U.S. Members of the Marble Institute of America (MIA) can expect to realize significant savings of up to 60% on energy and freight costs as a result of new alliances announced today by the leading natural stone association. Through MIA's new relationship with Affiliated Power Purchasers International (APPI), an independent energy consulting firm, MIA members can obtain free assistance in identifying ways to reduce their electric and natural gas costs. APPI will assess a member's utility usage while continually monitoring the markets, placing the member in a position to take action when opportunities to save arise. Additionally, APPI provides utility advisory assistance, bill auditing and demand side services. The firm currently works with members of 120 national and state trade associations to capitalize on opportunities created by energy deregulation and utility management.

MIA also has formed a new alliance with PartnerShip, a leader in helping trade association members enjoy shipping discounts typically reserved for high-volume shippers. MIA members may be able to save up to 26% on FedExR ground and air shipments and as much as 60% off Yellow Transportation and Overnite shipments. Savings are estimated to range from $800 to $1,300 annually on small package shipping and as much a $100 or more on larger freight shipments. Enrolling in the program is free, and there are no minimum shipping requirements. PartnerShip works with more than 15,000 business and 20 trade associations in addition to MIA. "We are extremely pleased to bring our members these new valuable member benefits. The cost savings these programs can potentially deliver to members could far outweigh a member's annual dues," stated MIA Executive Vice President Garis F. Distelhorst. "Gaining a solid business advantage is a key reason why nearly 1,000 natural stone professionals worldwide belong to MIA. Money-saving benefit programs like these help our members reduce the cost of doing business and boost profitability." In addition to PartnerShip, MIA already has an agreement with ALL PRO Freight Systems to offer members discounts on several types of shipping. ALL PRO, which operates its own fleet of trucks and serves as a transportation broker with other large freight carriers, extends to MIA members a 65% discount off the published tariff rate on domestic ground service over 1,000 lbs.

For more information, contact MIA at (440) 250-9222, e-mail info@marble-institute.com, or visit the association's Web site at www.marble-institute.com.