Stone Industry Acts In Katrina’s Wake

Stone-industry groups are offering help to those in the trade along the Gulf Coast affected by Hurricane Katrina.
The Marble Institute of America (MIA) made a $5,000 contribution to aid victims of the storm, and will match any relief donation by members of its staff.
“MIA is committed to playing a role in marshalling the stone industry’s response to this catastrophe,” said Gary Distelhorst, MIA executive vice president.
Distelhorst added that a section of the MIA website devoted to relief will allow affected members the opportunity to find other members who have voluntarily offered assistance in hiring displaced employees. Distelhorst said that a number of members have already posted job openings for displaced workers in such wide-ranging areas as Florida, South Carolina, Texas, and New Jersey.
The website also offers advice to members on how they can make a contribution to victims of Katrina, either as companies or individuals, and offers a partial list of organizations to which contributions can be made.
The International Stone Institute (ISI) is also offering a helping hand to members of the stone industry impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
”Several of our members are willing to provide temporary, and in some cases, permanent jobs for those who need them,” says Fred Hueston, ISI director. “One of our members is even willing to provide housing for any workers, as well as their family.”
The ISI asks that fabricators, restorers or others in the stone industry join in to offer help and support. The group will act as a liaison between those put out of work by Hurricane Katrina and shops that can possibly offer work and other support.