Slippery Rock Gazette

MIA+BSI will host a fall study tour in Vermont in conjunction with the newly formed New England chapter. The study tour is scheduled for September 18-20, 2016. 

The Vermont study tour will include quarry tours (Rock of Ages, Vermont Quarries, Camara Slate, and Vermont Verde Antique), stops at member companies Trow & Holden Company and Buttura & Gherardi Granite Artisans, and trips to the Vermont Granite Museum and the historic Hope Cemetery. Attendees will also have time to explore the city of Montpelier and enjoy Vermont’s famous fall foliage.

Vermont has long been known for its rich stone heritage. The abundant manufacturing plants, artist studios, cemeteries, tool shops, museum, and quarries both active and historic offer much to the stone enthusiast. MIA+BSI members, especially those involved in the New England chapter, will enjoy the benefits and convenience of networking with fellow members while immersed in various facets of the stone industry.

Early bird rates are available until Friday, August 5. Registration will close on Friday, August 26. Registration is all-inclusive and will include three nights lodging, most meals, event transportation, and tour admissions. Non-lodging rates are also available. To register for this event, please visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/2016studytour. 

The MIA+BSI Chapter Program has expanded to include new chapters in New England and North Texas. 

The New England chapter, which will include Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, and Vermont, launched officially on July 19, with a Chapter Kickoff at Marble and Granite, Inc. in Westwood, MA. The Chapter Kickoff introduced the chapter steering committee, discussed the benefits of getting involved, and solicited input on upcoming chapter events. John Kilfoyle (United Marble Fabricators) commented: “New England is a rich landscape for natural stone use in all types of building. The MIA+BSI New England chapter will help trade professionals come together to fortify our industry through open collaboration, formal education, and the passion of a shared vision for our future.” 

In June, leadership of the North Texas Fabricators Association voted to become an official MIA+BSI chapter. Allyson Humphries (MS International) said: “The decision to become an MIA+BSI chapter was led by our collective recognition that by doing so we were connecting with progressive, prestigious, and quality-minded organizations worldwide that would elevate the safety, education, and promotional efforts of our membership.” The inaugural event of the North Texas chapter is tentatively scheduled for this fall. 

For more information on the MIA+BSI Chapter Program, please visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/chapters.