CLEVELAND, OH -- In response to the article that linked granite countertops with harmful levels of radon emission, which ran in the New York Times on July 24, 2008, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) recently wrote a "Letter to the Editor" in defense of the natural stone industry. Below is a the letter that was sent:

ST. LOUIS, MO -- GranQuartz, L.P., a Harbour Group company based in Atlanta, GA, completed the acquisition of the stone division of Sommer & Maca Industries, Inc. from C.R. Laurence Co., Jeff Fox, Harbour Group's Chief Executive Officer, announced. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

HOLLIS, NH -- The Natural Stone Council (NSC) recently announced their unequivocal support for granite as a safe, natural material for use indoors based on prior research and, most recently, both an independent study funded by NSC member, the Marble Institute of America (MIA), and newly issued U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) statements reaffirming that granite poses no health risk.

In response to the needs of its customers and their overall show experience, Hanley Wood Exhibitions (owner of StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas) has launched a new online networking tool. "Connect," which debuts for the Remodeling Show 2008, is Hanley Wood's solution to bringing together buyers and sellers that match each other's set criteria -- before, during and after the event.

Marmomacc, the leading international stone industry trade show, is offering free admission to trade visitors who pre-register online. Held annually at Veronafiere in Verona, Italy, Marmomacc is a global showcase of stone materials and machinery. In 2007, more than 1,500 exhibitors from 50 countries attracted over 63,000 trade visitors from 120 countries.

StonExpo, the leading natural stone trade show in the U.S., and Marmomacc, the world's largest trade fair in the stone and design sector based in Verona, Italy, announced a new strategic alliance and the rebranding of StonExpo to StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas.

ATLANTA, GA – Imago Trade Shows, a division of Atlanta-based Imago Productions, Inc., and BNP Media have joined forces to launch a new trade show serving the Disaster Reconstruction Industry. The National Disaster Reconstruction Expo (NDRExpo) will launch June 17-18, 2009 at the Earnest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LI. The NDRExpo was developed to unite the numerous vertical markets associated with disaster reconstruction preparation, response, recovery and rebuilding.

The Marble Institute of America (MIA) announced that it has created the "Truth About Granite Fund" to help finance a campaign to stop spurious allegations attempting to link granite countertops to the threat of cancer.

A new study of the most popular granites used for kitchen countertops in the U.S. concludes that granite is safe to use in kitchens.

A fire broke out at Ancient Stone of Brentwood, CA, on May 5, causing heavy damage to the fabrication shop. According to Bob Opsal, owner of Ancient Stone, the fire began in a 150-square-foot office adjacent to the shop. The flames passed through an office window that looked onto the shop, and then spread to the lamination station, where the adhesives ignited and greatly accelerated the blaze.