CLEVELAND, OH -- If there was ever any doubt that natural stone is the preferred countertop material for kitchens and baths, a list of finalists in a nationwide competition for kitchen and bath designers and their choice of stone should put that to rest. Among the 30 projects selected as finalists for the National Kitchen and Bath Association's "Art of the Industry" annual design competition, 80% or 24 installations, included natural stone for countertops. The finalists were selected from more than 550 entries from across the U.S.
As the Vitoria Stone Fair continues in the stoneworking center of Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil, exhibitors are showcasing a range of new materials to the marketplace. In particular, exotics are taking center stage on the show floor.
The Vitoria Stone Fair kicked off on February 23 in the stoneworking center of Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil, and exhibitors expressed optimism for the event and business in general.
All stone fabricators are invited to join Northwood and the Stone Fabricators Alliance (SFA) at Crowe Custom Countertops in Acworth, GA, (near Atlanta) from March 25 to 27 for an inside look at both a high-volume production facility as well as small workcell production.
LAS VEGAS, NV -- Moraware JobTracker held a user group meeting on February 8 as part of the International Countertop Expo. The session served as an educational forum, where users of the system offered some insight into how JobTracker has helped their specific model.
Coverings show management recently announced that the 2011 edition of the event will take place in Las Vegas, NV. This year's event will remain in Orlando, FL, at the Orange County Convention Center, and it is scheduled for April 24 to 27.
Brett S. Rugo, founder and president of Rugo Stone, LLC of Lorton, VI, and grandson of an Italian stone carver, has been chosen as the new president of the Marble Institute of America (MIA).
CLEVELAND, OH -- The Marble Institute of America (MIA) recently completed its second Performance Analysis Report for natural stone fabricators. The survey, conducted in 2009, contains an evaluation and interpretation of financial data solicited from fabricators. Like its 2007 predecessor, this report provides one of the most comprehensive set of financial performance benchmarks in the natural stone fabrication industry. The report is designed to provide fabrication shops with a tool to evaluate existing performance and identify new ways to create improvement.
NEW YORK, NY -- Ceramic Tiles of Italy and The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) have a long-standing partnership and a shared mission to educate architects, designers, contractors, developers and tile specifiers about new products and cutting-edge installation techniques. Now, the two industry leaders are working together to present a series of seminars across the country. In this ever-changing world, it is important to keep up with the latest advances in technology and design. In terms of Italian tile, this translates to modern motifs, ultra-slim thicknesses and extra-large formats. The traveling program, called "Beyond the Surface: The Skinny on Italian Tile," will feature CEU accredited sessions from industry experts and an opportunity for attendees to see what's new in the local marketplace.