Newsline
Four Companies Join Natural Stone Foundation Leadership Society
OBERLIN, OH -- Four companies have joined the Leadership Society of the Natural Stone Foundation, an honor given to companies and individuals who have made sizeable contributions to the Foundation. These companies join Gary Mullard, founder of Northern Stone Supply, who jump-started the Natural Stone Foundation’s fundraising efforts with a $100,000 Diamond Level contribution and was the first individual to make a multi-year contribution. Mullard was celebrated during the Natural Stone Institute’s annual Board of Directors dinner at The International Surface Event (TISE) this past June.
As of September 10, 2021, the following companies had joined the Leadership Society:
Camarata Masonry Systems
“We are pleased to support the Natural Stone Foundation in order to provide perpetual financial support for the non-profit and its mission of promoting critical initiatives that increase natural stone’s market share, establish globally unified standards, educate design professionals on the use of natural stone and clarify the differences between natural stone and other competing products.”
— Kevin M. Camarata, CEO, Camarata Masonry Systems
Dee Brown, Inc.
“By making this contribution, I am continuing to do what I said I would do: contribute my time, talent and treasure to the industry that has put food on my table my entire life. I am indebted to it. I hope this helps get the Foundation off to a great start!”
— Rob Barnes, president & CEO, Dee Brown, Inc.
MSI Charitable Trust
“MSI applauds the bold mission undertaken by the Natural Stone Institute to create a much-needed global standard for natural stone. We are proud to support the Natural Stone Foundation and further the growth of the natural stone industry.”
— Rupesh Shah, president, MSI
Triton Stone Group
“Triton Stone Group is proud to support the Natural Stone Foundation. They are doing excellent work with promoting natural stone and providing education and resources to all those in the natural stone industry. Natural stone is the backbone of Triton Stone, and we are fortunate to be able to give back to such an amazing organization that is supporting such a great industry.”
— Katie Jensen, president, Triton Stone Group
The Foundation is well-positioned to begin their launch of a major gift campaign and has obtained pledges from all current Foundation board members, as well as many Natural Stone Institute board members and other industry leaders. They are on track to reach their goal of raising $1.1 million in commitments through tiered donations payable over a three-year period.
The Natural Stone Foundation is the charitable arm of the Natural Stone Institute and will play a critical role in helping the industry implement innovative solutions and provide funding to make them possible. In 2021, the Foundation has underwritten several webinars and provided funding for the ISO initiative. To learn more about the Foundation, view a full list of donors, and learn how you can make a donation, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/foundation.
MAPEI Corp. and MAPEI Caribe Help Rebuild Haiti
DEERFIELD BEACH, FL and DORADO, PUERTO RICO -- MAPEI Corp. and MAPEI Caribe Inc. have jointly donated $5,000 to the Haitian recovery effort. “We have seen the devastation that has occurred in Haiti following August’s natural disasters,” explained Francisco Sanchez, general manager, MAPEI Caribe Inc. “They were still rebuilding from the damage caused by Hurricane Dorian. Then, the 7.2-magnitude earthquake caused large-scale destruction, and this was followed almost immediately by Tropical Storm Grace, which caused flooding and landslides, bringing rescue efforts to a halt. Now in the aftermath of all this, they lack even the basic necessities. COVID-19 is spreading. It is a true disaster. We must help.”
Having experienced natural disasters in Puerto Rico, where MAPEI Caribe is headquartered, Sanchez knew that, in this case, the best option for help would be the Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund. “The Red Cross had a network already in place providing much needed medical assistance, food and clean water.” he said.
Next, Sanchez contacted MAPEI’s North America headquarters in Deerfield Beach, FL, and coordinated Puerto Rico’s donation with their donation. “MAPEI Corp. was in the process of making their own donation to Haitian relief,” Sanchez said. “Combined with our donation, the funds will go much further.”
Helping those in need, especially in our own communities, where we live and work, is a core value for MAPEI,” said Luigi Di Geso, president and CEO of MAPEI North America. “The history of MAPEI is one of reaching out in times of trouble,” Di Geso continued. “We are compelled to give back and the donation to the Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund will help our friends and neighbors who are in desperate need. Those in Haiti have our full support.”