTOBER 26, 2005— The Marble Institute of America, Inc. (MIA) announced the winner of its 2005 Migliore Natural Stone Education Scholarship - Sarah Kelly, sales and marketing coordinator for Dakota Stone Design of Fargo, North Dakota.

Ms. Kelly's selection was based on a 500-word essay explaining her commitment to the natural stone industry and why she desires a career in the industry and a letter of recommendation from her employer. The education scholarship was named in honor of Vincent Migliore, a world-renowned stone expert who served as MIA Technical Director from 1997-2003.

The education scholarship covered travel expenses to StonExpo 2005, October 19-22, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the natural stone industry's premier exhibition and educational event.

Ms. Kelly has worked for Dakota Stone Design for eighteen months and was very excited about receiving the scholarship. "By sharing my knowledge and passion for natural stone with my customers, I know I can do my part in advancing the industry further within our market," Ms Kelly said. "However, there is so much more I would like to learn. I was immediately drawn to the beauty of natural stone and I am still in awe of all the technology developed specifically for stone quarrying and fabrication."

In a letter of recommendation, Kelly's manager stated that "Her enthusiasm for the natural beauty of the materials we sell is contagious. So rarely do I find a young employee who shares our interest in promoting the growth of the natural stone industry."

"The Marble Institute of America is excited to recognize Sarah's excitement for the natural stone industry," stated Gary. Distelhorst, Executive Vice President of MIA. "The intent of the Migliore Natural Stone Education Scholarship is to provide educational opportunities for aspiring natural stone professionals, and the opportunity to expand one's knowledge at the MIA Annual Meting and at StonExpo."

Ms. Kelly was recognized at the annual MIA awards luncheon in Las Vegas on October 21, 2005.

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.