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Obituary: Gerald Gallegos, The Gallegos Corp.

Statement submitted by The Gallegos Corp.
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Gerald Gallegos, founder of The Gallegos Corp. great community philanthropist and friend to many in the Vail Valley. Gerald passed away on August 18 of health complications. Right up to the end of his life, Gerald was involved in the day-to-day operations of his company, mentor to his employees and active supporter of numerous charities. Gerald was proud of his company and especially of the employees, who Gerald often said were the backbone and greatest asset of the company.

Honors and developments at CaesarStone

NEW YORK, NY -- CaesarStone, a quartz surface manufacturer, recently held a "day of pampering" to promote its new Deep Ocean color. Attendees were treated to manicures and hand massages, breakfast appetizers and cocktails. Held at the Snaidero USA building in New York City, the event was hosted by stars of the hit Bravo design show "9 by Design," Bob and Cortney Novogratz.

MIA/STONE WORLD VERMONT QUARRY TOURS SET FOR OCTOBER 5 to 6

CLEVELAND, OH -- The Marble Institute of America (MIA) and Stone World magazine turns its sights to Vermont for a two-day industry quarry tour (October 5 to 6) of this stone-rich region of North America. Vermont has long been known for its deep stone heritage, and it has often been said that every stone professional should experience the uniqueness of the Vermont quarries at least once in their lifetime.

Stone World Magazine Lauches YouTube Channel with Exclusive Industry Footage

Stone World has launched its own YouTube Channel.

ITC displays a showcase of Italian stone at 2010 AIA Convention

MIAMI, FL -- The Italian Trade Commission (ITC), with the collaboration of the Italian regions of Liguria, Apulia, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany and Veneto, recently hosted a dimensional stone exhibition at the 2010 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Convention that was held last month in Miami, FL. The Italian booth displayed over 160 dimensional stone samples -- quarried in the six above-mentioned Italian regions -- as well as an exhibition of designer items carved in stone.

Free admission to Marmomacc in Verona, Italy

Marmomacc, the leading international stone industry trade show, which will be held from Wednesday, September 29 to Saturday, October 2, 2010, is offering free admission to trade visitors who pre-register online. By pre-registering before September 23 at www.marmomacc.com/freebadge2010, attendees will be able to print their own entry badge, thereby saving over $40.

MIA leadership workshop addresses key topics for today's economic recovery

CLEVELAND, OH -- On October 18 and 19, 2010, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) will hold its annual leadership workshop in Dallas, TX. In just 10 hours, attendees will learn a year's worth of proven strategies and ideas from the stone industry's leading experts. The MIA Leadership Workshop will give at least 15 practical, proven ideas to generate new business, improve efficiency and prepare for the future; direct, personal contact with the industries top stone executives (people you couldn't meet any other way); and, must-have knowledge on critical topics to connect with members of the architecture and design community.

Date set for Stone+tec 2011

Held every other year, the 2011 edition of Stone+tec, the International Trade Fair for Natural Stone and Stoneprocessing Technology, will be held from June 22 to 25 in Nuremberg, Germany.

Italian Trade Commission carries a captivating presence at Coverings 2010

A unique Italian Piazza, designed by Francesco Lucchese Studio, was the home of the Italian Pavilion at Coverings 2010, and it showcased an amazing variety of natural stones quarried exclusively in Italy. Organized by the Italian Trade Commission office of Los Angeles, CA, the Italian Pavilion was one of the focal points of the trade show for importers, distributors, architects and fabricators interested in acquiring the latest in stone technology, materials and design. Additionally, noted Italian architect Francesco Lucchese was at the Italian Pavilion to present a seminar on the latest innovations in stone processing and applications.

New FREE Virtual Event -- Global Green Expo -- to cover the three pillars of sustainability: business + social + environmental

TROY, MI -- BNP Media, along with its brands -- The ACHR NEWS, ED+C, Sustainable Facility, Walls & Ceilings and World Trade 100 (WT100) -- are bringing the free Global Green Expo on August 5, 2010. The Expo is an online event designed to place information, peers and solution providers at attendees' fingertips.

Stone World/MIA "Business Success for Fabricators" seminars planned for July 2010 in Calgary and Denver

The Marble Institute of America (MIA) and Stone World magazine have announced that they are conducting two separate one-day fabricator-focused educational seminars in July of 2010. Registration for events in both Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Denver, CO, is now open.

Obituary: Tony Brown, former CMSNA sales rep

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REPORT ON THE U.S. NATURAL AND MANUFACTURED STONE MARKET TO BE RELEASED - Residential remodeling will lead recovery

Catalina Research and Ceramic Tile and Stone Consultants have performed an in-depth industry investigation on the $6.0 billion U.S. Natural and Manufactured Stone Product Industry. The 2010 U.S. Natural and Manufactured Stone report includes the following excerpt:

LIVE SHOW REPORT: CarraraMarmotec 2010 kicks off in Italy

Now taking place every two years, CarraraMarmotec opened on May 19 in the historic stoneworking region of Carrara, Italy. The pace of the show was relatively slow on the first day, but has picked up as the days progressed. Moreover, there seems to be an increase in visitors from the Middle East as well as Africa -- with attendance from these areas bolstered by a promotional campaign by show management.

OPEN LETTER REGARDING MIA SUSTAINABILIY FUND

Dear Stone Industry Colleague:

We are writing to you to explain an important initiative of the Marble Institute of America (MIA), to make sure that natural stone continues to be a preferred building material in the future.

