MIA, BSI Enter Joint Venture
OBERLIN, Ohio, and CHESTERTOWN, N.Y. – The Marble Institute of America (MIA) and the Building Stone Institute (BSI) will operate under a joint-venture agreement for two years, beginning Jan. 1.
Memberships of both natural-stone trade organizations approved the consolidation of administration and services under the umbrella of MIA+BSI, the Natural Stone Institute, with each group also maintaining its individual identity during the 2-year period.
The proposal won overwhelmingly in special balloting held in late November and early December. Of the 417 MIA members voting (31.5% of the total membership), 396 voted for the joint venture versus 21 against. With the BSI, 103 members (46.3% of all eligible to vote) gave the nod by a 102-1 margin.
Directors and staffs of both organizations are reviewing and combining operations. The first joint presence will occur at TISE West in January.
“This joint venture, with its combined equity, will provide additional value to the industry and its members,” said Rob Barnes, BSI president. “MIA+BSI will ensure our continued relevance as we work together to become the world’s premier natural stone association.”
“I believe this is tremendously important for the stone industry,” added MIA President Dan Rea. “The time is right for likeminded people across the industry to join efforts to defend and grow the use of natural stone.”
In 2016, MIA+BSI will focus on five key initiatives, in addition to the myriad of ongoing programs underway for each organization:
- Introduction of Dimension Stone Design Manual, Version 8, which includes additions pertaining to restoration and maintenances. Technical committees will be formed to expand references to thin stone and flagstone paving in the manual;
- Addition of safety programs for quarriers (joining the extensive array of current offerings available for fabricators, installers, and stone distributors);
- Launch of a Natural Stone Promotional Campaign;
- Development of industry advocacy groups; and
- An expanded legislative outreach program.
Together, MIA and BSI serve more than 1900 members in 55 countries, representing every aspect of the natural-stone industry. Learn more at Marblue Institute of America and Building Stone Institute.
Get the news of the industry with Slab & Sheet, the weekly e-newsletter every Thursday from Stone Update. Sign up for free delivery here.
For the latest industry info, check Stone Update on Twitter and Facebook.
