A delegation of 41 members of MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone Institute attended the Xiamen Stone Fair, which was held from March 6 to 9, 2017 in Xiamen, China. This was the second year MIA+BSI participated at the exhibition, and participants were eager to experience the trade show, and Chinese culture.

In this issue of Stone World, we cover safety in the shop — a topic I believe can never be talked about too much. As you all know, the stone industry can be a hazardous business if the proper procedures and policies aren’t put in place to ensure everyone’s safety.

With the hazards of working in the stone industry always a concern and OSHA tightening its rulings on silicosis, fabricators continue to implement procedures and emphasize to their employees the importance of safety in the work place.

Located in the heart of the city of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Brazil — a region rich in the production of ornamental stone — Maq Stone has been among the leading producers of marble, soapstone, granite and quartzite for 16 years.

For Karen Roe, owner of NSM Florida Enterprises (NSMOTIF) in Sanford, FL, it has been a series of stepping stones to achieve the level of success her stone fabrication business has reached today. Through hard work, determination and investment in technology, Roe has taken her company from only fabricating small custom projects to now receiving large commercial jobs.

Characterized by an extremely original and contemporary design, The Tour Part-Dieu — fondly named “the pencil” due to its cylindrical shape and pyramid top — stands out majestically above the rooftops of Lyons, France, near the financial district, a stone’s throw away from the historical city center.

Recently hosting its 17th edition in Xiamen, China, from March 6 to 9, 2017, the Xiamen Stone Fair fulfilled its show management’s expectations by receiving 150,290 visitors, 29,407 which came from overseas, during the four-day event.

Last month, I made the long journey to China to attend the Xiamen Stone Fair. While I had been to Shanghai many years ago, this was my first time in Xiamen. I have heard more and more about the stone show, and was interested to experience it first-hand.

It’s been a busy first quarter and start to 2017. Showing no signs of a holiday hangover, the stone industry charged out of the gate in January with a tremendous showing at The International Surface Event (TISE) in Las Vegas, NV.

While walking through the bustling exhibit hall at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, during The International Surface Event (TISE), it was evident business is picking up for members of the stone industry.