NEW COMPREHENSIVE SCIENTIFIC REVIEW SHOWS GRANITE

September 2008
NEW COMPREHENSIVE
SCIENTIFIC REVIEW SHOWS
GRANITE COUNTERTOPS SAFE
The most comprehensive review of
scientific data on radon emissions from
granite countertops shows that contribution to indoor radon levels is well
below EPA’s guideline for action and
even levels found in outdoor air.
do natural stone countertops contribute
to the amount of radon inside U.S.
homes?” McCarthy asked. “The answer is very little, according to the best
scientific evidence that is available at
this time.”
The just concluded study reviewed
more than 500 measurements of radon
emissions from granite published in
peer-reviewed scientific journals. It
showed that the average granite slab
contributes to indoor radon levels that
are:
The analysis took the published radon
measurements and assessed the impact they would have on radon levels
present in the typical home. The findings showed that the average stone
would contribute barely measurable
amounts of radon. Even the highest
emitting stones in the most tightly constructed home would still lead to radon
levels 70 times lower than EPA action
levels.
 300 times lower than levels of radon
in outdoor air;
 1,000 times below the average concentration of radon found in the air
of U.S. homes; and,
 3,000 times less than the action
level for indoor air recommended by
the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
“We reviewed data reported by every
peer-reviewed, published study we
could find and the conclusion is clear:
No scientific evidence exists to suggest
that granite countertops are a source
of meaningful exposure to radon,” said
Dr. John F. McCarthy, president of Environmental Health & Engineering, a
consulting firm specializing in indoor
environmental exposure assessments,
which conducted the analysis. “To be
clear, the numbers came from scientific
studies that were reviewed by other
scientists, which meet a much higher
standard for accuracy than the data
commonly reported in popular media.”
“In considering the public’s health, we
ask an important question; how much
“This study is consistent with all the
studies we’ve conducted in the past,
which have found that granite countertops pose no health risk,” said MIA
President, Jim Hogan.
Following recent media reports that
granite countertops may be dangerous, a growing body of scientific opinion has reaffirmed that no corroborated
scientific research suggests that granite countertops pose any significant
health risk. Scientific authorities and
public agencies that have vouched for
the safety of granite countertops include The American Association of
Radon Scientists and Technologists
(AARST), the Health Physics Society
(HPS), the Florida Department of
Health, the Texas Department of State
Health Services, the North Carolina
Geological Survey, the Washington
State Department of Health, and the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
which recently updated its position on
granite countertops.
Jim Hogan of
Carrara Marble Company
of America is
MIA President
for 2008
Who Is On the Other Line? Or,
The Big One That Got Away
In the frenzy of your day-to-day
operations or in the midst of a jobwalk or as you sit down to a private
meeting with a long-time client, do
you maintain your focus on whatever commands your attention? Or
do you sometimes wander
(mentally or physically) from the
task at hand and allow interruptions
to blur your vision? Do you think
this ever happens to the “Big
Guys”?
It does. It did. Here’s a story that
might astonish you.
The incident involved August
Busch III, then CEO of AnheuserBusch Company, and Mr. Valentin
Diez, a senior executive and major
Continued on page 10
President’s Message …………...….1
Technical Q & A ..……………….…..2
Monthly Quiz ..………………….…….4
Housing Market ...……………….….7
MIA Education …………...……….....9
Calendar of Events …………….….11
New Members of MIA …………….12
Failed Anchor Slots ◄ ► My Opinion
Have a technical question? Check MIA’s Dimension Stone Design Manual VII first. If you can’t find the answer
there, contact MIA’s Technical Director, Chuck Muehlbauer at [email protected]. This FREE service
is for MIA members only! (Non-member charge—$85/hour) As a courtesy to other members, please limit phone conversations to ten minutes per call. All opinions and advice provided Chuck Muehlbauer or anyone else from MIA are provided as
general information only. MIA assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable for any damages resulting from your use of this information. Any information provided by the MIA is the exclusive property of MIA and shall not be disseminated, republished, or reproduced in
any manner without the prior written consent of MIA.
trouble occurs when the two products, gypsum and Portland, are
ject that we supplied a couple of
mixed. There are two common
years ago. It’s a simple base
scenarios that occur on a jobsite
course, and most of the anchor
where this can happen. One is an
slots are blown out. I can’t believe
inadvertent blending of a gypsum
the loads are high enough on
based product with a Portland cethese anchors to fail the slots. I
ment based product, usually just
suspected they may have hit the
due to confusion because there
panels with snow removal equipare manufacturers that produce
ment, but the problem seems to be
both and the mechanic on the job
more prevalent at the top edge of
site doesn’t realize they are differthe panels where the snow reent materials. The second is an
moval equipment wouldn’t hit it.
intentional blending of a little bit of
Any ideas what might have caused
a gypsum based product with a
it?
Portland cement based product,
because the mechanic knows that
A. Yes, I’ve a fairly strong suspithe initial set time will be reduced
and it can boost setting speeds. In
cion about what may have caused
either case the
it, and my
result is the
guess is that
same; mixing
it was caused
Portland and
by ettringite
gypsum creates
formation in
a third product
the grouted
called ettringite,
slots. It is
and ettringite
quite comwill have a
mon, and
greater volume
something I
Failed Anchor Slots due to Expansion
than the sum of
frequently
caused by Ettringite Formation
the volumes of
discuss in
the two parent
lectures. We
components. Repeated wetting
don’t recommend gypsum (plaster)
and drying cycles will continually
based fillers for anchor slots, parcreate more ettringite, and eventuticularly on exterior applications
ally the expansion will be great
due to it’s vulnerability to erosion
enough to fail the slot. (See Photo)
and softening during saturated cyThe pressure caused by the etcles. There are a variety of Porttringite formation is great enough
land cement based grouts availto fail anchor slots in cubic stones,
able on the market which are much
not just thin veneers. You should
better suited for the purpose. Unbe able to verify that this is the culfortunately, despite the acceleraprit by having a petrographer extors added to them, the Portland
amine the grout material from the
cement based products still have
failed slots.
longer initial set time than the gypsum based products, so they are
still not the favored product of a
Q. We’re cutting granite counnumber of stone setters. The real
tertops for a customer, and the
Q. We were called back to a pro-
2
September 2008
design includes a table-height peninsula breakfast bar, which is about two
feet wide by four feet long. It is anchored into the cabinet at one end
and supported by a single post about
sixteen inches from the other end.
