Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner with us
MCAA Logo
Log in Sign up Join Hi, there Account
2026 Midyear Registration is OPEN
Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner
Log in Sign up Join Account

Memberships approve MIA+BSI 2-year joint venture

Words: Terri BernerThe memberships of the Marble Institute of America (MIA) and the Building Stone Institute (BSI) have voted to enter into a 2-year joint venture. Effective January 1, 2016, the combined organization, MIA+BSI, the Natural Stone Institute, will operate as a consolidated organization. Each organization will also maintain its individual identity during the 2-year period.

2015 BSI President Rob Barnes (Dee Brown, Inc.) remarked: “This joint venture, with its combined equity, will provide additional value to the industry and its members. MIA+BSI will ensure our continued relevance as we work together to become the world’s premier natural stone association.” 2015 MIA President Dan Rea (Coldspring) agrees: “I believe this is tremendously important for the stone industry. 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.
  • An expanded legislative outreach program.

The Board of Directors and staffs of both organizations are reviewing and combining operations and are excited to begin putting plans to action immediately. More information regarding the MIA+BSI joint venture will be available soon. The first joint presence will occur at TISE West in January.
 0
Four Home Design Trends Driving Masonry Demand in 2026
July 2026

As design trends continue to evolve, one theme remains consistent throughout 2026: homeowners want spaces that feel intentional, comfortable and enduring. According to Westlake Royal Building Products’ TrendLine platform, today's most influential trends e

Sarah Lograsso
MAP Partner
Sponsored
Read More
The Modern Masonry Saw: Safety, Efficiency, and Smarter Cutting
July 2026

Masonry is a craft built on precision, strength, and durability. At the heart of every successful masonry project is one essential tool: the masonry saw. As technology evolves, so does the role of the saw on the jobsite. Today’s contractors are not just l

Bryant Figueroa
Technical Talks
Read More
Getting the Finish Right on Burnished CMU
July 2026

The wall is complete. The lines are crisp. The coursing is tight, and the burnished CMU delivers exactly the refined appearance the design team envisioned. After weeks of coordination and careful installation, the project is final

Technical Talks
Read More
Argo Community High School Performing Arts Center
July 2026

Argo Community High School is located in Summit, Illinois, just southwest of Chicago’s Midway Airport. In 2016, the Argo Community High School Board of Education and the school’s administration undertook the construction of a new performing

John Cicciarelli
Case Study
Read More