StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas 2011 was held from Tuesday, January 25 to Thursday, January 27 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. And for the first time, the exhibition was held in conjunction with Surfaces, the largest floor covering show in the U.S. Both of the exhibitions are owned and operated by Hanley-Wood.

When I was in journalism school, I was taught that the space for the editor’s column is the most valuable page in the entire magazine. And once again, I am using this prime real estate to urge the industry to focus on safety in the workplace - whether that is a shop, a warehouse, the jobsite or even the office.

Whenever I attend a major U.S. stone industry event, one of the first things I circle on my calendar is the “Fabricator Forum,” where industry members gather and present their issues to a panel of industry experts. These forums generally do not have a rigid agenda, and they sort of follow a “Town Hall” format, where people share their problems (and hopefully solutions) with their peers.

Founded 12 years ago by a master stonemason, Rhodes Architectural Stone of Seattle, WA, specializes in the supply of three-dimensional architectural stonework for residential commercial and public institutions. The goal for each project is to tailor the stone selection to the specific needs of the individual client.

After working as stone fabricators and artisans in the Washington/Baltimore area for several years, Rodney Bair and Travis Collins decided to break away and begin their own company in 1993. The resulting company, BC Stone, is now a full-production fabricator with its main operation in Everett, PA, and a second shop in Wilmington, NC.

Since its foundation 23 years ago, StoneWorks of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, SC, has placed a special emphasis on quality, organization and craftsmanship. Earlier this year, the family-owned company received acknowledgment of its commitment to the trade with its designation as a Marble Institute of America (MIA) Accredited Natural Stone Fabricator. 

Now that we’re in the middle of “Trade Show Season” - with StonExpo and Coverings taking place within a span of two months - I find myself continually writing about the various seminar programs for the stone industry.