Being recognized for a job well done is a wonderful feeling, isn’t it? Wouldn’t it be even better if that recognition was worldwide? This recognition is what is offered by the Natural Stone Institute’s Pinnacle Awards program.

We all know that the stone industry is full of companies doing incredible stonework around the globe. The Pinnacle Awards offer a chance for those companies and projects to be celebrated. The Pinnacle Awards are given to Natural Stone Institute member companies for projects where beauty, creativity, ingenuity and craftsmanship exemplify professional mastery in the use of natural stone.  An exclusive Grande Pinnacle Award, sponsored by Marmomac, is given to the best project across all categories and includes a trip to Marmomac.  This year, an award for the best use of Brazilian stone, sponsored by the Vitoria Stone Fair, will also be given.

We are thrilled to announce that in 2018, several new categories will be added to the Pinnacle Awards, including categories for Architectural Carving/Lettering/Sculpture and Public Landscapes/Parks/Memorials. This will allow us to celebrate the craftsmanship and expertise of stone companies in many sectors of the industry.

Each year I’m approached by companies who say, “One of these days I’m going to submit a project for the Pinnacle Awards.” My response is, “Why wait?” Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Go online to www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/awards to review the submission guidelines.
  2. Submit your entry and online project submission by July 20.
  3. Prepare for a staff celebration when it is announced that your project was recognized!
  4. Attend the Awards Ceremony at TISE January 2019 in Las Vegas.

These awards are open to Natural Stone Institute members only. If you are not currently a member, this is a great time to join. Members are also encouraged to nominate colleagues for the industry recognition awards: the Migliore Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Women in Stone Pioneer Award and the Craftsman of the Year Award. Two scholarship opportunities are available for emerging leaders in the industry: the Natural Stone Scholarship and the Women in Stone Empowerment Scholarship.

Be recognized! The deadline for all of these awards is July 20.