The Marble Institute of America’s 2014 quarry tour — including stone professionals from 15 states — headed to Elberton and Tate, GA, for the first time to witness both historic and modern day stone production
For years, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has led study tours to quarries around the U.S., Canada and abroad. The 2014 tour took place in Georgia — a state rich in both historic and modern day stone activity.
The origin of this tour took root in June 2013, when the MIA met with the Elberton Granite Association (EGA) board of directors to discuss two important industry initiatives. At that time, the MIA was deeply involved with establishing a national advertising campaign (commonly referred to as a “check-off” program), as well as working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to produce two new scientific studies looking into the safety of granite quarry and fabrication workers with respect to radon and radiation exposure. The EGA made a financial pledge to assist with both studies (which have since been completed) and also extended an invitation to visit again.