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Notes from StonExpo

November 1, 2008

By Michael Reis

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Last month, I made my annual trip to the StonExpo trade show in Las Vegas, NV. And while I don’t think that trade shows provide a tell-all barometer on the state of a particular industry, I was curious to gauge the feelings and concerns of those in attendance.

A Field Trip Worth Taking

October 2, 2008

By Michael Reis

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Like many stone industry professionals today, I find myself facing difficult financial times for the first time in my career. Over the past 15-plus years, my professional day-to-day life has grown in unison with the growth of the stone industry, and this has been particularly evident in my robust travel schedule.

What's lurking in our Industry?

September 2, 2008

By Alex Bachrach

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When I opened up my paper of choice, The New York Times, two weeks ago, I saw a headline in the Home Section entitled, “What’s Lurking in Your Countertop?” By now, we all probably know much of what happened as a result of this article. Subsequently, other major news outlets - including radio and network television - have picked up the story. On YouTube, videos appeared showing people holding a Geiger counter against a granite slab - dramatic scenes with jumping needles and lots of noise indicating that something is seriously awry. Stone distributors and fabricators started receiving way too many calls from concerned homeowners - some hysterical; some reasonable but worried.

Walking the line

August 1, 2008

By Michael Reis

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With American stone industry companies fighting harder than ever before to turn a profit, we are seeing a number of approaches to offsetting the decline in sales these days. Some firms are lowering prices in an attempt to draw more business - although this seems rare among established stone fabricators. Other have changed their target client base, and they are aggressively going after new markets in an attempt to regain some lost business (i.e. remodeling work rather than new construction). Unfortunately, though, no matter what sales and marketing strategy is in place, the majority of U.S. stone fabrication shops will not do the same volume of business that they did a year ago (or even two years ago).

Supporting the truth about granite

July 1, 2008

By Michael Reis

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For those of you who don’t already know, the “scare tactics” regarding granite and radon are out there once again. Basically, it’s the same old re-run from years ago: “Are granite countertops killing innocent families? We don’t know, but we’re looking into it. In the meantime, why don’t you try this alternative material?”

Brazil digs in

June 1, 2008

By Michael Reis

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Ever since the Vitória Stone Fair began taking place in the stoneworking region of Vitória, Brazil, in 2002, the show’s growth and energy has mirrored the explosive growth of Brazil’s stone industry. This past edition, however, took place at a time when the nation’s industry is facing its first real challenges since becoming a major player in the international stone industry. Because Brazil relies heavily on the U.S. as an importer of its finished stone products - particularly granite slabs - the downturn in the U.S. housing market has had a noticeable impact on the Brazilian stone industry.

A new era in Carrara

May 8, 2008

By Michael Reis

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For many stone industry purists, the stoneworking region of Carrara, Italy, is the heart of our industry. As the home of Carrara White marble - Michelangelo’s material of choice - it has a built-in history in stone. More importantly, it has been home to generations of stoneworking professionals who are passionate about stone and its place in architecture, art and culture. I’ve been traveling to this region for over 10 years, and every time I visit, I am reminded that this dedication to the artistry of stone remains alive and well today.

A slice of Americana

April 1, 2008

By Michael Reis

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In this issue of Stone World Magazine, our “Re-Emerging U.S. Stone Industry” subject is the Cold Spring Granite Co.’s Carnelian granite quarry, which is located in Milbank, SD (page 38). This quarry has made a name for itself by supplying material for prestigious projects across the country, perhaps most notably the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, DC, which utilized 6,000 tons of Carnelian granite. This fact alone entrenches Carnelian granite’s place among the historic materials of our nation.

Stemming the tide

March 1, 2008

By Michael Reis

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OK, I finally admit it, the stone fabrication market is down. It is not “perceived to be down,” as I have repeatedly argued with my publisher; it is not “up and down.” It is simply “down.” Now, with that being said, the question I have is how far down, and how is this downward trend truly affecting fabricators in the marketplace? Are many shops in dire straits? How many layoffs are taking place? Is anyone buying machinery these days?

Addressing silicosis head-on

February 5, 2008

By Michael Reis

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In May of 2006, I wrote a column for Stone World entitled, “Silicosis: Dangerous from many angles” that stressed the need for stone fabrication shops to understand the issues of silicosis in our industry, to develop proper procedures in their shop and to educate their employees on the disease. At that time, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had recently entered into an alliance to develop information to help MIA member employers and workers recognize and prevent hazards such as exposure to silica. The results of this alliance have been extremely positive, and they are continuing to develop.

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Surfaces 2013 preview

Surfaces 2013 -- to be held in conjunction with StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas -- is slated for January 29 to 31 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. The show, which also includes an extensive educational program that will be held from January 28 to 31, provides a place for thousands of floor covering retailers, distributors, installers, architects, designers and builders from around the world to gather and view the latest products, get vital education, network with other floor covering professionals and conduct business.

More than 600 of the largest manufacturers and suppliers representing products in every major category, including carpet, tile, hardwood, rugs, laminate, resilient and stone, are expected to exhibit at the trade show. Hanley Wood, owner and operator of the exhibition, reports that they have many new exhibiting companies and returning ones who have expanded their booth size. Additionally, Surfaces 2013 will host more than 40 workshops, seminars and mini sessions led by industry experts in the fields of business, sales, marketing, installation and design. Attendees can earn AIA, NKBA, AIBD, IICRC and AIA/CES industry designation. Here is just a small sampling of some of the displays that will be present at Surfaces 2013.

THE MAGAZINE

Stone World Magazine

May 2013

Stone World's new issue includes a feature on the restoration of St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls, SD as well as an inside look at the Artisan Group’s annual fabrication event in Austin, TX.

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Contemporary Stone & Tile Design Magazine

2013 Spring

CSTD's Spring issue features a special on Kitchen and Bath renovation. This edition also takes a look at the continuing popularity of quartz surfacing.

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Stone Industry Education

Stone Industry Education is sponsored by Stone World Magazine and Marble Institute of America. The SIE events will help you: strengthen your skills, build your business, and increase profit in your shop. Check out stoneindustryeducation.com to register for upcoming fabricator and installer seminars.