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(MIA0604)

CLEVELAND, OH, FEBRUARY 8, 2006

CLEVELAND, OH, FEBRUARY 20, 2006 – The Marble Institute of America continued its successful new member campaign in February, with membership topping 1500 for the first time.

The latest impetus came at MIA’s booth at Surfaces, the major flooring show, where the association signed up several new members and planted the seeds with other companies which inked membership applications after the convention.

With several more tradeshows (including international shows in Brazil, Spain and Italy) on tap for the rest of the year, MIA should continue to ratchet up its record membership rolls, said Gary Distelhorst, executive vice president of the group.

Distelhorst indicated that MIA would reach the 2000-member level within the next two years.

“Obviously, we are very pleased with the progress being made in adding new members,” Distelhorst said. “It shows that a growing number of companies In the U.S., and in fact, around the world are aware of, and recognize, the progress the Marble Institute is making in providing the kinds of services and products that help them succeed in this highly competitive business. Increased membership allows the MIA to continue to develop and introduce new programs and services that benefit the industry.”

Since 2001, MIA’s membership has increased by nearly 150 percent.

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 natural stone industry. MIA members include marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and other natural stone producers and quarriers, fabricators, installers, distributors, and contractors around the world.

-ENDS-

Subject: MIA MEMBERSHIP PASSES 1,500; HEADS TOWARD 2,000

Editors’ Note:

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

E-mail: MIAinfo@marble-institute.com

Contacts:

Gary Distelhorst
Marble Institute of America

Tel: (440) 250-9222

E-mail: gdistelhorst@marble-institute.com

Bill Levy
Bill Levy Communications

Tel: (216) 861-6778

Or e-mail: blevy@levymg.com

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