Suppliers to the natural stone industry are a critical segment of MIA membership and consequently the benefits provided to suppliers are plentiful. The MIA represents the entire natural stone supply chain (from the quarries to maintenance) — which means it is highly likely that many of your customers are MIA members too. When you review the list of supplier benefits showcased below, remember your membership supports services provided to your customers (e.g. fabricators, installers, restoration professionals, etc.), as well as to your firm.

As a member, we thank you for your support! The MIA is the largest trade association in the world representing the dimension stone industry, and for over 65 years, it has been a leader in providing advocacy, networking, marketing/publicity, information/education, professionalism and stone promotion.

Top Supplier Benefits...

Access, networking, technical support, promotion, discounts, referrals, money savings business services, and supporting the industry are among the top benefits enjoyed by supplier members.

If you have any questions about MIA member benefits, feel free to contact our member services team at membership@marble-institute.com or 440-250-9222.

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Building a Better Industry

MIA membership is powerful. It affords the industry the possibility to collectively address issues that no one company can tackle on their own. Members subscribe a code of ethics, proudly display the member logo as the symbol of trust and authority in the natural stone industry, and look to MIA membership as a way to give back to the industry. The natural stone industry needs a strong association to help members attain their business goals and together we are building a better industry through the MIA.

StonExpo Discounts

MIA members receive preferred rates every year for exhibiting at StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas allowing them to pay so much less for booth space that MIA membership typically pays for itself in StonExpo discounts alone.

• 10'x10' booth — save $225
• 10'x20' booth — save $450
• 10'x30' booth — save $675
• 10'x40' or 20'x20' booth — save $800 (more than annual MIA membership dues!)

StonExpo will co-locate with SURFACES, the #1 floor covering industry event in North America, on January 24-26, 2012. Learn more.

Money Saving Business Services

1. Shipping
   Save money on shipping costs by using the services of FedEx®, Yellow Transportation, and UPS Freight. Even if you ship only occasionally, the MIA Discount Shipping Program is free to MIA members. When signing up you may also want to inquire about the standard, select, and special trade show shipping program. Learn more.
2. Other Business Programs
   MIA also offers discounts on collections, credit card processing fees, employment practice liability insurance, office supplies and print services, online resume and job posting, utility audit, and website optimization. Learn more.

Access to MIA Members

As part of the MIA "community," you will stay informed, explore new markets, and showcase your business to other MIA members worldwide. Many suppliers utilize the MIA newsletter, technical publications, and industry reports to stay informed. Learn more.

Networking

To compliment access to MIA members, MIA provides suppliers with a number of networking opportunities to connect with customers. MIA holds many face-to-face events at several industry trade shows and regional educational seminars around the country. The online membership directory, social media sites, and other electronic communication tools connect supplier members with buyer members.

CEU Education

Many supplier members utilize the MIA's education program to network with key stone industry customers. Yet others, who also connect with members of the architectural and design communities, find value in the MIA's CEU (continuing education units) program for architects and designers. Learn more.

Sponsorships and Advertising — Reach Professionals and Consumers

Many supplier members showcase their company through advertising and/or sponsoring key industry events. Advertising in the newsletter, banner ads, industry events, and awards programs are just a few of these promotion efforts.

Consider the MIA website as a conduit to expanding your brand image. When you support an industry program, your company logo is always showcased. Learn more.

Supporting Supplier Customers

1. Fabricators/Installers
   Fabricators make up the largest customer group served by supplier members. The MIA has many programs to support fabricator/installers including the coveted accreditation program, awards programs, education, training, financial benchmarking surveys, safety programs, and much more. Many suppliers find ways to support these initiatives simply because they are critical to the success of their customers. Ask how you can support these programs.
   
   
2. Others
   MIA members also include quarriers, wholesale slab distributors, restoration/maintenance professionals, and importer/exporters. MIA membership helps suppliers connect with these industry segments too.

Sharing Technical Expertise

Many suppliers lend their technical expertise on MIA technical committees to assist with writing MIA Technical Bulletins. These bulletins provide an ongoing educational resource to MIA members and the design community at large. Upcoming topics vary covering such subjects as joint sealant design use, air barriers, insulation, crack isolation products, portland cement, flashing designs, etc. They include basic information and will clarify and detail these sometimes troublesome and confusing subjects.

Other volunteer opportunities are available. Learn more.

1st Year Membership Benefits
The famous MIA 10# box

Your membership benefits get started immediately after you submit your membership application. A member of our team will contact you to review the application, provide you with your Member ID# and password to access the members-only website, and review any questions you might have.

We will also help you get connected to a number of 1st year member benefits that will arrive in the "famous MIA 10# box."

Learn more about the 10# box.