Mission & Services
MIA promotes stone usage in the commercial and residential marketplace and serves as the authoritative source of information concerning the suitable application of genuine natural stone products. MIA also produces a number of consumer education materials about the use of natural stone and its proper care and maintenance, and hosts an informative website for consumers and design and construction professionals.

Publications, Resources

• MIA Dimension Stone Design Manual VII is a comprehensive, 350-page technical resource for guidelines on using natural stone in architectural designs. Contents include sections on granite, marble, limestone, serpentine, travertine, quartz-based stone and slate; general installation guidelines and typical detailing for horizontal and vertical surfaces, wet areas, furniture and countertops; maintenance of exterior and interior stone installations; and a glossary of terms relating to dimension stone. See link to download the Dimension Stone Design Manual Version VII for free
• StoneDimensions consumer oriented magazine, is published triannually. StoneDimensions is a four-color publication that primarily focuses on outstanding natural stone applications in kitchens, bathrooms, and through the home. In addition to these featured stone applications, the magazine also includes applicable stories that encourage consumers to choose stone when considering building materials. For more information go to http://www.stonedimensionsmagazine.com

Membership Information
Membership in the association is worldwide and includes over 1900 member firms, including natural stone producers, exporters, importers, distributors, wholesalers, fabricators, finishers, installers, and industry suppliers - all committed to the highest standards of workmanship and ethics.

Membership Services, Programs
MIA publishes a monthly newsletter for members, markets a range of technical publications and produces consumer information related to the proper use of natural stone. MIA also provides educational programming for natural stone professionals, architects and construction specification professionals. The Rocky Advertising Awards and the Pinnacle Awards competitions, which recognize outstanding natural stone projects worldwide, are the cornerstones of MIA’s awards programs which also include the Migliori Lifetime Achievement Award and the Natural Stone Scholarship Award. In 2008, the MIA added the Grande Pinnacle Award which recognizes the best of the best among entries to the Pinnacle Awards. The winner of the Grande Pinnacle is awarded a beautiful stone sculpture designed just for the competition, as well as a trip to Marmomacc, the world’s largest stone tradeshow, in Verona, Italy. Additional member benefits include business service programs such as collections services, credit card processing, freight discounts and utility audit services to help MIA members operate more successfully and profitably.

Stone Industry Accreditation Program
In 2004, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) initiated the development of a stone industry accreditation program to assure continued excellence in the natural stone industry and to recognize companies demonstrating compliance with quality standards. MIA felt that in doing so, it could ensure that the public would value, have access to, and benefit from consistent, competent, and safe fabrication, installation and maintenance of natural stone. After 3 years of hard work, the natural stone industry’s first accreditation program is a reality. Currently the MIA has accredited 20 natural stone fabricators, 2 commercial B contractors (light commercial), and 1 commercial A contractor (heavy commercial). In all, over 180 companies are working through this rigorous process.

MIA Annual Meeting/StonExpo-Marmomacc Americas
The annual 4-day StonExpo-Marmomacc Americas Tradeshow features exhibits, educational seminars, business meetings, galas and presentation of the prestigious Pinnacle Awards. For dates, location and registration information, visit http://www.marble-institute.com/education/stoneexpo.cfm

Look for the MIA at the following trade shows

• AIA
• Construct
• KBIS
• Coverings
• Remodeling Show