Stone & Tile Industry News

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ALEXANDRIA, VA -- A designer's vision for using stone and tile in a project is only as good as the installer's workmanship. That industry axiom will be well illustrated during Coverings 2011, which will be held from March 14 to 17 at The Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, with the presentation of the Installation Design Showcase. A combined live-action demonstration and exhibit, the Showcase will feature conceptual bath vignettes by three leading designers, and their creations will take shape in full view of Coverings attendees as some of the most experienced tile contractors working today apply their skills to the installation. The National Tile Contractors Association, a Coverings co-sponsor, helped to spearhead this initiative, which is in its second year, and several of its members who are Five Star Recognition status are participating. The build begins a few days ahead of the official opening of the show, and will be completed by end of day Tuesday, March 15. The exhibit will remain through the show's close.

Now in its second day, there is a buzz in the halls at Cevisama in Valencia, Spain. The seemingly endless displays of tile are attracting a large number of visitors. It appears traffic has even picked up from the opening day, and exhibitor presence is up 5 percent over last year, reports Tile of Spain.

Cevisama -- the Ceramic, Natural Stone and Bath Equipment Show held annually in Valecia, Spain -- opened its doors today and will run through Friday, February 11th. The 2011 edition includes thousands of exhibitors who have vivid diplays of new product introductions.

Among the many innovations at the recent StonExpo event in Las Vegas, NV, Polishing Pro Systems, LLC displayed its patent-pending system for stone polishing. This system -- available through Braxton-Bragg at www.braxtonbragg.com -- allows professionals and homeowners to polish countertops or floors without any special tools or experience. The compound is all natural, with no chemicals or acids. A two-part video of the product has been posted at Stone World's You Tube Channel, and it can be accessed by visiting www.YouTube.com/StoneWorldMagazine

Since 1987, a committee of stone industry veterans has worked to select the winner of the Stone World Magazine "Fabricator of the Year" Award, and the 2010 edition of the award will be presented on Tuesday, January 25, at 4 p.m. during StonExpo in Las Vegas, NV. The award will be presented at Stone World's Booth at StonExpo (# 1891), and complimentary beer will be served at the event. Please join our staff for a cocktail during StonExpo, as we present this prestigious award to a deserving member of the industry.

Renowned Las Vegas performer, Big Elvis, will return to StonExpo this January to entertain attendees at the Marble Institute of America's (MIA's) Member-Only Happy Hour. Big Elvis first performed for MIA members at StonExpo 2006. People in attendance that evening have been clamoring for his return engagement, and this January, their wish will come true.

SEAL BEACH, CA -- Adding to its successful grout line, Custom® Building Products has introduced its new Commercial Silicone Caulk, which is available in 18 popular grout colors as well as clear. Custom's Commercial 100% Silicone Caulk was developed for use as a caulk in coves, corners and changes in plane with interior, exterior or submerged applications. Unlike many other brands, Custom's new caulk also meets the requirements for a movement joint sealant -- ensuring a seamless tile or stone installation without a change of color in grout joints, reports the manufacturer.

NEW YORK, NY -- Placing the Italian tile industry's commitment to sustainable architecture in the public spotlight, Ceramic Tiles of Italy will be a prominent contributor to this year's Green Builder ReVISION House. Presented during the International Builder's Show from January 12 to 15, 2011 in a private Orlando, FL, residence, the project will showcase green building materials in a complete retrofit renovation led by interior designer Patricia Gaylor. Sponsored by the Italian Trade Commission, Confindustria Ceramica (the Italian Association of Ceramics) and the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, the house will be filled with sustainable ceramic tile from Italy's leading manufacturers, including Casa Dolce Casa, Emilceramica, Floorgres, Cooperativa Ceramica Imola, Marazzi, Ragno, Refin and Trend, as well as grouting and adhesives from Mapei.

VALENCIA, SPAIN -- In November, Tile of Spain launched the second edition of the "Reign in Spain" A&D Tour campaign to select four architects and designers to participate in its annual trip to Spain to learn about Spanish tile. Over the course of the month, Tile of Spain received more than 70 quality applications from firms large and small in all regions of the country -- a 60% higher return over last year. After much determination, the four winners were announced. They include: Bob Borson, an Associate Principal and architect at Bernbaum Magadini Architects in Dallas, TX; Andie Day, an award-winning interior designer who owns a boutique studio in Boston's North End; Scott Knudson, Vice President of Design for Wiencek + Associates Architects + Planners, which has offices in Washington, DC, and Gaithersburg, MD; and Lira Luis, a global American architect specializing in organic architecture.