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MIA receives Macael Award in Spain

Words: Helen BouchardOn November 21, 2014, MIA president Tony Malisani (Malisani, Inc. of Great Falls, MT) accepted the coveted “Institution Award” at the 28th edition of the Macael Awards in Macael, Spain. This award was one of nine awards given by the Asociación de Empresarios del Mármol de Andalucía (AEMA), the leading natural stone association in the Almeria region of Spain.

In his acceptance speech, Malisani indicated, “It is my honor and great privilege to receive this award on behalf of the members of the MIA. The Marble Institute of America (MIA) has 1,700 members that are located in 56 counties around the world. It is our belief that one way to strengthen the stone industry in the United States is to strengthen our ties with international natural stone community. The marble industry here is one of the oldest, and is also one of the most innovative.

Tony Malisani and David Castellucci proudly hold the “Institution Award” at the Macael Awards event.

Certainly there is much we can learn. We are hoping to continue our outreach and increase cooperation, communication, and education with the Asociación de Empresarios del Mármol de Andalucía.”

During the event AEME President, Antonio Martinez highlighted that a strong global stone market demands that collaboration occur between stone associations. He acknowledged that the MIA’s standing in the natural stone industry for developing technical standards, safety initiatives, current development of an international import/export handbook, and innovation were factors that caused the AEME to recognize the MIA with the “Institution Award”, a special award for stone trade associations.

During the event AEME President, Antonio Martinez highlighted that a strong global stone market demands that collaboration occur between stone associations. He acknowledged that the MIA’s standing in the natural stone industry for developing technical standards, safety initiatives, current development of an international import/export handbook, and innovation were factors that caused the AEME to recognize the MIA with the “Institution Award”, a special award for stone trade associations.

The event drew 500 attendees from several countries and was an impressive presentation and recognition of outstanding stonework. Malisani noted that, “with over 10% of the MIA membership residing outside of North America, it is rewarding for the MIA to be recognized for outstanding programs that benefit the entire global stone industry.”

AEME’s first vice president and MIA member Eduardo Cosentino hosted the MIA delegation which included Malisani, MIA Secretary David Castellucci (Kenneth Castellucci and Associates of Lincoln, RI), and MIA Executive Vice President Jim Hieb. The MIA also had the opportunity to meet with AEME officials to present several key industry initiatives including the newly adopted ANSI approved sustainability standard championed by the Natural Stone Council (NSC). In the upcoming months, the MIA and AEME will also be collaborating on a translation of the MIA’s Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM) into Spanish to further expand the use and understanding of technical standards. MIA’s Castellucci added, “We also had a very good conversation about safety, quality standards, and education for architects, as well as stone professionals. It was also great to tour their technology center (Fundación Centro Tecnológico Andaluz de la Piedra) and discuss advances in stone testing and other technology.”

For additional information and pictures from the Macael Awards go online to www.marble-institute.com/macaelawards.
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