Initiated in 2005, MIA’s “Education on Location” series has drawn hundreds of MIA members and non-members alike.

“During the last three years, we have refined our offerings and added new destinations,” said Gary Distelhorst, MIA executive vice president. “In the coming year, we will continue these efforts and add new technology by offering Webinars for the first time. In response to the increased interest in the MIA Accreditation program, we will offer two one-day preparation courses in San Diego and Atlanta. The ‘Countertop & Floor Repair’ classes, which sold out last year, are scheduled for Knoxville and San Francisco next year. Many of our one-day courses will be offered for only $99.00.”

In addition to the Webinars, the 2008 schedule includes four OSHA Stone Facility Safety seminars, one of which kicks off the season in Miami on January 24th. These seminars sold out in 2006 and 2007. The popular “Quarry Tours and More” will visit several locations in Texas next year.

The following is the 2008 schedule (please consult the MIA Web site for pricing and registration):

OSHA / Stone Shop Safety Seminar

• January 24, 2008 – Miami, FL

• March 11, 2008 – Los Angeles, CA

• March 13, 2008 – San Diego, CA

• April 17, 2008 – Boston, MA

Countertop Fabrication & Installation Essentials

• June 11-12, 2008 – Kansas City, MO

Accreditation for Fabricators Prep Course

• March 14, 2008 – San Diego, CA

• June 19, 2008 – Atlanta, GA

Advanced Countertop Sales, Production & Fabrication Shop Tours

• February 13-14, 2008 – Raleigh, NC

• July 16-17, 2008 – Oakland, NJ

Quarry Tours & More – Destination Texas!

• March 19-20, 2008 – Austin, TX

Using Natural Stone in Commercial Projects

• December 4, 2008 – Dallas, TX

Countertop & Floor Repair

• May 20-21, 2008 – Knoxville, TN

• August 13-14, 2008 – San Leandro, CA

3rd Annual Leadership Workshop

• April 28, 2008 – Orlando, FL

Selling, Marketing, & Branding Natural Stone

• May 20-21, 2008 – Baltimore, MD

Selling vs. Hoping: Compelling Alternatives to “The Pitch”

• June 18, 2008 – Atlanta, GA

Webinar Series – Consult the MIA Web site for pricing and registration information. Take advantage of the live events:

• February 6, 2008

• March 5, 2008

• April 2, 2008

• August 6, 2008,

• December 10, 2008

• or podcast them at a later date

The following companies proudly serve as national sponsors in support of this important industry program: GranQuartz (Tucker, GA), Water Treatment Technologies (Hampton, NH), Park Industries (St. Cloud, MN), Aqua Mix (Corona, CA), VIC International (Knoxville, TN), Alpha Professional Tools (Oakland, NJ), Marmo Machinery USA (Southfield, MI), Laser Products (Romeoville, IL), ETemplate Systems (Raleigh, NC) and Schechner Lifson Corp. (Summit, NJ).