I’m a bit concerned about the sixteen
inches, as this exceeds the MIA’s ten
inch recommended maximum overhang. I’m even more concerned that
after we laid out the material, there’s
a big vein that runs almost directly
over the support post; is this a structural concern?
A. I can only give you a very firm
“maybe” as an answer to this. The
MIA’s maximum cantilever recommendation of 10” was really established more for the concern of tipping
than fracture, but in this case, a 250
lb. guy sitting on the very end of the
cantilever could actually create bending stresses over the support post
that are significant. While it might not
fracture the stone, it would leave us
with less factor of safety than we normally want. The vein is an additional
concern. Over the years I’ve done
flexural testing of numerous stones
through vein regions, and some veins
are structurally influential while some
are not. There are really two options
for you. One is to mockup the stone
on simulated supports and proof load
it. You could assume the maximum
load would be some 250 pound guy
sitting on the end of it, and multiply
that by perhaps 3 to establish a factor
of safety; if you don’t break the stone
during proof loading, it should be
good to go. The second option would
be to include in the design a steel
plate or plywood underlayment, so if
the stone should crack in service, it
won’t go crashing to the floor and
cause injury.
CAMBRIA’S
STRONG-ARM
TACTICES
MIA members have recently called
attention to the fact that Cambria
(one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of synthetic stone and supporter of BuildClean) has engaged
in strong-arm tactics aimed at attempting to control chains of distribution in certain markets in the
United States. In the past several
years, Cambria has built several
wholly-owned free standing distribution and fabrication centers
throughout the United States.
These centers distribute and fabricate slabs of Cambria without the
need of independent middle men.
According to recent reports received by the MIA, Cambria representatives have been systematically contacting each independent
distributor and fabricator that supplies Cambria products to markets
which are in close proximity to the
Cambria centers. The Cambria
representatives have demanded
that these independent distributors
and fabricators voluntarily cease
distribution of Cambria products to
those markets in close proximity to
the Cambria centers. In some instances the demands are being
made on a state-wide basis. Many
of these independent distributors
and suppliers provide Cambria
products to large regional markets,
not only to the markets which are in
close proximity to the Cambria centers. If the independents do not
agree to concede exclusivity in the
specified markets, Cambria has
threatened to completely cut off
their access to Cambria products in
all markets.
The MIA is making this information
available to make its members
aware of these questionable tactics
which are being utilized by Cambria.
GERMAN NEWSLETTER
PUBLISHES ARTICLES ABOUT
U.S. RADON ISSUE
the kitchen in order to sue those responsible for damages.
Damage limitation
American-style kitchen: the large market
share of granite is probably the reason
for the radon hysteria.
What do hot coffee and granite
kitchen worktops have in common?
The answer is easy for Americans:
both are so dangerous that the unsuspecting consumer must be urgently warned about them. Coffee
can only burn your fingers, but a
granite worktop is all the more
treacherous as the danger is invisible
and only detectable with highly sensitive instruments. After an article in
the New York Times, all home owners now know this and the name of
the enemy: radon, a naturally occurring radioactive inert gas that is supposed to escape in hazardous concentrations from granite slabs and is
regarded as the main cause of lung
cancer after smoking.
“What’s lurking in your kitchen worktop?” was the New York Times headline on 24 July 2008, which described
the case of an anxious home owner
whose granite kitchen was shown to
contain ten times more radon than
the rest of her rooms. Even though
the article did not describe all granite
as hazardous, it caused nationwide
uncertainty among home owners and
among stone traders and processors,
who are already fighting the consequences of the property crisis as it is.
The natural stone industry in the USA
already sees itself confronted with
calls from shrewd lawyers to report
cases of high radon concentration in
Paid Advertisement
The American trade organization, the
Marble Institute of America (MIA),
reacted quickly and provided studies
and test results as evidence that although granite actually emits radon
into its surroundings, it is at safe concentrations and without risk to the
health of occupants. This proves that
granite is safe and not damaging to
one’s health.
It has long been general knowledge
that radon exists in the natural worldwide environment, but granite kitchens are the object of regular attacks
in the USA. Hardly surprising in view
of American consumers’ high ranking
of granite over other building materials (those who can afford to treat
themselves to a granite kitchen). The
manufacturers of engineered stone
are more or less explicitly named as
the initiators or at least the profiteers
of the campaigns.
Whoever the initiator is, the consequences for the American market
have sounded the alarm bells among
the producers. MIA is making great
efforts to limit the damage and
meanwhile help has arrived from
Italy.
A group of Tuscan stone producers
recently provided 200,000 US dollars
for a marketing campaign to promote
the image of granite in the USA. The
companies involved include Internazionale Marmi e Macchine Carrara,
Red Graniti, Henraux, M+Q, Fontanili, Sten, Gruppo Antolini,
Stoneval, G.M.C., Metro, Santucci,
Savema, Magti, Adolfo Forti and
Bruno Lucchetti.
Reprinted from September 2008 issue of
StoneReport
September 2008
3
POLLUTION
COVERAGE
Schechner Lifson Corp., a provider of
insurance and safety management
services for the stone industry, in
conjunction with an A+ insurer, are
introducing a pollution liability policy
which includes coverage for radon
and silica.
The policy, available first for MIAmember stone fabricators, installers
and distributors, is the first to offer
coverage for radon and silica exposure, said Marc Rosenkrantz, president of Schechner Lifson Corp., a
long-time MIA member and education
sponsor. Standard liability policies
will not cover pollution claims or the
defense of alleged claims, he said.
“This policy will enable fabricators,
installers and distributors to insulate
themselves and their businesses in
the event of a suit or loss in cases
involving radon and silica,” Rosenkrantz explained.
Limits available for the pollution coverage range from $1,000,000 per
occurrence up to $10,000,000, with a
$5000 deductible. Premiums are as
low as $3000 per year with a threeyear commitment. A three-year liability loss history is required to quote.
The new pollution policy, available to
all MIA members, will be serviced
and handled directly through
Schechner Lifson Corporation. There
will be preferred pricing for MIA Accredited fabricators and contractors.
Details: Marc at 908-598-7813.
Quiz:
SAFETY AND RESPECT FOR
HUMAN LIFE ARE FOREMOST
IN THE BRAZILIAN INDUSTRY
A new regulation for the Brazilian
granite industry demonstrates its
commitment to the world to uphold
human dignity, improve working conditions and respect the environment.
