Marble Institute of America: Press Room

STONE INDUSTRY SUFFERS TOO AS KATRINA BLASTS "BIG EASY"

MIA joins millions from around the world in our concern for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

For those of who have been personally touched by this disaster, or whose employees, customers and facilities may have been affected, please accept our heartfelt sympathies. We stand ready to do everything we can to help.

Indeed, a tragedy of this magnitude will require the assistance of the entire nation in rebuilding the communities that were in the path of the hurricane. MIA is committed to playing a role in marshalling the stone industry's response.

For beginners, MIA has made a contribution of $5,000 on behalf of the industry and will match any monetary contributions our staff members make to the relief efforts. In addition, MIA has established a place on the MIA website where affected members can find other members who have voluntarily offered assistance of hiring displaced employees, etc.

What Hurricane Katrina destroyed in a few days will take years to rebuild, but this sobering reality will not deter MIA or the American business community. We understand that there are three legs to disaster response: saving lives, restoring houses and the environment in which people live, and restoring people's livelihoods—this means business development and job creation are a fundamental part of the disaster aid process.

How can we even imagine the drowning of a city? Nearly 500,000 people were forced to leave their homes and to evacuate, businesses lost, jobs lost, historic sites lost, tourist income lost, famed sporting venues lost, offshore oil production lost. Plus, there were comparable losses in nearby Gulf communities like Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi.

We can lament the French king's folly in ignoring surveyors' advice on where to build a settlement, but the fact: a staggering loss has occurred, and we are left to wonder, What now? What can we do to help?

MIA, among others, recommends that owners, employees, and friends of the natural stone industry:

First, give blood. Hospitals throughout the region are already overwhelmed by this public health disaster.
Second, give money, cash, moola. Needs are basic: drinking water, food, shelter. See box.
Third, pray for hurricane victims. Whatever you think of New Orleans, people's lives and livelihoods, including those in our own stone industry, are at stake.
Fourth, offer help, if appropriate - jobs, relocation, etc.

MIA members have requested a list of reputable organizations to which they can make contributions for the relief effort.
We suggest you consider:
American Red Cross
800-HELP NOW (435-7669)
America's Second Harvest
800-344-8070

Salvation Army
800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)