Ceramic Tile and Stone Consultants (CTaSC) and Catalina Research Inc. are offering a report on the stone industry, with comprehensive market information not previously available. The “Stone Product Industry Report” is a 186-page report containing current and historical data on U.S. production, shipments and imports of granite, marble, limestone, travertine and other rough and fabricated stone products. It also breaks down sales by market segment and application, and it includes an extensive analysis of trends in manufacturing, imports, end-usage, installation and pricing. Statistics for this study were obtained from U.S. government sources and independently conducted industry surveys. The stone report provides forecasts and trends, and lists major importers and their foreign suppliers, as well as U.S. mines and quarries. Results of this research show that the stone industry as a whole is on the rise, and significantly exceeds ceramic tile consumption in dollars. The report also shows that imports make up the majority of the stone supply to the U.S., with granite appearing to be the preferred stone, and marble declining in use as other types of stone become popular. “The Stone Product Industry report is significant because in the past, this type of information was difficult to pinpoint, and so no one ever attempted to compile it for our industry,” said Donato Pompo, founder of CTaSC. “I believe this report is an essential tool for companies in the stone industry that are committed to growing their businesses, and it is also valuable for those who are looking for good investment opportunities in the stone industry.” For more information, visit Ceramic Tile and Stone Consultants' Web site at www:CTaSC.com.

The Marble Institute of America, Inc. (MIA) announced the winner of its 2004 Migliore Natural Stone Education Scholarship: Robert Smith, a Lead Installer and Field Supervisor at Great Lakes Granite & Marble of Redford, MI. Smith's application was among many received by MIA and evaluated by a committee of the MIA Board of Directors, MIA staff and industry veterans. Selection was based on the applicant's commitment to a career within the natural stone industry as demonstrated through a written essay and a letter of recommendation from their employer. The education scholarship is named for the late Vincent R. Migliore, a world-renowned stone expert who served as MIA's Technical Director from 1997 to 2003. The scholarship covered for Smith's travel and registration expenses to attend StonExpo 2004, the stone industry's exhibition and educational event, which was held this year in Los Angeles from October 28 to 30. Smith also attended a number of special events tied to the MIA Annual Meeting, which is held concurrently with StonExpo.

“I've been captivated by natural stone since childhood, and I continue to be amazed by its beauty in applications old and new,” Smith said. “My goal is to continue to learn everything I possibly can about natural stone and to one day be able to say that I truly am an expert in all facets of the natural stone industry.”

Any questions regarding Newsline, contact: Newsline Editor, Stone World, 210 Route 4 East, Suite 311, Paramus, NJ 07652; Fax: 201-291-9002; E-mail: michael@stoneworld.com.