https://www.stoneworld.com/rss/3827-stone-industry-education en-us Members of the design community gathered at MSI in San Diego for a course differentiating the technical composition of natural stone compared to manmade materials. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95123 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:30:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95123-natural-stone-institute-educates-designers-on-material-differences Experience highlights of the Natural Stone Institute's 2024 Study Tour in Utah and Idaho.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94254 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94254-the-natural-stone-institute-utah-study-tour-part-2 richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) A look at the 2024 Natural Stone Institute Study Tour to Utah and Idaho.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94203 Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94203-the-natural-stone-institute-utah-study-tour-part-one Stone Industry Education events set for Ohio, Washington and Texas.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94118 Mon, 19 Aug 2024 09:10:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94118-registration-available-for-2024-stone-summits richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Best business practices and shop safety were top conversations had during the Stone Industry Education event hosted by Architectural Surfaces in Denver, CO. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93926 Mon, 10 Jun 2024 12:35:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93926-denver-stone-summit-brings-fabricators-together Denver Stone Summit Denver Stone Summit Denver Stone Summit Denver Stone Summit Denver Stone Summit Denver Stone Summit Architectural Surfaces is slated to host the Stone Industry Education event at its Denver, CO, facility on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93886 Fri, 24 May 2024 08:05:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93886-stone-industry-education-event-set-for-denver Registration is now open for the Natural Stone Institute 2024 Study Tour in Utah, which will include visits to quarries and fabrication shops in the region.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93883 Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93883-registration-now-open-for-the-natural-stone-institute-study-tour richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Triton Stone Group brought stone industry members together to learn, network and share ideas at its facility.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93788 Thu, 04 Apr 2024 20:20:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93788-fabricators-learn-from-each-other-at-alabama-stone-summit Alabama Stone Summit 2024 Alabama Stone Summit 2024 Alabama Stone Summit 2024 Alabama Stone Summit 2024 richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) The Stone Industry Education program – organized by Stone World and the Natural Stone Institute – launched its 2024 series at Marble of the World in Pompano Beach, FL, on Thursday, February 15th, with industry veteran Eric Tryon presenting. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93705 Wed, 21 Feb 2024 11:48:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93705-florida-stone-summit-makes-an-impact SIE sponsors Stone Summit Sponsors Facility Tour Frank Kraszewski and Mark Meriaux richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93692 Tue, 13 Feb 2024 11:33:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93692-2024-stone-industry-education-series-kicks-off-in-florida The Natural Stone Institute shares the line-up of education sessions to be presented on the Stone Theater during The International Surface Event (TISE) 2024. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93558 Fri, 08 Dec 2023 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93558-nsi-announces-stone-theater-education-schedule-for-tise-2024 richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Stone World and the Natural Stone Institute announce 2024 Stone Industry Education series.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93542 Mon, 04 Dec 2023 13:06:22 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93542-stone-summits-confirmed-for-2024 Connecticut Stone Summit Breakout Group SIE event Sponsors and Attendees SIE event richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) The Stone Industry Education series – organized by Stone World and the Natural Stone Institute – wound down for 2023 with its final event hosted by Triton Stone Group at its new facility in Austin, TX.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93509 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93509-best-business-practices-discussed-at-austin-stone-summit Photo Nov 09 2023, 9 44 12 AM.jpg richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Global Granite & Marble will host the next Stone Industry Education event at its facility in St. Louis, MO, on Thursday, September 21, 2023. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93356 Tue, 12 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93356-stone-industry-education-event-heads-to-missouri IMG_4366.jpg kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) Blake Christensen of Valley View Granite led the discussion to fabricators in Pittsburg’s edition of the Stone Industry Education series.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93276 Tue, 01 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93276-setting-the-right-mindset richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Arizona Tile hosted a Stone Industry Education (SIE) event at its new facility in Beaverton, OR, on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93221 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93221-fabricators-share-experiences-at-oregon-stone-summit 2.jpg 3.jpg 4.jpg 5.jpg UGM Surfaces to host Stone Industry Education event at Plymouth, MN, facility on Thursday, June 1, 2023.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93155 Wed, 24 May 2023 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93155-ugm-surfaces-hosts-stone-industry-event richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) The Natural Stone Institute Board of Directors presented a panel discussion on the State of the Stone Industry during Coverings, which took place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, from April 18 to 21, 2023. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93094 Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93094-what-to-know-about-the-state-of-the-stone-industry Irene Williams, founder and lead educator of The Digital Life Academy, teaches methods for reducing digital clutter to benefit our overall well-being, while keeping us organized and efficient

