My favorite thing to say about us is: ‘We are not the best stone company in Chicago because we are the oldest. We are the oldest, because we are the best,’” said Tom Van Etten, when speaking about his family owned business Galloy & Van Etten, which was started in 1899.

It should be no surprise to anyone that our market is constantly changing and we, as fabricators and business owners, have to adjust our operating models to stay innovative and competitive, but most importantly, cater to an all-knowing, multi-generational customer audience.

Technology continually is evolving to keep up with customer demands. In addition to improving upon CNC tooling and accessories that are already available for cutting natural stone and quartz surfacing, manufacturers are now developing new products for cutting alternative hard surfaces such as compact sintered stone and porcelain slabs.

Living in the digital age with technology at the forefront, Marmomac 2019 is stepping it up to offer attendees a virtual experience. It will be debuting its new app at this year’s exhibition, which is slotted for September 25th to 28th in Verona, Italy.

Established in 1996 by master stone sculptors Amy Brier and Frank Young, the Indiana Limestone Symposium is founded on the Greek model of gathering for discussion and celebration and continues the tradition of sculpture symposia that is common in Europe and Asia.

It only took me 23 years, but I finally made it out to visit the Indiana Limestone Belt. I’d have to say it was long overdue. A big “thank you” goes to my friend Todd Schnatzmeyer at the Indiana Limestone Institute who made my excursion possible, along with all of the companies that graciously welcomed me into their quarries and mills.

OSHA and NIOSH have identified exposure to silica as a health hazard to workers involved in finishing and installing natural and manufactured stone countertop products, both in fabrication shops and during in-home finishing/installation.

The first Stone Fabricators Alliance workshop of the year, hosted by James Donaire of Perfection Connection Marble & Granite, Inc., attracted the largest crowd in the history of the organization’s workshops. Around 200 people attended the event, which was held from June 20 to 21.

If you’ve been in this industry for any length of time, chances are you’ve been to more than a few trade shows and seminars. Looking back at all that invested time, what do you really remember? How much of that information have you used to improve your business?

Poseidon Industries, Inc. is a USA-based company that offers high-quality stone equipment matched with the fastest and best service in North America. Poseidon Engineers have a total of over 60 years of experience in stone machinery, focusing on interior and exterior stone applications.