Italians pledge $20K for granite

The Italian stone-industry group approved the funding on Aug. 6 “to support a promotional campaign with the correct information as to the characteristics of the material,” according to an IMM release.
“The Italian companies operating in this industry are very worried about what has been happening over the last few weeks in the United States, where there is currently a campaign underway declaring that granite is actually bad for your health,” said IMM Chairman Giorgio Bianchini. “This message jeopardizes the entire sector and affects all producers all over the world, including Italian companies.
“In order to fight this very-well-organized media campaign, very substantial funds are necessary,” he continued, “since a marketing project is required not only to contrast the wrong or distorted information, but also to relaunch the Made in Italy products in the United States, which is fundamental for Italian companies.
“The company wants to show its firm support of the national production system in a decisive challenge for the future.”