With the intention of reducing trucking accidents while transporting
granite blocks, the Brazilian granite
industry association, Sindirochas
(Sindicato das Indústrias de Rochas
Ornamentais, Cal e Calcário do
Estado do Espírito Santo), together
with the National Transit Council
(CONTRAN) and its Office for Vehicle Issues, have developed and put
into law CONTRAN Resolution
264/2007. The regulation sets new
safety standards and driver licensing
requirements for natural stone block
transportation by truck in Brazil.
The Brazilian granite industry anticipates that its collaboration with the
government will continue to develop
public trust, enhance its appeal to
both national and foreign investors,
and be respected by public authorities and consumers alike.
In addition to setting safer standards
for rigging blocks, the new ruling requires that stone haulers complete a
50 hour course covering theory,
practical skills and all aspects of defensive driving. This certification
must be renewed every five years.
The implementation of the new regulation carries with it a substantial in-
Most commercial stone is quarried from:
1.
Continental rock
2.
Oceanic rock
3.
Field Rock
4.
Earthquake faults
(answer on page 11)
4
September 2008
vestment in manpower and material, considering the number of
trucks that must be modified. Both
the granite industry and government of Brazil understand the associated costs involved. Together,
they are committed to the fundamental goal that human beings can
achieve great joy and comfort
through compassion and applied
technology.
MIA Safety “Tip-of-theMonth”
FORKLIFT TIPS

Most forklift accidents involve
people other than the driver.
Keep pedestrians a safe distance away from your vehicle
while loading and unloading.

Never travel with anyone on
the platform.

If you lift coworkers onto safety
platforms, make sure the platform is securely attached and
be alert for overhead obstructions.

Plan your route. Know where
to expect obstructions, intersections, pedestrians and ramps.
Forklifts make loading and
unloading materials faster and
easier, but they can be dangerous if not operated properly.
NOTE: The MIA will be introducing
a "Forklift Safety Training Manual" to
the MIA Bookstore later this fall. Stay
tuned for more details.
MAINTAIN A STRONG ADVERTISING PRESENCE
DURING AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN
When the economy takes a turn for
the worse, many businesses begin
cutting costs, and media spending
is often the first thing to go. But
historically; based on research
conducted over the last 80 years,
maintaining or even increasing
media spending can give businesses an advantage over the
competition. These studies all point
to a definitive relationship between
ad spending and growth in longterm market share (S.O.M.) and
profitability.
An analysis of the 1990-91 recession by Penton Research Services,
Coopers & Lybrand, in conjunction
with Business Science International, found that better performing
businesses focused on a strong
marketing program. This enabled
them to solidify their customer
base, take business away from
less aggressive competitors, and
position themselves for future
growth during the recovery.
In a well-known study of U.S. recessions, McGraw-Hill Research
analyzed 600 companies from
1980-1985. Results showed firms
that maintained or increased their
advertising expenditures during the
1981-1982 recession averaged
significantly higher sales growth,
both during the recession and for
the next three years, compared to
those that eliminated or decreased
advertising. By 1985, sales revenues for companies that were aggressive recession advertisers had
risen 256% over those that limited
their advertising.
In January 1982, Cahners Publishing Company, and Strategy Planning Institute, released a report
outlining the results of an extensive
study of the PIMS database. The
study showed businesses that increased media advertising during a
recession gained an average of 1.5
points of market share. The underlying reason is that competitors,
especially smaller, marginal ones, are
less willing or able to defend against
aggressive firms.
During the 1981-82 recession, business-to-business firms that maintained
or increased their advertising spending
averaged significantly higher sales
growth both during the recession and
for the three years that followed.
(McGraw-Hill Research)
During the 1974-75 recession, companies that did not cut advertising experienced higher sales and net income for
that period, and for the two years that
followed, than those companies that
cut advertising. (ABP/Meldrum &
Fewsmith)
A study tracking advertising spending
and sales before, during and after the
recessions of 1949, 1954, 1958 and
1961, revealed that sales and profits
declined for companies that cut advertising. Long after the recessions
ended, these companies lagged behind competitors that had maintained
their ad budgets. (Buchen Advertising)
More Bang for the Buck
If you maintain a strong advertising
presence during an economic downturn, while your competitors cut their
budgets, you will automatically increase your advertising budget's effectiveness. Using conventional wisdom,
companies may assume that it's "safe"
to reduce their spending because
the competition is reducing theirs.
In reality, increases in market
share can be achieved more costeffectively by continuing to implement the advertising tactic of an
integrated marketing plan during a
recession. And when your competitors drop their advertising, yours
will be more recognized.
When the economy turns
around, where will your market
share be?
Recessionary times weed out the
weak and favor the strong. According to The Strategic Planning Institute of Cambridge, MA., a recessionary market can provide an opportunity for businesses to build a
greater share of market through
aggressive advertising. Correspondingly, businesses that reduce
media expenditures suffer loss of
market share. It was demonstrated
that aggressive businesses can
accomplish these gains through
greater expenditures without reducing short-term profitability.
Materials compiled from a variety of
sources, including America Business Media, McGraw-Hill, Penton Research Services, Coopers & Lybrand, Millward Brown,
Harvard Business School, and The Strategy
Planning Institute.
NATURAL STONE FABRICATOR
Blumes-Freeport, PA **; CogswellStone-Palmyra, VA; Creative Countertops-Las Vegas, NV; Ferrazzoli Imports of New England-Middletown, CT;
Great Lakes Granite and Marble-Redford, MI; Innovative Surfaces, Inc.Hastings, MN; Johnson Granite, Mt. Airy, NC; Malisani, Inc.-Great Falls,
MT; Marble Emporium-Northbrook, IL; MARBLEX, Fairfax, VA; NBC Solid
Surfaces-Springfield, VT; Premier Surfaces-Alpharetta, GA; Radtke Tile
and Marble-Carson City, NV; Rugo Stone, Lorton, VA **; Solidtops-Easton,
MD; Stone Interiors-Loxley, AL; Stone Interiors East-Gaston, SC; and Surface Products, Inc.-Cornelius, NC.
COMMERCIAL B CONTRACTOR
Grazzini Brothers & Company-Eagan, MN
COMMERCIAL A CONTRACTOR
Rugo Stone, Lorton, VA **
** = Newly Accredited
September 2008
5
CONSENSUS BUILDING AMONG STATE HEALTH
AND ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICIALS NATIONWIDE: GRANITE COUNTERTOPS DO NOT POSE A
HEALTH RISK TO CONSUMERS
To clear up consumer confusion
about the safety of granite countertops, a growing number of environmental and health agencies from
states across the U.S. have issued
new statements that all conclude
that granite countertops typically
found in homes do not pose a
health risk to consumers.