Architects' scholarships for the next Veronafiere AIA-approved continuing education course "Designing with Natural Stone"

VERONA, ITALY -- The twelfth edition of "Designing with Natural Stone" will run from September 27 - October 2, 2010 in Verona, Italy, in conjunction with Marmomacc, the world's leading trade show for stone and design. More than 175 architects from all over the U.S. have participated in previous editions of the course. Scholarship applications for this year's course will be accepted until July 15th.

LIVE SHOW REPORT: Fabrication machinery on display at Coverings 2010

In addition to serving as a showcase of stone, tile, installation and maintenance products, Coverings is a platform for equipment manufacturers in the U.S. and abroad to display the latest stoneworking technology.

LIVE SHOW REPORT: Traffic picks up at Coverings 2010

Day two of the Coverings trade show in Orlando, FL, is seeing increased traffic on the show floor -- and exhibitors are citing the high quality of attendees on hand.

LIVE SHOW REPORT: Coverings 2010 kicks off in Orlando

Coverings 2010 began today at the Orange Country Convention Center in Orlando, FL, and it will continue through Friday, April 30.

MIA SAFETY ALERT: New slab-falling deaths reported

Unfortunately, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has serious and disturbing news to report involving the deaths of four stone industry employees killed over the past several weeks in slab handling accidents. In Florida and Oklahoma, and in Maryland just last week, the deaths occurred while unloading trucks. In California, the owner of a fabrication business was killed while unloading a container.

MIA establishes major fund to assure sustainability effort for natural stone

CLEVELAND, OH -- The MIA announced that it is launching the Natural Stone Sustainability Fund in order to raise funds to support the Natural Stone Council's sustainability initiative. The fund will also help the MIA defray the costs of several of its own sustainability initiatives, including a green advertising campaign on behalf of the natural stone industry, the creation of natural stone sustainability CEU programs, the development of educational resources and much more.

GranQuartz opens new store

GranQuartz has announced a new store location in the Minneapolis, MN, area, located in the suburb of Plymouth, MN. This new location will serve the Upper Midwest area and provide 1-day shipping service to Minnesota, Dakotas, Northern Wisconsin and Iowa. The store is now open for walk-in service and will have Grand Opening events and promotions the third week in May.

Stone City will present its exclusive line of Vermont Danby Marble

CHICAGO, IL -- Stone City will present its exclusive line of Vermont Danby Marble. This event will focus on the beauty, elegance and environmental benefits of this exquisite line of marbles. The event will take place on Thursday, April 22 starting at 6:00 pm at Stone City's 25,000-square-foot showroom located at 3053 West Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL.

Tennessee Marble Co. and Polycor form joint venture to supply Alabama marble

Tennessee Marble Co. and Polycor have announced the formation of a joint venture for the fabrication, distribution and promotion of Alabama marble. Tennessee Marble Co. and Polycor bring their knowledge and expertise on this product in the manufacture of slabs, tiles and cut-to-size products. Polycor's extensive knowledge of the North American market will enhance the distribution and availability of Alabama marble to all potential customers in North America. All sales and distribution of slab and cut-to-size work will be coordinated exclusively through the joint venture as of May 1. Alabama Marble Co. will continue its operations at the quarry, coordinating all North American slab and cut-to-size supply through the joint venture.

Sustainability factor added to mix as MIA calls for Pinnacle Award entries

CLEVELAND, OH -- The Marble Institute of America (MIA) is now accepting entries for its enhanced 2010 Pinnacle Awards competition. The MIA is proud to announce a new element in the judging criteria for the 2010 Pinnacle Awards competition. This year, judges will be evaluating sustainable design elements in addition to the traditional criteria of beauty, creativity, ingenuity, craftsmanship and suitability of materials. If a submitted project displays superior effort, innovation and execution towards sustainable building goals, the MIA would consider awarding its first MIA Pinnacle Award for Sustainable Design.

Artisan Group member Duracite one of the first fabricators in California to achieve OSHA Golden Gate recognition

FAIRFIELD, CA -- Duracite Custom Countertops has been recognized by the Cal/OSHA Consultation Service for its innovative fabrication system, while implementing and maintaining an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). Golden Gate recognition was developed to provide motivation and support to employers who proactively work with their employees and the Cal/OSHA Consultation Service.

University of Ceramic Tile and Stone launches new online training course

The University of Ceramic Tile and Stone (UofCTS) is launching its newest online course, "Understanding the Basics of Natural Stone." It offers a comprehensive look at the stone industry -- from ancient uses and geology to quarrying, fabrication, installation and advice on how to win over customers.

Cosentino Group opens new integrated facility in Brazil

Cosentino Group, a leader in the production and distribution of quartz and natural stone surfaces, opened a new factory and Cosentino Center in Vitória, Brazil, on February 25, 2010. The new Cosentino Latina Center in Vitória is the group's affiliate distributor for Brazil, and it will give personalized service and attention to stonemasons, fabricators, interior designers, architects and kitchen/bath professionals from the State of Espirito Santo in Brazil.

Obituary: Stone industry veteran, Robert J. Zavagno, Sr.

Robert J. Zavagno, Sr., passed away peacefully on March 6, 2010 at the age of 86. He was the President of The Cleveland Marble Mosaic Co., with offices in Cleveland, OH, Chicago, IL, and Los Angeles, CA.

Flurry of slab handling accident deaths fuels new MIA safety initiative

CLEVELAND, OH -- Sparked by several recent slab handling accident deaths at stone facilities across the country, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has launched a major new safety initiative that will examine every facet of slab handling and produce new video and other training materials for the industry.