OBERLIN, OH and CHESTERTOWN, NY -- Realstone Systems of Troy, MI, has been named 2016 Educator of the Year for the MIA+BSI CEU program for the second year in a row. The company presented a total of 76 CEU classes in 2016, a group effort among 10 members of the Realstone team led by Shea Quarton, John Striednig and Jack Millea.

"The MIA+BSI CEU courses allow Realstone Systems the ability to start and maintain many successful A&D relationships,” commented Kevin Mahoney, VP of sales with Realstone Systems. “While we have impactful products, the ability to get them in front of influencers and decision makers is greatly aided by the class offerings.”

2016 was the strongest year for the CEU program to date, with a total of 485 CEU classes held and 5,126 architects and design professionals educated.

“This success is partially thanks to the merger of MIA and BSI’s CEU programs,” said CEU administrator at MIA+BSI, Sarah Gregg. “It is also an indicator that using education to promote your stone company is working and members are catching on.”

Three speakers were also honored for their outstanding efforts in educating architects and designers in 2016. Shea Quarton of Realstone Systems, Cynthia Saxe of European Marble & Granite and Phil Varlese of M S International each received certificates of recognition for their achievements.

“The CEU program has offered me opportunities to present to and meet with some of the largest and most influential firms in the world,” said Quarton. “Because of this informative course, I have been able to work with some incredible architects and designers who are passionate about using natural stone. It is an invaluable resource.” Varlese is in agreement. “As someone with less than two years working in A&D, I found that offering continuing education credits was the best way to get me introduced to some of the firms, and working with MIA+BSI has afforded me that opportunity,” he said.