The first pilot phase of a new localized continuing education program on designing natural stone projects is underway and the entire eight-part program could be rolled out by the end of 2005, according to the Marble Institute of America, which is creating the package. The program, which will be taught on a local or regional basis by members of MIA, will eventually include eight power-point presentations that cover an introduction to natural stone, natural stone selection criteria and how natural stone goes from the quarry to the residential countertop or commercial project. Called the MIA Natural Stone Continuing Education Program, the package is being developed to train architects, interior designers, general and residential contractors and stone industry employees.

Garis F. Distelhorst, executive vice president of the organization, said the continuing education package focuses on educating versus selling. The presentations are being developed by MIA's Education Committee and technical staff with PowerPoint support from Kepco+, an award-winning natural stone company operating in Salt Lake City, UT.

Tem-Mer Marble is now at a new location: Halk Cad. No.83 Saman Ismerkez,

B Blok Kat: 1, Yen› Sahra 34746, Kozyatag›, Istanbul, Turkey; Phone: + 90 216 472 96 96; Fax: + 90 216 472 92 93

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