News Briefs – November 2008

• Abrasive Technology announced the development of an 8,000 ft² world-class learning center at company world headquarters in Lewis Center, Ohio. An extension of Abrasive’s focus on developing a “Learning Culture,” the center will house educational, meeting and fitness areas; it will also be the home to the company’s Learning Culture Communities of Practice.
• Jeff Lassiter, a machine operator for the International Flooring and Protective Coatings Co. of Norfolk, Va., is the 2008 recipient of the Natural Stone Scholarship Award from the Marble Institute of America (MIA). The scholarship provides educational opportunities for aspiring fabricators, installers or administrative apprentices interested in furthering their careers in the stone industry; Lassiter received the award on Oct. 17 at the MIA annual awards luncheon in Las Vegas.. 
• Gallegos Corp. recently applied with the U.S. Forest Service to mine a 23-acre talus slope near Marble, Colo., according to the Aspen, Colo., Times. The low-impact collection – done by hand, and then shipped out by pallet – of quartz monzonite porphyry is already being done by the Vail, Colo., company on nearby private land; the public-land effort, if approved will likely continue for three decades.
• Rugo Stone LLC Natural Stone & Mosaic Contractors of Lorton, Va., is the first company to earn the Accredited Natural Stone Commercial A Contractor designation under the Marble Institute of America's accreditation program. Commercial A Companies are firms that handle large-scale commercial stone installations such as high rise interior/exterior wall cladding, museums, or hotel exteriors. The company passed an exam on all facets of commercial stonework, as well as inspections of its facility and ongoing and completed commercial installations in the Washington area.
• Oikos Group Inc., a full-service design and visual communication firm, relocated its headquarters to a spacious new office in Delray Beach, Fla. Oikos Group offers distinctive website, brochure, event and environmental design, with a focus on advanced technology.
• Cambria announces that FloForm Countertops, located in five cities in Western Canada, and Fine Line Pacific in Kent, Wash., are the first fabricator business partners to be inducted into their Lexus Partner Program. Cambria Lexus Partners must meet specific criteria set by the Le Sueur, Minn.-based quartz-surface manufacturer that includes sales success, exceptional quality and customer service, and a commitment to marketing.  In return, Lexus Partners enjoy unique benefits from Cambria, including a guaranteed market position through exclusive fabrication and distribution in their marketplace, plus dedicated Cambria sales, marketing and training support.