Jason Kamery

Fabricators stand to benefit from several tax credits and deductions under the recently passed federal tax legislation, including some provisions that apply retroactively to previous tax years.

The Supply Equipment and Supply Alliance (SESA) is bringing a new trade show to the stone and surface fabrication industry, with Surfex set to debut November 3 to 5, 2027, at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. SESA Board President Mike Schlough of Park Industries and CEO Jon Lancto of Big Fish Consulting and Artisan Group, discussed the show's origins and vision on the Stone World Podcast, explaining how member demand drove the organization to create an event focused specifically on fabricators.
 

Joe Meyer, founder of Full Circle Water, addressed fabricators during a recent webinar, outlining how water system performance directly affects worker safety, equipment longevity and production efficiency.

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.

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.

A House Judiciary subcommittee held a hearing Wednesday to examine the impact of civil litigation on the U.S. artificial stone industry, with Republican lawmakers and industry executives arguing that manufacturers are being unfairly targeted by lawsuits related to silicosis.

Homeowners who clean their marble countertops with vinegar are unknowingly damaging their investment, according to Emily Dodds, founder of Immaculate Collective. Dodds, who holds IICRC restoration certificates and has logged more than 50,000 hours in the field over the past decade, said chemical misuse is one of the most common causes of countertop damage and can immediately void a manufacturer's warranty.

The keynote speaker pointed out that the majority of businesses spend 98% of training time on technical skills and only 2% on soft skills such as empathy and rapport building -- and outlined reasons this statistic needs to change.

The education session detailed the severity of the issue, citing California public health data showing 406 documented cases of the incurable lung disease since 2019, resulting in 22 deaths and 47 lung transplants.