Perplexed by inaccurate science
and misleading statements about
granite, radon and radioactivity reported in the media in recent weeks,
consumers are contacting health
and environmental agencies in their
respective states for reassurance
about the safety of granite countertops in their homes. In response,
several agencies have issued statements that conclude that granite
countertops do not place consumers’ health at risk.
Among the state-based health and
environmental agencies that have
taken a position on granite countertop safety to date are:
Florida Department of Health
(FDAH), which recently posted this
statement on its website: “With the
concern over the radioactive risk
potential of granite countertops, it is
important to remember that we are
always exposed to a certain level of
background radiation. All granite,
and most earthen materials, contain
trace amounts of uranium and radium, emit gamma radiation and
release radon gas. While the Florida
Department of Health has never
performed a study specifically designed to evaluate any health risks
of granite counter tops, staff from
the Florida Department of Health's
(DOH) Bureau of Radiation Control
and from DOH's Radon Program
have had the opportunity over the
years to survey various granite
6
September 2008
samples for gamma emissions, including a few granite counter tops, and
have yet to find granite thought to be a
significant gamma radiation hazard.
The term 'significant' is used because
there was measurable gamma radiation from the granite as there is always
around us, just not at level of concern.”
Texas Department of State Health
Services (TDSHS), which takes a
similar position on the issue. On its
website, the TDSHS states: “The
amount of radioactivity in most granite
is quite small. While it is possible to get
a measurable level of direct radiation
from some granite, in general it emits
less radiation than we are regularly
exposed to from background radiation. These levels are so low that they
are not harmful to human health.”
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) points out
the three most common sources of
radon: “Recently, there have been
several news stories regarding granite
countertops potentially affecting radon
levels in the home. They have resulted
in an increased number of phone calls
to the Radon Program and have
caused some concern among residents that have granite countertops,
floors and fireplaces. Radiation is all
around us. Naturally-occurring radiation is present in the environment, and
we are all exposed to it. The three primary sources of natural radiation are:
1) terrestrial radiation from soil and soil
gases; 2) cosmic radiation from the
sun and outer space; and 3) and internal radiation due to naturally-occurring
radiation in the boy.”
North Carolina Geological Survey,
whose assistant state geologist, Kenneth Taylor, says he seriously doubts
radon from most natural stone counters is enough to hurt anyone. "Almost
all igneous rocks have some small
amount of radiation," he said.
Washington State Department of
Health (WSDOH) issued a statement saying: “If the stone is properly sealed, there is little likelihood
that the granite will cause a radon
problem. Even if the countertop is
releasing some radiation, that does
not mean it will be a radon problem
or public health concern. Based on
our experience with radon and radiation issues, we would not let this
be the deciding factor on whether
or not to get granite countertops.”
To date, no state health or environmental agency has taken a position that supports the inaccurate
testing and misleading information
reported in recent news stories, but
at least 13 agencies are directing
consumers to get information on
the issue from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
EPA recently updated its position
on granite countertops: “Based on
existing studies, most types of
granite used in countertops and
other aspects of home construction
are not typically known to be major
contributors of radiation and radon
in the average home.”
These state agencies join a long
list of scientific experts who have
already gone on record to reassure
the public that no corroborated
scientific research suggests that
granite countertops pose any significant health this, including:
 The American Association of
Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST), whose
members are experts in the field
of radon testing and research.
 Dr. John McCarthy president
of Environmental Health &
Continued on Next page
STATE
HEALTH
OFFICIALS
NEW HOME SALES UP AND
BUILDER CONFIDENCE
REMAINS STEADY
from previous page
Engineering (EHE), a public
health consulting firm in suburban
Boston, who has overseen more
than 2,500 indoor environmental
quality assessments.
 Health Physics Society (HPS), a
scientific and professional organization whose members specialize
in occupational and environmental
radiation safety.
 Dr. L.L. Chyi, professor of geochemistry and environmental geology at the Department of Geology and Environmental Science, University of Akron.
 David Ropeick, noted author of
the book "Risk," agreed with
McCarthy that recent media reports are needlessly confusing
consumers about the safety of
granite countertops.
“Largely because of the misinformation reported by the media in the past
few weeks, consumers have been
needlessly concerned about the
safety of their granite countertops,
but as top experts on the issues, as
well as national and state health and
environmental agencies are stating,
their concern is unfounded,” said
Jim Hogan, president of the Marble
Institute of America. “The bottom
line for consumers is this: Granite
countertops are every bit as safe as
they are beautiful, durable and practical.”
MIA GALA
Don’t miss the big MIA Gala at
StonExpo 2008 in Las Vegas.
On Thursday evening, Oct. 16
at 5:30, join your colleagues
for an hour of fun, food, and
prizes. You can also support
MIA’s TAG Fund at the party.
Sales of newly built homes rose 2.4
percent in July, but builders continued to slice the number of new
homes for sale as they keep a tight
rein on inventories to help restore
better balance between market supply and demand, according to the
U.S. Commerce Department.
“With 15 consecutive months of reduction in the number of new homes
for sale, builders are clearly doing a
good job of chipping away at inventories,” said NHAB president Sandy
Dunn.
While the upswing in sales in July is
a positive note, it comes on the heels
of two consecutive months of significant downward revisions in sales
numbers for May and June.
Based on the July figure, the seasonally adjusted annual rate for 2008 is
515,000.
The Commerce Department said that
the inventory of new homes for sale
declined for the 15th straight month in
July to 416,000 units, a 10.1 month
supply at the current sales pace,
down from 10.7 in June.
The Commerce Department also
said that single-family home builders
slowed the pace of new production
by nearly three percent to a seasonally-adjusted 641,000 units.
At the same time, the National Association of Home Builders said the
overall confidence measure of builders held steady in August, while the
component gauging sales expectations rose two points to 25.
The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing
Market Index (HMI) still remains at a
record low.
NAHB said that single-family home
builders registered some improvement in home sales as they antici-
pate positive impacts of newlypassed housing stimulus legislation.
Meanwhile, sales of existing home
sales rose 3.1 percent as buyers
snapped up discounted properties.
Still, the number of unsold homes
reached an all-time high. Home sales
in July 2008 were 13.2 percent lower
than a year ago. The number of unsold homes rose to 4.67 million units,
the biggest total since 1968.
The median price slipped to
$212,000, down 7.1% from a year
ago.
Nationally, sales of existing homes
fell 16.3 percent in the second quarter, compared with the same period
in 2007.
