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(MIA0611)

Cleveland, OH, June 19th, 2006

A third round of industry-wide surveys will be distributed by the Marble Institute of America this summer as it zeroes in on completing the two-year effort to develop a workable accreditation program for the natural stone industry.

What probably will be the last survey in the pre-launch programming will focus on content to be included on the final examination, 10 standards for accredited companies and a proposed fee structure taking part in the accreditation process.

“We have turned to the industry for input at several stages of the process, “ said Ken Krebs, 2005-06 MIA president. “The input provided by industry professionals in this third round of surveys will provide the necessary feedback we need to complete the process. I urge my industry colleagues to participate.”

Krebs noted that much of the accreditation program development has been rooted in the feedback received from stone industry professionals, as well as major stakeholders such as architects and kitchen and bath professionals.

“At each stage of development there has been strong support for the development of an accreditation program,” Krebs explained.

Krebs said the goal is to prepare a formal report to the MIA Board of Directors and membership for StonExpo in Las Vegas in early November, 2006. Official launch would be early in 2007.

Much work has been accomplished by a special task force over the past 20+ months, including creation of a mission statement for the program, formation of accreditation standards, development of a content outline for a written examination, creation of the program application and a determination that the initial program will have two company accreditation options – Accredited Residential Natural Stone Fabricator and Accredited Natural Stone Commercial Contractor.

Major elements to refined during the summer include outlining details for a site visit for each applicant facility, completing the written exam, developing a marketing plan to promote accredited companies to architects, designers and the kitchen/bath communities and creating a program budget.

For more information about the upcoming accreditation program, go online www.marble-institute.com/accreditation/index.cfm For further information, call 440-250-9222.

About the Marble Institute of America

For over 60 years the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has been the world's leading information resource and advocate for the natural 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.

-ENDS-

Subject: MIA Taking Final Steps In Developing Long-Awaited Accreditation Program

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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