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92836 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92836-video-seven-steps-to-digital-wellness The Natural Stone Institute and Stone World magazine are pleased to announce the schedule for the 2023 Stone Industry Education Series. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92832 Tue, 20 Dec 2022 08:19:03 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92832-natural-stone-institute-announces-2023-stone-industry-education-series richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) At the New Mexico Stone Summit, Blake Christensen of Valley View Granite in Salt Lake City, UT, shared ideas on how to diversify a stone business, build efficiency and train to industry standards

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92572 Thu, 25 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92572-strategizing-to-take-a-stone-shop-to-the-next-level In recent days we have seen the continued spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world and here in the U.S. as well. With the increased availability of testing, we can expect that confirmed cases of COVID-19 will continue to grow. Minimizing travel and group events is one tactic to slow the spread of the virus and protect those with weak immune systems.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91243 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91243-stone-industry-education-series-postpones-denver-and-boston-events The threat of silica exposure is not a new story. However, these reports are a strong reminder that stone companies must be diligent about reducing the risks to workers. The Natural Stone Institute recommends the following.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91198 Tue, 18 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91198-stone-industry-perspective-resources-for-preventing-silicosis Waterjetting isn’t new to stone fabrication, though it is still not the norm. Due to being quick, accurate and safe, waterjets are starting to be featured more in stone shops working in the custom architectural and design fields.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91071 Thu, 14 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91071-a-nepalese-gristmill-a-waterjet-and-fort-lewis-college abrasive waterjet stone cutting From granite to Dekton, abrasive waterjet is perfect for cutting chip-free countertops, beveled edges, straight cuts and geometric arcs. Photo courtesy of Omax Omax Maxiem 1515 waterjet With the aid of an Omax Maxiem 1515 waterjet, students at the Department of Physics and Engineering at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO, are learning how their fabrication and manufacturing education can help solve concerns around the world. Recently, the program’s seniors worked in unison with the Bhotia Foundation to reinvent a more effective gristmill for the town of Chyamtang, Nepal.  Photo courtesy of Omax waterjet a perfect tool for intricate stone cutting jobs The ability to machine precise dimensions in any material makes a waterjet a perfect tool for intricate jobs with expeditious turn-around times. Photo courtesy of Omax The Maxiem 1515 The Maxiem 1515 cut the grinding stone, the center piece of the gristmill. Photo courtesy of Fort Lewis College Sitter Family Hall at Fort Lewis College Sitter Family Hall houses the Department of Physics and Engineering at Fort Lewis College and its new Omax waterjet. Photo courtesy of Fort Lewis College richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Home to the University of Tennessee and host to the 1982 World’s Fair, Knoxville, TN, was the destination for the 2019 Natural Stone Institute Study Tour, which drew a total of 66 participants. The four-day event provided an arena for attendees to mingle and network through many sessions and activities.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91050 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91050-the-natural-stone-institutes-2019-study-tour Natural Stone Institute 2019 Study Tour The Natural Stone Institute held its 2019 Study Tour this August in Knoxville, TN. There were a total of 66 participants who enjoyed visiting several regional stone companies and equipment manufacturers during the four-day trip. Photo courtesy of Natural Stone Institute  Braxton-Bragg group tour Braxton-Bragg, a distributor of high-quality tools for working with stone, tile and concrete, gave the group a tour of its warehouse and offices. Braxton-Bragg CEO Rick Stimac Greg Osterhout of Northern Stone Supply, Inc. in Oakley, ID, and 2019 president of the Natural Stone Institute, presented Braxton-Bragg CEO Rick Stimac with a certification of appreciation. John Montgomery of Tennessee Stone John Montgomery of Tennessee Stone greeted the group at the company’s new retail facility in Knoxville, TN. Tennessee Stone residential and commercial design Tennessee Stone offers a broad spectrum of landscape products, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, as well as other stone material for a host of applications in residential and commercial design. Tennessee Stone live masonry demonstrations Live masonry demonstrations took place at Tennessee Stone during the group’s stay. BMJ Stone fabrication company BMJ Stone in Crossville, TN, fabricates an assortment of fieldstone and flagstone products. new water system at BMJ Stone Installation of a new water system at BMJ Stone’s facility has resulted in a production increase of 20%. Tennessee Building Stone Tennessee Building Stone has been a long-time producer and distributor of the Crab Orchard quartzite family of colors. Tennessee Building Stone’s water filtration system Among the improvements made to Tennessee Building Stone’s facility was the investment of an enormous water filtration system that was put in place to support the veneer saws. Tennessee Marble Co. The tour group had the opportunity to visit the historic Granox quarry that is now owned by Tennessee Marble Co. Monica Gawett of Tennessee Marble Co Monica Gawett of Tennessee Marble Co. addressed the crowd and gave them some history about the quarry and company. Tennessee Marble Company quarry drone Since the group was unable to go down into the quarry, Gawett surprised them with a drone that flew into the site and the photos that were taken were displayed on a computer screen set up in a vehicle at the top of the quarry. 