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Featured in this Issue November 2024
SLIPPERY ROCK GAZETTE ® The Voice of the Stone Fabricator
Radiant Elegance: Transforming Spaces with Backlit Natural Stone, by Megy Karydes ................................... Begins on 1 Tucker Design Awards ......................................................................................................................................................... Begins on 1
Training, Safety and Education
Industry Calendar of Events and Training: November to December 2024................................................................................. 5 Make Sure Your Shop Machinery Doesn’t Have You Running in Circles, by Tim Saddoris ............................. Begins on 6 Eleven Marketing Hacks for Countertop Shops, by Stephen Alberts ..................................................................... Begins on 8 Can the Constraint Move to Sales? Yes, it Can! by Maria Leali ................................................................................................... 9 Thriving in a Challenging Economy: How to Strengthen Your Marketing Sales and Strategies, by Ed Young ............... 10
Industry Topics, Tips and Featured Columns
PSA: Beware! by Sharon Koehler .................................................................................................................................. Begins on 11 The Stone Detective in The Case of the Purple Marble Mayhem, by Frederick M. Hueston ............................................ 12 AWarmRoundofApplausefor‘ExothermicOxidation’,bySamVenable....................................................... Beginson14 Stone Restoration and Maintenance Corner – Diamond Abrasives, by Bob Murrell .......................................... Begins on 15
Industry News
ISFA Announces 2024 Annual Conference Agenda ................................................................................................... Begins on 4 Frank Hermans of Coldspring Receives Thor Lundh Quarrier Award .......................................................................................... 16 BACA Systems Announces Strategic Partnership with D2 Technology and Horus Software ..................... Begins on 18 Marketplace .............................................................................................................................................................. 20
Classified Ads ........................................................................................................................................................... 21
Contributors & Staff
Rick Stimac .......................................................................................................................................... Publisher Larry M. Hood .................................................................................................. Editor and Design Director G. William Brown................................................................................................................. Graphic Designer Stephen Alberts ......................................................................................................... Countertop Marketing Mark Anderson ......................................................................................................... Department of Humor Darlene Compagna ............................................................................................................... Direct Opinions Frederick M. Hueston .................................................................................. Stone Forensics Investigations Sharon Koehler.................................................................................................... Stone Industry Consultant Rufus B. Leakin ........................................................................................................ Guru of Urban Folklore Maria Leali ................................................................................................................... Synchronous Solutions Peter Marcucci ................................................................................................................ Special Contributor Anthony Milia ........................................................................................................................... Milia Marketing Bob Murrell ............................................................................................................... Restoration Consultant Tim Saddoris .................................................................................................................................. Grand Onyx Ed Young..............................................................................................................Fabricator’s Business Coach Sam Venable.................................................................................................................... Department of Irony
Read our online edition at www.slipperyrockgazette.net. Use the Classified drop-down menu to browse ads and to place a classified ad, and the article links to view stories in the current issue. Send advertising inquiries to LHood@ slipperyrockgazette.net, and comments c/o [email protected]. Subscription requests, a classified ad submission form, current and archived back issues and articles are available online at www.slipperyrockgazette.net .
Themed “Crafting Success: Innovate, Fabricate, Dominate,” this leading event for surfacing industry professionals features expert-led panel discussions, presentations and networking opportunities.
ISFA Announces 2024 Annual Conference Agenda
The International Surface Fabricators Association, a globally recognized trade organization serving the surface industry, announced the detailed agenda for its highly anticipated 2024 Annual Conference, set to take place November 6-8 at The Palms Hotel & Spa in Miami, Florida. The event will bring together leading fabricators, man- ufacturers, suppliers and other industry professionals to discuss the latest trends, technologies and innovations shaping the future of the surfacing industry.
This year’s conference will fea- ture a robust lineup of educational sessions, business development workshops and presentations from renowned industry experts. Attendees will explore new mate- rials, cutting-edge fabrication techniques and best practices for driving operational excellence.
Highlights of the agenda include:
Keynote Breakfast
Stress Less, Achieve More: Turning Pressure into Productivity with Dr. Sharon Grossman, an executive coach, business consultant and author of The Stress Advantage. Dr. Grossman has over 20 years of experience helping individuals and organizations overcome stress and achieve their goals. She will share strategies to turn stress into a strength, find work-life balance and boost productivity without burnout.
Education Track: Innovate.
In this track, attendees will dis- cover groundbreaking ideas and forward-thinking strategies from industry leaders that can redefine goals. Topics include:
Exploring Surfaces: The Value of Adding Solid Surface & Porcelain to Your Shop with Aaron Davis, Avonite Solid Surface, and Todd Hibbs, Caesarstone, and mod- erated by Tim Saddoris of Grand Onyx.
Marketing for Fabricators: Learn How to Show ’Em All You Got, with Anthony Milia of Milia Marketing.
A Fabricator’s Inspiration | La Inspiracion de un Fabricador, a bilingual session that explores the journeys of two fabricators from humble beginnings who have become leaders in the industry, presented by Laura Grandlienard, ROCKin’teriors, and Rodrigo Velázquez, Indeko.
Life Cycle of a Project, a panel discussion featuring award-winning designer Jennifer Farrell.
Education Track: Fabricate. In this track, dive into educational ses- sions that turn visions into reality. Whether it’s new skills, projects or products, attendees will leave with tangible insights and a toolkit for success. Topics include:
Safety First: Best Practices & Leadership in a Safe Shop with Tim Denzer, a leader in safety edu- cation programs at Cambria.
Eight Steps to Improving Your Sales Team’s Capacity with Rick Phelps of Synchronous Solutions.
Shop to Office Transition: How to Make It Work, with Ed Young, Fabricator’s Business Coach.
OSHA Update: What to Expect in 2025 & Beyond presented by ISFA leadership and various indus- try experts.
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