There was not much good news in
the remodeling sector, either. Aggravated by the near-meltdown in the
financial market, plus the decline in
consumer and builder confidence,
the housing slump continues to hinder the entire residential construction
market, including the kitchen and
bath sector, NAHB said.
And, finally, according to a Vertis
Communications, a Baltimore-based
provider of direct marketing solutions, Americans are now less likely
to engage in do-it-yourself home improvement projects. Rather, if they
do decide to remodel, they are more
likely to have others do the work for
them.
MIA GOING GREEN
The MIA is taking a major step next
month to make virtually all of its
communications with members paperless. Beginning with the October
issue, the monthly MIA newsletter
and inserts will be sent electronically to all members unless a specific request for the printed version
is made. A form is enclosed for that
purpose.
September 2008
7
THE GLOBAL STONE PROJECT
By: Lloyd Henry, Hudson Economics Group
I have been watching the “RADON”
wars with some interest from the
sidelines. It seems to me that we, as
an industry, have an excellent opportunity to not only address RADON,
but several other characteristics of
our industry which will, sooner or
later, draw attention from consumers
who rightfully challenge not only the
safety of our primary commodity; but
also, the social and environmental
concerns surrounding how our industry operates.
I have always been supportive of the
MIA, have been a member for some
years and will continue to support the
MIA. The MIA has done an excellent
job of promoting competence, quality
and excellence in how our shops are
run and the standards on which
many people now rely. However, that
being said, it is unreasonable to expect the MIA to be all things to all
people.
Over the years, my contributions to
the industry press have sometimes
focused on the issues of child labor,
environmental impact, ecological
renewal and international industry
standards. Early this year I wrote a
piece for Stone Business which focused on the industry, the consumer
and child labor. In that piece I mentioned the Global Stone Project,
which is a thought that I have had
on the “back burner” for some time
now.
The Global Stone project was conceived as an international effort, on
behalf of the industry, to address
industry issues from the consumer’s
point of view; not only in the United
States, but globally. An international
“brand”, if you will. I have discussed
this project with a small number of
industry people, and most seem
enthusiastic. The brand would be
clearly labeled and represent that
the stone has been tested for any
potential biohazard, the stone has
no component of child or abusive
labor, the stone has been quarried
utilizing environmentally sound
techniques and that there is a program for ecological renewal in
place.
This organization would not be a
replacement for the MIA, or any of
the other organizations, or associations, which represent the industry
in the United States. It could very
well serve as a conduit to consolidate the efforts of the industry in
putting our “best foot forward” to the
consumer.
Interested parties may contact the
author at [email protected]
RADON AT
STONEXPO
In an effort to fight misleading allegations and to promote the safety
of granite in building and construction, StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas, together with the MIA, announced it will present a session
within the educational program at
this fall’s show addressing the ongoing debate surrounding radon
and granite.
“This is a unique and once-a-year
opportunity for the natural stone
industry to leverage the weight of
an event like StonExpo to gain momentum and unity in our efforts to
both refute these allegations and
highlight the many attributes, including safety of granite as the
premier countertop material,” commented Gary Distelhorst, the executive vice president of MIA.
“StonExpo is the perfect place to
present this message because it’s
the one place each year where the
stone industry arrives en masse,
and it is where we can both educate the industry and ask for support in one place.”
The session will take place on the
all-new StonExchange area on the
show floor, and while registration is
required, it is complimentary for all
attendees and exhibitors. Titled
“Granite and Radon – An Industry
Update,” and led by members of
the MIA, the session is scheduled
for Thursday, October 16th from
4:15 pm to 4:45 pm. Participants
will discuss the advances the stone
industry is making with new scientific studies, the Truth About Granite (TAG) fund, and the MIA’s
global involvement.
“StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas
has its finger on the pulse of the
stone industry,” commented Dana
Teague, show director. “As a hot
topic within the industry, we felt
obligated to evaluate our program
content and make this change to
better serve the needs of our attendees and exhibitors.”
8
September 2008
Paid Advertisement
MIA Member Gala Reception:
Thursday, October 16th, 5:30pm to
6:30pm, Islander A&F; you must acquire a ticket for entrance. You can
request a ticket on the StonExpo
registration form. (Note: a ticket
comes with each MIA package.)
Making Money in a Tough Economy" webinar series kicks off in
September
The MIA's "Making Money in a
Tough Economy" webinar series
offering stone industry owners and
key executives the skills and
strategies needed to be out in front
regardless of the economic conditions. Controlling costs, getting
aggressive with marketing efforts,
and maximizing sales are all critical components that will be addressed in the upcoming webinars.
These five new business owneroriented webinars (see schedule
below) are offered in part through
the generous support of the Kohler
Company.
When registering, we recommend
that you take advantage of Five
Live Events + Archive Make-ups
+ CD Box Set Package. You'll be
registered for each of the live webinars. If you can't participate in the
live webinar, you'll automatically
receive an email with a link to participate in the archived event
(similar to a make-up class from
your school days). AND you'll receive a CD Box Set with all five
webinars – all for just $199 ($249
for non-members).
StonExpo/MIA Annual Meeting
Highlights and Special Offers
The MIA annual meeting, held in
conjunction with StonExpo/
Marmomacc Americas 2008, will
be held at Mandalay Bay Resort
and Casino, Las Vegas, NV, from
October 15-18, 2008. Highlights
and special offers include:
Granite and Radon — An Industry Update: Thursday, October
16th, 4:15pm to 4:45pm, in Bayside Hall D (part of the Stone Exchange Program.)
MIA Awards Luncheon and Annual
Meeting: Friday, October 17th,
12:00pm to 2:00pm, Islander A&F.
This is a ticketed event. You can purchase a ticket on the StonExpo registration form. (Note: a ticket comes
with each MIA package). During this
event, MIA will be announcing the
2008 Grande Pinnacle Award winner, Pinnacle Award recipients, Advertising Award recipients, and the
Migliore Award for Lifetime Achievement recipient. NOTE: The MIA Annual Meeting will begin at approximately 1:30pm, also in Islander A&F.
Taking Full Advantage of the MIA:
Saturday, October 18th, 12:15pm to
12:45pm in Bayside Hall D (part of
the Stone Exchange Program.)
their 2009 membership dues at StonExpo will receive a complimentary
copy of the MIA's Stone Facility
Safety Videos (a collection of 5 videos).
