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The Natural Stone Institute (NSI), in partnership with Stone World, is pleased to announce the full schedule for the 2026 Stone Summit Series; a nationwide lineup of regional one-day educational events designed to deliver relevant, actionable education to countertop fabricators across the U.S.

Buechel Stone recently completed the rollout of its two newest natural stone veneer products -- Heather Gray Tailored Blend and Ivory Sand Tailored Blend -- which are now on display in Buechel Stone’s Midwest showrooms. The products were introduced through a series of Dimensional Product Reveals hosted at Buechel Stone Design Centers, providing architects, designers, builders and clients the opportunity to experience the new stone blends in person. 

While quartz color and pattern often guide initial decision making and influence slab size for pattern consistency, slab thickness is equally critical to how quartz is fabricated, how it performs and how it visually impacts a space.

The meeting will take place on January 27 in Las Vegas (USA), marking the official debut of the international strategic alliance created to promote the use of natural stone worldwide.

CMS North America is implementing artificial intelligence (AI) across its stone machinery lineup to help fabricators monitor equipment performance and anticipate maintenance needs before breakdowns occur. Alex Bores, western sales area manager for CMS North America, said the company is combining AI with proprietary algorithms to collect machine data from customers worldwide, with their permission, to provide proactive support.

Register for the "How to be a Professional Architectural Sales Rep" live workshop training day at Coverings 2026, scheduled for March 30th to April 2nd at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. The live classroom course will be held on Wednesday, April 1st from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. PDT. Coffee, water and snacks will be included.                

As his presidential term with the Natural Stone Institute (NSI) draws to a close, Evan Cohen of Quality Marble & Granite in Ontario, Canada, and immediate past president of NSI, said his nearly seven years on the association's board have given him a deeper appreciation for the association's role in the stone industry. Cohen described his tenure as transformative -- both for himself and the organization.

Laurie Weber, CEO of the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), presented an industry-supported plan to the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards (Cal/OSHA) Board outlining how the countertop and surface fabrication industry can support government enforcement while reducing silica exposure where it occurs -- on the shop floor.

Melissa Murphy is the recipient of the 2025 Tom Jennings Champion Award, recognizing her exceptional dedication to customer service, independent retail excellence and long-standing leadership within the flooring industry. 

Sika® is proud to be a main sponsor for the upcoming Installer of the Year Competition that will be held during The International Surface Event (tise) 2026 from January 27th to 29th at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. The categories for this year-long tournament, which began in Boston, MA, followed by Minneapolis, MN; Denver, CO; and Dalton, GA; are hardwood and carpet. Two winners were chosen for each region, and those regional winners will compete in Las Vegas for the title of Installer of the Year.