Quarrier Group Merges with Natural Stone Institute
OBERLIN, Ohio — The National Building Granite Quarries Association (NBGQA) is merging with the Natural Stone Institute.
The NBGQA will work with the institute to advance industry efforts in supporting quarry advocacy, sustainability, outreach to architects and designers, and continued efforts to promote the use of natural stone.
“This is an opportunity through consolidation to further strengthen the industry and create a uniform voice for natural stone,” said Greg Flint, NBGQA board president. “The NBGQA has had a proud century-long history, but the time is right to align our resources with the Natural Stone Institute.”
“We are excited to see this merger occur as it will strengthen the industry’s ability to further advance several key industry initiatives,” said Michael Picco, institute board president. “We’ve been working alongside the NBGQA and its members for several years which makes this merger a natural transition.
“The quarrying sector will benefit from the initiatives underway.”
Founded in 1916, the NBGQA originally included a dozen of the major building granite quarriers in the United States at that time. Today the membership is comprised of five companies: Coldspring, Dakota Granite, New England Stone, North Carolina Granite, and Polycor. Three were founding NBGQA companies; all are existing Natural Stone Institute members.
As part of the merger, the institute will acquire ownership of the NBGQA granite specification (already referenced heavily in the Dimension Stone Design Manual), as well as resources to further advance quarry safety initiatives, sustainability, natural stone promotion, and advocacy.
NBGQA financial assets will be earmarked to assist with several initiatives being directed by the newly formed North American Quarry Advocacy Group, which is the first of several industry advocacy groups being formed by the Natural Stone Institute.
The NBGQA will remain incorporated for two years as the transition takes shape and work begins on key initiatives through the North American Quarry Advocacy Group.
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