Win 2 free years of your MIA membership via the Teamwork Bingo
Game in the MIA Booth #1746: All
attendees, member and nonmember,
may participate in the Teamwork
Bingo game offered by the MIA and
a number of MIA-sponsor exhibitors.
Just stop by the MIA booth (1746)
and pick up a bingo card. Then visit
the booths of all sponsoring companies to get your card stamped, and
return it back to the MIA's booth for a
chance to win.
Truth About Granite and Radon/
Radiation Brochure: A sample
copy of the new “Truth About Granite
and Radon/Radiation” brochure,
along with an order form, is being
mailed to all members in midSeptember.
All current MIA Members: Booth
1746, All current members who pay
“ON-THE-ROAD” AGAIN WITH MIA
Making Money in a Tough Economy
Webinar Series
5 great programs for 1 low price
Making Money in a Tough Market – September 10, 2008
Marketing - Yellow Pages and Online Search: Being in the Right
Place When Customers Look for a Stone Contractor
September 17, 2008
Insurance and Your Bottom Line-Insure or Not to Insure
September 24, 2008
Understanding Your Countertop Fabrication Costs
October 1, 2008
Growing Revenue — October 8, 2008
Mark Your Calendars Today!
September 2008
9
JIM HOGAN ON WHO IS ON THE
OTHER LINE? OR, THE BIG
ONE THAT GOT AWAY CONTINUED
shareholder with Grupo Modelo S.A.
(Grupo Modelo was the Mexican
partner of Anheuser-Busch.) The
time was the early 1990’s and August Busch III had invited Diez and
several Modelo executives to join
him on a fishing trip out of Cabo San
Lucas, Mexico. Mr. Busch intended
to use this excursion to persuade the
Modelo executives to sell a controlling interest to Anheuser-Busch. If
successful, Busch’s strategy would
have thwarted an attempt by InBev
NV (a Belgian-Brazilian company) to
buy Anheuser-Busch.
Among the flotilla of boats on that
first day out, Mr. Busch was one of
the first to hook-up with a huge marlin. Shortly after settling in for what
Mr. Busch expected would be a long
fight, an assistant notified him of an
important phone call coming in from
the United States. Mr. Busch
abruptly gave his rod to Mr.Valentin
Diez and took the phone call. Once
the call ended, Mr. Busch advised
his guests that he would have to depart immediately for the United
States and that the 3 day fishing excursion would be ending prematurely. According to a person on board the BuschDiez fishing vessel, Mr. Diez felt awkward and not simply because he had
been handed August Busch’s hookedup marlin. It struck Mr. Diez that the
value Mr. Busch placed on his relationship with Grupo Modelo was not as important as Mr. Busch wanted them to
think. The story ends with the marlin
disappearing after half an hour, Mr.
Busch returning to the United States
and the stock purchase plan in tatters.
This is not a fable, although there are
any number of morals one can draw
from the story. No, unfortunately for
Anheuser-Busch, this really happened.
And now InBev owns Anheuser-Busch.
This story is rich with practical applications and can be mined (or quarried) for
all manner of “lessons learned”. Not the
least of which is that sometimes a lack
of simple, common courtesy can cause
a world of trouble.
Even for the “Big Guys”.
SAVE MONEY
PROCESSING
CREDIT CARDS
The MIA engages endorsed partner
programs within various sectors of
the business industry in order to provide benefits to its members. Given
the current, difficult economic times,
it is now even more imperative for
businesses to focus on cost saving
measures.
Through MIA’s partnership with EMS
Payment Solutions, several members
have saved thousands of dollars annually with respect to their credit card
processing fees.
In a business
where reduced costs are the ultimate
goal, EMS Payment Solutions, has
additionally provided superior expertise, consultation and support to
many MIA members. In addition to
lower processing fees, EMS Payment
Solutions also offers alternatives to
the various ways you accept credit
cards. They provide state of the art
methods and equipment to accept
credit cards as a form of payment.
One such example involves MIA
member Best-Way Marble of Los
Angeles, CA. “EMS Payment Solutions provided a concise, easy to
understand rate comparison. They
were able to save us approximately
$1,000 annually on our credit card
processing fees and made changing
processors seamless. On top of everything, they were extremely knowledgeable and genuine to work with,”
states Shelley Herrera.
EMS Payment Solutions provides
complimentary rate reviews for any
merchant currently accepting credit
cards and consultation for merchants
looking to begin to accept credit
cards as a form of payment.
For questions or a complimentary
rate review and consultation, please
contact Ryan Bendure toll free at
800.915.2406.
10
September 2008
Paid Advertisement
Stone Industry
Calendar
October 2-5, 2008—Marmomacc 2008 - International Exhibition of Marble,
Stone and Technology and Building Materials Show, Verona, Italy. VIP trip to
Verona, contact: Veronafiere, Box 789, New York, NY 10150, 212.867.4111,
Fax: 212.867.4114, e-mail: [email protected], www.verona-fair-trips.com. ***
October 15-18, 2008—StonExpo 2008 & MIA Annual Convention, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. This is THE Stone Industry
Show, 972.536.6440, web: www.StonExpo.com ***
January 20-23, 2009—The International Builders Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. 800.368.5242; www.BuildersShow.com
February 2-5, 2009—Surfaces 2009, Sands Expo and Convention Center,
Las Vegas, NV Phone: 800.547.3477; Fax: 972.536.6401
www.SurfacesExpo.com. ***
February 10-13, 2009—Vitória Stone Fair, Pavilion of Carapina - Serra Espirito Santo - Brazil. +(55) 27 3337.6855; [email protected]
February 19-21, 2009—Surface Fabrication & Design Expo, Orange County
Convention Center, Orlando, FL. Phone: 800.827.8009, www.SFDExpo.com
April 21-24, 2009—Coverings, McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago, IL. 866-285-3691, e-mail: [email protected] ***
April 30-May 2, 2009—American Institute of Architects Convention &
Expo, San Francisco, CA, 617.406.4000, e-mail: [email protected]
April 30-May 3, 2009—National Kitchen & Bath Association (KBIS), Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA. 800.843.6522; www.nkba.com ***
ANSWER TO QUIZ — page 4
1.
Continental rock
Here and There
MIA is saddened to report the tragic,
and accidental death of former MIA
member, Maurizio Bertoli of MB Stone
Restoration & Supply, Inc. of Keansburg, NJ. Bertoli was well known in the
stone restoration community for his passion for stone as well as his own opinions about stone and the care, maintenance and restoration of it. He died after
two tires of a tractor trailer flew off the
truck, with one flying in the opposite
direction on I-95 in New Jersey striking
Bertoli’s minivan and killing him instantly. His wife, Laura, was also injured in the accident. MIA extends sympathy to the family.