66-Knoxville13b.jpg Study Tour dinner and live auction On one of the evenings during the Study Tour there was a dinner and live auction for participants to attend. kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) The day fabricators could use just one saw blade or one core bit is mostly over. Because of the expansion of new and different materials to the market, CNC tooling companies and suppliers have to continuously update their tools.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90962 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90962-advancements-in-cnc-tooling Advancements in CNC tooling Over the past years CNC sales have grown tremendously,” said Matt Maples, Braxton-Bragg product manager. “Because CNC drastically increases work capacity and efficiencies.” Mindy Wessel, general manager of Alpha Tools “We work with our dealers in person to make sure they are trained for when they come to the fabricator’s shop with our tools,” said Mindy Wessel, general manager of Alpha Tools. “We also offer training videos, and we do things on YouTube and Facebook. We try to get as much information out there as possible.” Mike Downey, head of CNC sales for GranQuartz “The tooling has become more precision oriented,” said Mike Downey, head of CNC sales for GranQuartz. “ADI has continued to engineer the highest quality precision profile wheels on the market. As customers have started to become more precise with measuring devices, the tooling is running at increased feed rates in cases almost doubling production over tooling parameters of a year ago.” CNC tooling and blades CNC tooling and blades continually evolve to improve precision, efficiency and to cut new materials entering the market. richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) 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.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90939 Fri, 06 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90939-teaching-the-art-of-stone-carving Indiana Limestone Symposium Once a year, the Indiana Limestone Symposium is held for three weeks on Bybee Stone Co.’s property in Ellettsville, IN. The entrance to the grounds illustrates the incredible abilities of master stone carvers. The Symposium is open to all skill levels The Symposium is open to adults and children of all skill levels. participants are skilled artisans Some participants are skilled artisans in other mediums, such as John who is a wood carver. 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.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90897 Mon, 12 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90897-first-sfa-workshop-of-2019-attracts-largest-crowd-to-date First SFA Workshop of 2019 attracts largest crowd-to-date The first SFA workshop of 2019 was held at Perfection Connection Marble & Granite, Inc. in Carson City, NV, from June 20 to 21, where it welcomed approximately 200 people. James Donaire of Perfection Connection Marble & Granite, Inc James Donaire (center in green shirt) hosted the workshop, which was sponsored by 27 companies. How to waterproof a shower prior to an installation Schluter-Systems demonstrated how to waterproof a shower prior to an installation using their Kerdi-Board system. Shannon Huffstickler, Schluter-Systems “All of these components are designed to work together so you’re not pulling from all different manufacturers to build a recipe that you hope works,” said Shannon Huffstickler, Schluter-Systems territory manager for Northern New Jersey. Laser Template Inc. digital templating system Laser Template Inc. also showed how to utilize two different types of their digital templating systems. Ardex K 60, a rapid-setting, latex smoothing and leveling compound with moisture resistance Also relating to the tile industry, Ardex was onsite to demonstrate how to apply Ardex K 60, a rapid-setting, latex smoothing and leveling compound with moisture resistance, which can be used to smooth interior concrete, wood, terrazzo, ceramic and quarry tile, steel, select epoxy coating systems and non-water-soluble adhesive residue on concrete prior to the installation of finished flooring on-, above- or below-grade. Stanley Jensen, representative for Beno J. Gundlach Co. Stanley Jensen, representative for Beno J. Gundlach Co., Montolit Tiling Tools and FEIN Power Tools Inc. U.S., showcased how to handle, transport and cut 5- x 10-foot porcelain slabs using various tools, including the vacuum lifter shown above, which is distributed through DeFusco Industrial Supply. innovative cutting tool from Montolit Tiling Tools Jensen then utilized an innovative cutting tool from Montolit Tiling Tools, the Flash Line, to cut the human-sized tiles, which attendees were also able to test out themselves. The relatively easy process, which takes less than 30 seconds to complete, is very similar to cutting plastic wrap with the slide cutter located inside of the container. thermobending on various pieces of quartz Ben Kalkman (left), owner of Cutting Edge Kitchens in Boise, ID, also demonstrated a neat process known as thermobending on various pieces of quartz. two different ways to thermobend Kalkman presented two different ways to thermobend, which both require steaming the material at a very high temperature. 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?

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90896 Mon, 12 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90896-two-piece-mcnuggets With the advent of online reviews, HGTV and social media, consumers are saturated with options ranging from natural stone, engineered quartz (quartz surfacing), pre-cast concrete, porcelain, glass, stainless steel, sintered surfaces and so on.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90691 Thu, 04 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90691-a-message-from-the-natural-stone-institute