The call for entries for this year's 2009 Ceramic Tiles of Italy Design Competition read, "Great design deserves to be recognized." And the North American architectural and design community responded loud and clear. This year, Confindustria Ceramica, the Association of Italian Ceramics and the Italian Trade Commission received the highest number of submissions in the competition's 16-year history. Aside from the high quantity, it was the quality of the projects that particularly impressed the international jury. From entire residences to multi-floored shopping centers, Italian tile played a major role in every project, as it provided a surface solution that was design-forward, durable and dependable.
Water Treatment Technologies (WTT) is now offering participants of the Vermont/Stanstead Quarry Tours -- part of the Stone World/Marble Institute of America Stone Industry Education Series -- a chance for a free airline ticket on Southwest Airlines to Manchester, NH, in the region of the tour's start. Vermont has long been known for its rich stone heritage, and it is said that every stone professional should experience the uniqueness of the Vermont quarries at least once in their lifetime. The event will also include a look at the rich heritage of the granite industry in Stanstead, Quebec (the granite capital of Canada).
SYLMAR, CA -- Walker Zanger, a large distributor of stone and tile with locations throughout the U.S., recently announced its acquisition of one of the world's largest artisan ceramic tile manufacturing facilities, Cerámica Antique. WZ Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walker & Zanger, Inc. has acquired majority ownership in Cerámica Antique. As the distributor, and now, majority owner of the manufacturer of some of the most sought-after designs in ceramic tile, Walker Zanger is taking steps to further solidify its place as an industry leader, according to the company. With the purchase of the state-of-the-art facility, Walker Zanger gains the premier manufacturer of hand-crafted ceramic tiles, controls the production of some of its most complex products and obtains engineering knowledge, patents and flexibility.
CORAL GABLES, FL -- Tile of Spain recently registered a full-day program for ASID, consisting of five distinct modules as part of an educational program customized for the needs of the U.S. market. ASCER, the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer's Association, has for more than 10 years devoted a significant amount of energy and resources to continuing education within the U.S. ceramic tile industry.
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.
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