After being named the 11th largest female-owned company for the New York
area in both 2006 and 2007, Innovative
Stone, an international supplier, fabricator and installer of natural and manmade stone products, has been recognized by Crain's New York Business
report as number 10. "It is such an
honor to be recognized by Crain's NY
Business List, especially since our company operates in a largely maledominated stone business," commented
Karen Pearse, CEO and founder of Innovative Stone. Crain's New York Business ranks woman-owned companies in
all types of industries including manufacturing, retail, auto and public relations and bases its findings on the firm's
current year's projected revenues.
Cygnus Expositions, owner and producer of Surface Fabrication & Design
Expo, has announced that the 2009
event will feature the Concrete Countertop Institute (CCI) and the Concrete
Countertop Industry Conference
(CCIC). The Concrete Countertop Institute will host a pavilion on the show
floor featuring some of the latest, most
innovative countertop options available
in today's changing marketplace.
Source: Dimension Stone Design Manual, Chapter VII,
page 1-2
September 2008
11
Welcome New MIA Members
Executive Vice President & CEO
Garis Distelhorst: [email protected]
Special Projects Director
Jim Hieb: [email protected]
Technical Director
Chuck Muehlbauer: [email protected]
Meetings, Events, & Awards Director
Helen Distelhorst: [email protected]
Membership Director
Cathy Mayer: [email protected]
Accreditation Program Manager
Garen Distelhorst:[email protected]
Office Administration
Marcie Becker: [email protected]
Membership Relations Manager
Jeff Handley: [email protected]
Industry Information & Research Manager
Mike Loflin: [email protected]
Office Assistant
Megan Knight: [email protected]
CONTACT
COMPANY
Lorenzo Bonotti
James Pair
Chris Brown
Christian Ancker
Mark Zografos
Vincent Aiello
Umberto Malenza
Steven Nenzel
Manuela Peri
Steve Duncan
Cindy Smith
Matt Young
Venkat Malladi
Sandy Piccoli
Kirk Haifek
Gary Thompson
Kirit Shah
Kate Flowers
Hetal Patel
Amit Khurana
Heythal Kamdar
Bob Shah
Jinal Shah
Parminder Pental
Krishna Rao
Osep Tokat
Keith Tucker
David Edwards
Zach Worman
Silvia Garcia
Carlo Scarpolini
Robert Alexander
Gloria Scarpolini
Geovane Fiorio
Gerard Goh
Rick Zuppa
Ramsey Elias
Jason Suter
Deepak Anand
Roberto Rosi
Anil Palasamudram
Rajesh Kurup
Paulina Dantas
Gino Croes
Yu Kin Cheng
Liyakatali Maknojia
Ricardo Verzola
Wesley Cooper
Berry Agolli
Dean Chiaravallotti
Melkon Abajian
Joe Marotta
Bonotti Stone Trading Intl.
ITALY
Austin Stone Works
Austin, TX
Elite Installations & Designs
Hendersonville, TN
All Marble, Granite, & Tile Imports Cherry Hill, NJ
Italian Marble & Granite Inc.
Clarence, NY
A & S Sales, (Alexandria)
Alexandria, VA
Brasigran Brasileira De Granitos BRAZIL
Rock-It Surfaces, Inc.
San Marcos, CA
M+Q Italia
ITALY
Princess Marble Co.
Burnsville, MN
Project Stone By Belstone
Van Nuys, CA
Young Stone, Inc.
San Antonio, TX
Cosmic Stone & Tile Distributors New Brunswick, NJ
Marmi Graniti Favorita SpA
ITALY
Tekon Universal Sciences
Tustin, CA
Stone Specialties
OdessA, FL
M S International, Inc. (NJ)
Edison, NJ
C. H. Briggs
Reading, PA
M S International, Inc.
Farmers Branch, TX
M S International, Inc.
Austell, GA
M S International, Inc.
Elk Grove Village, IL
M S International, Inc.
Phoenix,AZ
M S International, Inc.
Braintree, MA
Pental Granite & Marble
Fife, WA
Mahi Granites Ltd.
INDIA
Modul Marble & Granite
Sun Valley, CA
Marble Shop
Greenfield, TN
The Stone Guru
Cedar Rapids, IA
Worman Stone & Tile, LLC
Manhattan, MT
Americana Granitos Do Brasil
BRAZIL
Eurotrading SpA
ITALY
Sasso Bello
Folsom, CA
Eurobrasil Ltda
Serra, BRAZIL
Industria De Marmores E Granitos Pedra
BRAZIL
ANSOA
Carrollton, TX
A and A Marble
Sunnyvale, TX
Arstones
Pompano Beach, FL
Dr. Clean
Scottsdale, AZ
Jennex Granite Industries Pvt.
INDIA
Max Marmi Carrara
ITALY
M S International, Inc.
Houston, TX
M S International, Inc.
Jessup, MD
Metro S.P.A. Marmi e Graniti
ITALY
Antolini Do Brasil
BRAZIL
The Natural Stones
ARUBA
Full Win Marble & Granite CO. CHINA
Lackstone Marble & Granite
Houston, TX
Vitoria Stone Industria E Comercio BRAZIL
Choice Stone, LLC
Haltom City, TX
Berry Ceramic Tile & Stonework Cudahy, WI
Restoration Solutions Inc.
Calimesa, CA
M.V.A. Marble & Granite
Sun Valley, CA
Stepping Stones Marble & Granite Norwalk, CT
Madhu Sridhar
Dorris Balsam
Srinivas Nallapati
Eagle Granite and Marble
Warren, MI
Dimensional Stone & Tile Design Mount Vernon, NY
Cosmos Granite & Marble
Wood Dale, IL
Alberto Poletti
12
September 2008
CITY/STATE/COUNTRY
Financing the Growth of Business in America
CONSIDER THE BENEFITS OF
FINANCING AND LEASING FROM
AMERICAN EQUIPMENT FINANCE:
STONE & GLASS EQUIPMENT
Stone:
• CNC Machines
• Bridge Saws
• Edge Polishers
• Polishers
• Sink Hole Machines
• Waterjets
• Cranes
• Racks
• Forklift/Vehicles
• Water Reclamation Systems
• Dust Collectors
...and more
Glass:
• Tempering Lines
• Cutting Tables
• Profile Machines
• Polishers
• Washers
• Extruders
• Lasers
• Routers
• Trucks & Vans
...and more
• Improve Cash Flow
• Avoid Large Cash Outlay
•
•
•
•
•
Protect Bank Lines of Credit
Simple Credit Application
No Financial Statements Up to $250,000
Finance New and Used Equipment
Financing from $5,000 to $5,000,000
• 100% Financing
• Flexible Terms from 12-84 Months
• Low Fixed Monthly Payments
• Working Capital
• Deferred Payment Plans
• Tax Leasing or Structured Financing
Contact us today at:
800-785-3060
Stephen Shabazian ext. 204
[email protected]
Len Baccaro ext. 202
[email protected]
Tony Zieglar (734) 452-057
[email protected]
For More Information Please Visit
w w w. a e f l l c . c o m
Or Call 800-785-3060
Or fax your application to
800-796-1097.
