Now that the political scene is becoming somewhat established in Washington D.C., work has begun in earnest to investigate the feasibility of establishing a check off program for the natural stone industry.A prominent Washington government relations and lobbying firm with success in establishing and advising check off boards has been hired to assist us in the process. This firm also has relationships with key decision makers in the Congress and the Executive Branch who will be important in authorizing and administering any natural stone check off program. We have had several meetings with leading members of Congress and their staffs to determine their willingness to work with us.Although there are still many unknowns, we are encouraged by the progress made to date.
The Natural Stone Council (NSC) and the entire industry will need to have support in Congress to introduce and enact legislation to authorize a Check-off Program to generate funds to promote the use of natural stone. To better understand the program we have developed a list of frequently asked questions.
Stone+tec 2009, the biennial trade fair taking place in Nuremberg, Germany, opened its doors today, and it will take place throughout the week. Although holding a trade fair (or exhibiting at one) during an international economic crisis can be difficult, the companies at Stone+tec came prepared to do business.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- An international open house will be held by CMS / Brembana this July 23, 24 and 25 at the company's Grand Rapids, MI, location to display their new Falcon sawing system. It features a 5-axis head, which allows for sawing bevels and miters, along with an automated material handling unit right on the saw head. The combination of these two functions makes the Falcon fast, accurate and flexible -- second to none in the industry, reports the manufacturer.
HOLLIS, NH -- The Natural Stone Council (NSC), a collaborative organization representing business and trade associations serving the natural stone industry, has announced the ever-growing repository of natural stone information available on its Web site – www.GenuineStone.org.
Even in "normal" years, stone industry professionals I meet with tend to have the same question for me this time of year: "How was Coverings?" I'd say this has been the case for all 16 editions of the show that I have visited during my time at Stone World.
QUONSET POINT, RI -- Don and Angela Conte of AC Stone, LLC, have acquired the fabrication facility formerly operated by New England Stone, LLC. The new company, Structural Stone, LLC, is in full operation and is a full-service stone fabricator based in Quonset Point, RI.
The Natural Stone Council (NSC) is continuing its development of what will be a congressionally authorized "check-off" program, an industry-funded research and promotion effort that would expand the market for natural stone in the U.S. and increase demand of natural stone products.
The Marble Institute of America and Stone World combined forces this year to deliver the best quality regional education program offered in the stone industry. The 2009 program, focused on cost effective, practical, business-building programs kicked off in Dallas in March. Over 50 industry professionals heard from industry experts Tony Malisani and Fred Jackson. The seminar concluded with an industry briefing and networking reception.
Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes rose 5 points in April to the highest level since October 2008, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released on April 15. This gain was the largest one-month increase recorded since May of 2003, and brings the HMI out of single-digit territory for the first time in six months -- to 14. Every component of the HMI reflected the boost, with the biggest gain recorded for sales expectations in the next six months.
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