I was in awe of the elaborate strategic plan the leadership team and I just produced. After three dedicated days of planning and brainstorming, we had seven pages of strategic initiatives to serve our business well for the next 36 months. What made it so impressive was also why it didn't work.

With the hospitality design sector in a seemingly constant state of change, tile and other alternative material manufacturers need to stay up-to-date on current trends in colors, shapes, finishes and sizes to meet the demands of the architectural and design community.

Contemporary Stone & Tile Design kicks off the New Year with a look at kitchen and bath design. Whether a renovation or new construction, stone and tile remain a consistent choice among homeowners for various applications in these living spaces.

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. It’s always hard getting back into the swing of things after having a nice long break, but I’m excited about some of the new things we are launching here at Stone World in 2020.

Overall, the majority of those polled in Stone World’s recent Purchasing Plan Survey, which is conducted by Clear Seas Research Department at BNP Media (Stone World’s parent company), seem optimistic about their businesses in 2020.

Held from September 25th to 28th, Marmomac 2019 marked the 54th year for the Verona, Italy-based exhibition, which draws a global crowd annually to display and view a plethora of stone products, machinery, tooling and accessories, and stone care and maintenance products.

As we approach the beginning of a new year, and a new decade, we are encouraging all of our Rockhead members to take a close look into their business and identify key areas of focus that will allow them to plan and scale their business based on present or potential economic cycles.

Recently, Stone World had the opportunity to ask Johannes Semmler, managing director, and Hubert Kuenzl, export manager, about recent investments and their approach to working with and promoting the company’s Jura limestone to architects.

Leonardo Rapaj first started working with stone in his home country of Albania. He made his way through Greece, Italy, Switzerland and France, working with stone before finding his way to the U.S. In 2001, Leonardo’s Marble & Granite opened its doors in Farmington Hills, MI.

It’s hard to believe that we are officially in the holiday season and wrapping up 2019. What a year it has been. From the ramifications of tariffs on Chinese imports to new silica regulations to an update on the ANSI/NSC 373 Natural Stone Sustainability Standard, there has been a flurry of activity in our industry.