GranQuartz is pleased to announce the hiring of four new people to its sales organization. Bob Hill, with several years of experience selling stone tools and equipment, has been hired to startup GranQuartz's sixth North American Superstore in Chicago, IL. This store, with over 8,000 square feet, is scheduled to open this summer. Robert Ruiz is joining GranQuartz in the Stone Care Systems division to serve Florida.

Janice Herak joins GranQuartz in the Tucker, GA, facility as the GranQuartz Stone Care Systems Sales Assistant, while Hilda Huber will handle sales and administrative support in the Tucker Superstore.

GranQuartz also announced the winner of the GranQuartz and Makita Coverings 2004 Power Up Sweepstakes giveaway. Rob Straky of World Stone and Tile in Farmington Hills, MI, was awarded the prize in Orlando, FL, at Coverings 2004.

Itaarte Ind. e Comercio de Marmores e Granitos Ltda. has announced that it is no longer using its marketing name, “LuxStone,” due to complications regarding use of the name in the U.S. marketplace. “We had originally created the LuxStone name so our clients could easily pronounce the name of our company,” explained Silvia da Tommaso of Itaarte. “The name Itaarte is a combination of the Brazilian/Indian prefix, 'ita,' which means stone, and 'art,” which is the way we look at stone.” For more information on Itaarte, visit www.itaarte.com.br on the Internet.

The Marble Institute of America (MIA) announced that the latest edition of its highly regarded Dimension Stone Design Manual is now available on CD-ROM. Fully updated in 2003, the authoritative technical manual is an invaluable resource that provides general guidelines, industry recommendations, and reliable performance data and design information to facilitate the use of natural stone in architectural designs. Until now, the manual was available only in print. In addition to the complete contents of the Design Manual, the CD version also presents a 12.5 minute video titled, “Real Stone, Real Value - The Story of Natural Stone.” The video showcases the history of natural stone from ancient times to modern day, and illustrates natural stone's durability, beauty and value. The video was produced by the Natural Stone Council as a means to educate architects and others about the value of natural stone. Substantial discounts are being offered to MIA Members, architects and others purchasing the manual in both CD-ROM and print formats. The prices are: MIA Members are $90 CD/$90 binder/$150 for both; Architects: $99 CD/$99 binder/ $175 for both; Others: $175 CD/$175 binder/$300 for both. To place an order or get more information on the Dimension Stone Design Manual, Version VI, call 440-250-9222 or go to MIA's web site at www.marble-institute.com.

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