Fabricators and other members of the stone industry living in the Seattle, WA, area, came together on Thursday, May 19, 2016 for the Washington Stone Summit, which was part of the Stone Industry Education Seminar program run by MIA+BSI and Stone World. The all-day event, which was hosted by MS International, Inc. (MSI) at its showroom and warehouse facility, included a continental breakfast during the morning registration and networking period followed by a morning discussion on stone shop management, which was led by Tony Malisani of Malisani Inc. in Great Falls, MT. Additionally, the workshop included time for lunch and networking, as well as a tour of MSI’s facility and afternoon breakout discussions. The day ended with a reception that allowed participants to talk with each other as well as the sponsors of the event, which included Baca Systems, Blanco, Bonstone, Braxton-Bragg, Integra Adhesives, Laser Products, Moraware, Park Industries, Prussiani and Water Treatment Solutions.
Malisani is owner of a third-generation stone shop, and has been working in the stone industry for 20 years. His business specializes in high-end custom work from fountains, monuments and custom furniture to countertops. Malisani has extensive knowledge about business management in the stone industry with the understanding of the growing-opportunities for a small business, and Malisani Inc. was one of the first companies in the nation to receive the “Natural Stone Accredited Fabricator” credential. In 2010, Malisani was also elected to serve a five-year term on the MIA Board of Directors.