The StonExpo Federation recently concluded its annual board meeting in Phoenix, AZ, and has announced several new initiatives in support of the natural stone industry. The board approved a $100,000 grant to the Natural Stone Council, a new organization formed with the purpose of promoting the use and specification of natural stone. (A full article outlining the goals and objectives of the Natural Stone Council can be found in the June 2003 issue of Stone World, page 110). The grant will fund initial activities of the Council, which include the design, construction, and display of a major industry exhibit that will be featured at prominent industry trade shows. The new display will debut at the 2004 American Institute of Architects trade show in Chicago.

The board also voted to approve the creation of a new organizational structure of the StonExpo Foundation. The purpose of the foundation is "to fund and/or develop and conduct education and training programs concerning the selection, specification, fabrication and installation of natural stone." The Foundation's goals are to "increase the use of natural stone and significantly increase the flow of information on natural stone to the marketplace."

The StonExpo Foundation is funded by StonExpo, a premier industry trade show for stone, fabrication machinery and related equipment. As a non-profit entity, revenues generated by the show help fund industry support initiatives.