The Marble Institute of America (MIA) hosted the first gathering of its new “Women in Stone” group during Coverings 2014. This networking reception was sponsored by Polycor, while the overall initiative is also being supported by Blick Industries, Hanley Wood, OHM International, Rock of Ages, Polycor and TexaStone Quarries. The purpose of the Women in Stone group is to retain and advance women who have chosen a career in the stone industry, as well as to recruit new women into the industry. It hopes to accomplish those goals by such methods as increasing the number of networking opportunities available to women; expanding on existing educational offerings; and creating opportunities to serve on key industry committees.
Co-chair Brie Pfannenbecker of Connecticut Stone Supplies, Inc. said, “The Women in Stone launch was a tremendous success! Out of all of the wonderful happenings at Coverings, the Women in Stone event is the one I have talked about the most since returning home.”
Coldspring’s Kathy Spanier discussed the long-term effects of this effort, saying, “This is an exciting initiative that has lots of positive energy and momentum to become a resource for women to broaden perspective (personal) through meaningful strategic connections at any level of their career so they can reach their full potential and accelerate or enhance their career growth.”
More than 60 women attended the event and another face-to-face Women in Stone event is set for StonExpo East in Miami on October 19, 2014.
