Natural Stone Institute: Knoxville Rocks

OBERLIN, Ohio —The National Stone Institute’s study tour of eastern Tennessee drew 66 people last month.

Click photo to see the tour’s group portrait.The event, held on Aug. 18-21 included a combination of education, networking, and planned recreation. Attendees visited several regional stone companies and equipment manufacturers, as well as activities that highlighted the culture of the region. They also participated in a team challenge bowling activity and a service project to “give back” to the local community.

“The Natural Stone Institute study tour is a great way to learn more about stone related businesses in a certain area, network with other industry professionals, and fit in some fun activities during your down time,” said Alex Barnes, WF Meyers president. “The Natural Stone Institute team does an excellent job of selecting interesting sites to tour, scheduling fun activities, and coordinating the logistics.”

Reid Kubesh, regional sales manager for Coldspring, agreed.

“The Knoxville study tour was my first Natural Stone Institute tour”, he said. “It exceeded my expectations tremendously! The hosts were gracious and you could tell they were absolutely excited to have us visit. Not only was the tour very educational; the networking and recreational activities were some of the most fun things I have done all summer.”

The institute thanked the host companies of Braxton-Bragg, Tennessee Stone, BMJ Stone, Tennessee Building Stone and Tennessee Marble Co.

The institute also thanked the sponsors and auction donors for the event, which included 3D Stone, Ardex Americas, BMJ Stone, Bonstone Materials, Braxton-Bragg, Carolina Fresh Farms, Cleveland Marble Mosaic Co., Coldspring, Connecticut Stone, Continental Cut Stone, Delta Stone Products, Eastern Marble & Granite Supply, EuroStone Machine USA, Florida Custom Marble, Halbert Mill Co., Laser Products US, LATICRETE International, Miles Supply, Mountain Valley Stone, Northern Stone Supply, Park Industries, Phenix Marble Company, Raducz Stone, Salado, Schechner Lifson, Simple Stone Care, Sturgis Materials, Tennessee Building Stone, TexaCon Cut Stone, TexaStone Quarries, Trow & Holden, TuffSkin Surface Protection, Vetter Stone Co. and Yonani Industries.

Plans are currently underway for the 2020 study tour, which will take place in the northern PA/southern NY bluestone region. For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org.

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