The Natural Stone Institute would like to thank all who participated in the 2019 Study Tour, held August 18-21 in Knoxville, Tennessee. A total of 66 people attended the event, which included a combination of education, networking, and planned recreation. Attendees enjoyed visits to several regional stone companies and equipment manufacturers, as well as activities that highlighted the culture of the region. Attendees also participated in a team challenge bowling activity and a service project to “give back” to the local community. 

Alex Barnes, President of WF Meyers, commented: “The Natural Stone Institute study tour is a great way to learn more about stone related businesses in a certain area, network with other industry professionals, and fit in some fun activities during your down time. The Natural Stone Institute team does an excellent job of selecting interesting sites to tour, scheduling fun activities, and coordinating the logistics.” Reid Kubesh, Regional Sales Manager for Coldspring, agreed: “The Knoxville study tour was my first Natural Stone Institute tour. It exceeded my expectations tremendously! The hosts were gracious and you could tell absolutely excited to have us visit. Not only was the tour very educational; the networking and recreational activities were some of the most fun things I have done all summer.” 

The Natural Stone Institute extends their thanks to the following host companies: Braxton-Bragg, Tennessee Stone, BMJ Stone, Tennessee Building Stone, and Tennessee Marble Company. 

Also thanks go to the following sponsors and auction donors: 3D Stone, Ardex Americas, BMJ Stone, Bonstone Materials, Braxton-Bragg, Carolina Fresh Farms, Cleveland Marble Mosaic Company, Coldspring, Connecticut Stone, Continental Cut Stone, Delta Stone Products, Eastern Marble & Granite Supply, EuroStone Machine USA, Florida Custom Marble, Halbert Mill Company, Laser Products US, LATICRETE International, Miles Supply, Mountain Valley Stone, Northern Stone Supply, Park Industries, Phenix Marble Company, Raducz Stone, Salado, Schechner Lifson, Simple Stone Care, Sturgis Materials, Tennessee Building Stone, TexaCon Cut Stone, TexaStone Quarries, Trow & Holden, TuffSkin Surface Protection, Vetter Stone Company, and Yonani Industries.

Plans are currently underway for the 2020 study tour, which will take place in the northern PA/southern NY bluestone region. For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org. 

Braxton-Bragg welcomes the NSI Study Tour to Knoxville. Regional stone industry businesses were hosts for the tour, including nearby Tennessee Stone, BMJ Stone, Tennessee Building Stone and Tennessee Marble Company.

Above: Braxton-Bragg welcomes the NSI Study Tour to Knoxville.  Regional stone industry businesses were hosts for the tour, including nearby Tennessee Stone, BMJ Stone, Tennessee Building Stone and Tennessee Marble Company.
Some 66 people attended the regional study tour focusing on the stone industry in East and Central Tennessee, here at BMJ Stone.

Above: Some 66 people attended the regional study tour focusing on the stone industry in East and Central Tennessee, here at BMJ Stone.
The NSI Study Tour also visited Tennessee Stone’s new Knoxville showroom and stone yard.

Above: The NSI Study Tour also visited  Tennessee Stone’s new Knoxville showroom and stone yard.
Demonstrations and displays were set up at the various tour stops, including Akemi, Bonstone, Braxton-Bragg and Tennessee Marble.

Above: Demonstrations and displays were set up at the various tour stops, including Akemi, Bonstone, Braxton-Bragg and Tennessee Marble.