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CLEVELAND, OH, JANUARY 24, 2006

A major new training video that provides a comprehensive overview of how to measure, prepare the surface and install natural stone with the thin-set method has been produced by the Marble Institute of America (MIA) as part of its continuing educational video series. This video was sponsored by Walker Zanger, one of the industry’s most prestigious companies.

Called “Basics of Natural Stone Flooring Installation: Thin-Set Method,” the new program will be unveiled at Surfaces in Las Vegas, February 1-3, 2006. A major focus of the program is proper substrate preparation, without which there is a high probability of failure. It also covers measuring, preparing a grid, installing the stone tile and applying grout.

“We are pleased to be working with the Marble Institute of America on its expanding program to provide quality video training programming for the natural stone industry,” said Jonathan Zanger, president of Walker Zanger. “We believe that when there is consistency of quality throughout the marketplace, it eventually benefits the entire industry. The only way to achieve it is through continuing education.”

Two industry veterans collaborated with MIA’s video production team to create the program. They included Ralph Williamson, Ceramic Tile Consulting of Arizona, Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona, a leading consultant on stone floor installations, and Kevin Padden, KM Padden, of Pinal County, Arizona.

Williamson built several examples of correct substrate models which are included in the program. Both Williamson and Padden are featured in sound bites during the production.

“We expect the new training program will have wide usage throughout the industry and hope it will help raise the level of professionalism and quality in the industry. We are extremely pleased to have Walker Zanger’s sponsorship for this important element in MIA’s continuing series of training programs,” said Ken Krebs, the 2006 president of MIA.

About the Marble Institute of America

Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2004, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) is the world’s leading information resource and advocate for the dimension stone industry. MIA members include marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and other natural stone producers and quarriers, fabricators, installers, distributors, and contractors around the world.

About Walker Zanger

Since 1952 Walker Zanger has created stone and ceramic tile collections to satisfy the most select tastes in design, for private homes as well as businesses and public spaces. Catering to both the consumer and professional market, Walker Zanger combines Old World stone and tile-making tradition with modern sophistication. Go online to: http://www.walkerzanger.com

-ENDS-

Subject: INSTALLING NATURAL STONE FLOORS USING THIN-SET METHOD

Editors’ Note: For more information about the MIA’s training video series, contact MIA at (440) 250-9222

Visit: http://www.marble-institute.com/

Contacts:

Jim Hieb
Marble Institute of America

Tel: (440) 250-9222

E-mail: jhieb@marble-institute.com

Bill Levy
Bill Levy Communications

Tel: (216) 861-6778

Or e-mail: blevy@levymg.com

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