Marble Institute of America: Press Room

Palmyra, Virginia Woman Receives the
MIA Natural Stone Scholarship Award

Cleveland, OH, November 13, 2006 — The Marble Institute of America, Inc. (MIA) announced the winner of its Natural Stone Scholarship Award - Rachel Crickenberger, stone consultant for CogswellStone of Palmyra, Virginia.

Ms. Crickenberger's selection was based on a 500-word essay explaining her commitment to the natural stone industry and why she desires to continue with her career in the industry. Her entry was also accompanied by a letter of recommendation from her employer.

The education scholarship covers travel expenses to StonExpo 2006, November 9-11, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the natural stone industry's premier exhibition and educational event. "CogswellStone has led me to become the knowledgeable and friendly dimensional stone consultant that the company entrust to take care of their clients," Ms. Crickenberger said. "The completed dimensional stone sales process is my commitment to the natural stone industry. My hope is to continue to inform myself of any new information available about dimensional stone. This will be essential to my career."

In a letter of recommendation, Rachel's manager stated that "Rachel has put in a lot of time that other sale people don't care to do, which is why she is an asset to our company. It is this commitment that makes me think she would be an excellent candidate for the MIA scholarship."

"The Marble Institute of America is excited to recognize Rachel's commitment for the natural stone industry," stated Gary Distelhorst, executive vice president of MIA. "The intent of the MIA Natural Stone Scholarship Award is to provide educational opportunities for aspiring natural stone professionals, and the opportunity to expand one's knowledge."

Ms. Crickenberger was recognized at the MIA Awards luncheon in Las Vegas on November 10, 2006.

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.

Palmyra, Virginia Woman Receives the MIA Natural Stone Scholarship Award

Palmyra, Virginia Woman Receives the
MIA Natural Stone Scholarship Award