The Marble Institute of America (MIA) has issued a call for entries for “Rocky ‘08,” the fourth annual MIA Advertising Awards Competition.

Designed to showcase the best advertising produced by MIA members, the competition has consistently shown an increase in the quality of entries, said Gary Distelhorst, executive vice president of the MIA.

Once again, the competition will be sponsored by Salem Stone of Winston-Salem, NC.

Award winners in four major categories will receive a coveted Rocky Award, while those earning special merit will receive a Rocky Certificate.

Judging in 2008 will be on the following categories:

• Print, including newspaper and magazine, in black and white and color

• Collateral, including brochures, posters and direct mail pieces and campaigns

• Business-to-Consumer Web site, including Web design, functionality and best promotion of natural stone

• Business-to-Business Web site, including Web design, functionality and best promotion of natural stone

Deadline for entries is July 1, 2008. Awards will be presented at the annual Awards Luncheon at StonExpo in Las Vegas, NV, which will be held on October 17, 2008.

Winners will be publicized in print, on the Web and on the MIA Stone News Channel via the Internet and DVD.

Gramar Stone and Nergiz have joined to expand Giallo travertine sales. Nergiz and Gramar are to be the premier wholesaler of high-quality Giallo travertine. They supply slabs, tiles, patterns, mosaics and liners in all variations. Samples and the expanded line can be seen at booth 4656 at the Coverings Show, which will take place in Orlando, FL from April 29 to May 2, 2008.