Over the years, various delegations from stone-production countries around the world have banded together to form national pavilions on the show floor at Coverings. At the most recent edition of this event in Orlando, FL, the Istanbul Mineral and Metals Exporters' Association (IMMIB) made a major impact with the creation of a “stone village” inhabited by producers of Turkish marble, granite and travertine. This village was a major attraction at the show, and in addition to exhibits of natural stone products, visitors received a wealth of information on the Turkish stone industry, including historical literature, CD-ROM handouts, color sample books and other products.

“In Turkey, marble and other natural stone sectors have seen major development in the last decade,” said Ali Kahyaoglu, chairman of the Istanbul Mineral Exporters' Association. “Turkey has had a place as one of the most important marble and natural stone production centers of the world, with rich marble reserves and an improving marble processing industry. In particular, investments made by large companies and modern production techniques accelerated this development.”

Turkish stone producers are targeting American consumers more than ever, Kahyaoglu said, citing the vast untapped potential within the marketplace. “The U.S. is economically one of the strongest countries of the world, [yet] has very little natural stone consumption per person,” he said. “Our goal is to increase our exports and add as much value as we possibly can to our economy. We, as Turkish companies, will take part in such organizations to be able to promote and advertise our products, and as the Istanbul Mineral and Metals Association (IMMIB), we will make our sector very well known in the world -- with other events and organizations -- and increase our exports to the desired levels altogether.”