Stone & Glass Equipment
Financing and Leasing for
your Business Needs
Credit Application
1) Lessee or Debtor (complete legal name of entity)
A quick simple
solution for your
financing and
leasing needs
Get the equipment your business
needs
to
succeed
with
an
Phone # __________________________________________
Fax # _______________________________________________
Address __________________________________________
City _____________________ State ________ Zip _______
Contact Name ____________________________________
Federal Tax ID# ___________ Year established ___________
save your business time, money
Type of Business __________________________________
Email Address _______________________________________
and taxes.
Business Structure (Circle one)
equipment lease or loan from the
people you know and trust.
American Equipment Finance will
Prompt
professional
and courteous
service
Business Name _______________________________________________________________________________________________
At American Equipment Finance,
Corporation
Proprietorship
Partnership
LLC
2) Personal Data (on major stockholders, partners, or proprietor)
Name/Title
% Ownership
Home Address
SS#
our lease and finance associates
each have an average of more than
ten years industry expertise. They
are here to help you select the
right lease or finance structure for
a) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
b) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3) Bank Reference (two-year history)
Name
City/ State
Phone #
Contact
Acct. #
your company's specific needs.
a) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
b)
An easy
application
process
and quick
credit decisions
With the enclosed application,
4) Lease/Loan Reference
your business can take advantage
Name
of
our
low
fixed
monthly
City/ State
Phone #
Contact
Acct. #
a) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
payments and fast approvals to
acquire
anything
that
your
5) Vendor (supplier of equipment)
business requires to improve its
Name _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
profits, productivity, and cash
Address __________________________________________
City _____________________ State ________ Zip _______
Vendor Contact ___________________________________
Phone # __________________ Fax # _____________________
flow. In fact, we usually provide
you with a credit decision in 24
hours or less.
Call AEF’s
financing team
today
Or fax the completed and signed
6) Equipment
Description ______________________________________________________________________ Model # __________________
application to 800-796-1097, and
Cost of Equipment __________________
we will contact you with a rapid
Authorization
I hereby authorize any credit bureau or other investigative agency to investigate the reference herein listed or statements or
other data obtained from me or from any other person pertaining to my credit and financial responsibility.
response.
(Circle one) New Used
Term (Circle one) 24 36 48 60 other
Date _____________________ Signature/Title ____________________________________________________________________
Please call us 800-785-3060, or fax this completed application to 800-796-1097.
2009_quarry_cal_order
9/9/08
9:35 AM
Page 1
JANUARY
Sunday
4
11
18
25
Monday
5
12
19
26
Tuesday
6
13
20
27
Wednesday
7
14
21
28
Thursday
1
8
15
22
29
Friday
Saturday
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
24
31
2009 Quarry Calendar
All NEW photos! A Great Holiday Gift Idea!
(See other side for ordering information.)
2009_quarry_cal_order
9/9/08
9:35 AM
Page 2
2009
Quarry Calendar
All NEW Photos!
A Great Holiday Gift Idea!
There has always been a fascination with quarries!
This gorgeous calendar measures 18" x 24" and features a
different high-quality quarry photograph for each month
of 2009. This calendar is perfect to hang in your office or
showroom and makes a great holiday gift idea for architects,
design professionals and other business associates!
These handsome calendars will definitely attract attention and
stimulate discussion about Natural Stone, its origins and uses.
JANUARY
Sunday
Monday
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
Tuesday
6
13
20
27
Wednesday
Thursday
7
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
29
Friday
Saturday
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
24
31
Quantity 1-4: Member: $29.95/unit Non-member: $39.95/unit
Quantity 5-9: Member: $28.95/unit Non-member: $38.95/unit
Quantity 10+: Member: $27.95/unit Non-member: $37.95/unit
*Customized with your Logo/Tagline (minimum order 25 units)
25-49
50-74
75-99
100+
Black & White Logo
$28.95/unit
$27.95/unit
$26.95/unit
$25.95/unit
Color Logo
$34.95/unit
$28.95/unit
$27.95/unit
$26.95/unit
*Orders for 25 or more calendars can be customized
with your logo and tagline.
Order your supply of 2009 Quarry Calendars today!
Customize with your logo and tagline.*
Member
Quantity
Quantity
Quantity
Quantity
Order by October 22, 2008, to reserve your calendars!
MIA will print only enough to fill orders.
Pricing:
All pricing includes shipping & handling within continental U.S.
A $15 handling fee and actual shipping charges will be added
for shipments outside the continental U.S.
Ohio residents add 7.5% sales tax.
Place your order by October 22, 2008, to reserve your calendar!
Unit Price
Quantity
Total
Non-members: add $10/unit for customization
Email logo and tagline to [email protected]
______________ X _____________ = __________________
Complete Contact Information
Company Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP: ________________________
Phone: ___________________________________________ FAX:_____________________________________________________
E-mail: ________________________________________________________________ ❑ Contact my firm about joining the MIA
Select Form of Payment ❑ Check (Payable to MIA)
❑ MasterCard
❑ VISA
❑ American Express
Credit Card No.: ________________________________________ Verification Code: ______________ Expiration: ____________
Signature:______________________________________________________________________ Date: _______________________
If credit card billing address is different than address above please list info below:
Company Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP: ________________________
Marble Institute of America • 28901 Clemens Rd. • Suite 100 • Cleveland, OH 44145
P: 440.250.9222 • F: 440.250.9223
Date received _____________________
IS YOUR BUSINESS POSITIONED TO SURVIVE ?
No matter the size of your business, by investing in the Natural Stone Council, you unify and strengthen our industry by bolstering
preference for Genuine Stone® over synthetic materials. To learn more about how you can do your part, visit naturalstonecouncil.org.
NSC-7747-Print6.indd 1
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