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.

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.

Recently, Stone World had the opportunity to tour this region, which remains a viable source of limestone. The quarries and mills that we visited were busy with activity – many working on multiple projects, including some high-profile ones.

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.

Recognizing the demand in the market for premium stone products and services, Gautam Chand Jain, chairman and managing director, established Pokarna Limited in 1991. In the 28 years since its origin, the company has grown to become one of the largest exporters of finished granite in Asia.

In this month’s Industry Perspective, Joey Marcella writes about when attending a trade show, workshop or other industry event, you should walk away with a “couple of good ‘nuggets’ of information.” I couldn’t agree more.

Considered to be the most monumental addition to Liberty Island since the Statue herself, the new Statue of Liberty Museum opened to the public on May 16, 2019. The museum was built with three components – accessibility, education and sustainability – in mind.

As I write this, I’m sitting at Newark International Airport in New Jersey waiting for my flight to Indianapolis to board. My final destination is Bloomington, where my friends from the Indiana Limestone Institute will take me on a tour of several quarries in the area.

Perched high on a hillside in Carmel, CA, with stunning views of the ocean is a house that was originally built by renowned architect Joseph Eichler, who was recognized in the 1950s and 60s for his clean, open, mid-century modern designs.