The Publisher’s Pen
In September we published a joint press release from the MIA (Marble Institute of America) and the BSI (Building Stone Institute) regarding a plan to consolidate operations.
Dan Rea, the MIA president, pointed out that the natural stone industry faces marketing challenges from well-funded alternative materials and legislative challenges from various regulatory government agencies.
It seems to me that a single quarry or a single stone fabricator has little chance of being heard in the power block politics of today. But politicians do respond to the size of potential voting blocks. The combined MIA + BSI membership of over 1,900 companies will help provide a voice for the industry. This combined voice will help, but why is the number so small?
The circulation of Stone World Magazine is over 16,000 per month.
The circulation of the Slippery Rock Gazette is 15,000 per month. Why is the combined MIA and BSI membership only 1,900 companies?
I have been told that various stone fabricator organizations were created in the past because companies felt that the national organizations were not meeting their needs. Times change. What may have been a good idea in the past could morph into a better idea in the future. Just as a combined MIA and BSI gives the industry a stronger voice, what about the other regional and national organizations beginning discussions that could lead to a merger and an even stronger industry voice?
If you have thoughts or concerns, please address them to me at publisher@slipperyrockgazette.net .
Have a good read.
– Rich Hassert