Recognizing 5 Years Of Dedication And Loyalty!
We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate two of our team members, Jon “Pipe” Pipenhagen, (saw operator/fabricator), and Cheryl Bodin, (Customer Service Representative), on 5 years of dedication and loyalty to PGC. Both team members have been an important part of the PGC team, and play important roles for our customers.
Yesterday, the entire PGC team celebrated their accomplishments with some festivities and cake. The day was extra special for Pipe, as he also celebrated his 50th birthday! Congratulations!
Following are some photos from the event I wanted to share:
Posted in Company on September 4th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Get The Straight Facts On Radon And Granite Countertops!
Unfortunately, there are still rumors and mis-leading information going around about radon and granite countertops. The scare, which was prompted by claims made by an independent group funded by two engineered stone manufacturers, has some consumers confused and questioning the safety of granite countertops. While it is true that granites contain material that can produce minute amounts of radon gas, it is in fact, literally insignificant when mixed with the rest of the air throughout a house. Most radon found in homes comes from ground soil, well water, etc.
It is sad when anyone, especially a competing product/company, would use scare tactics, and mis-leading information to try and gain market share. The stone industry however, is fighting back. The MIA, Marble Institute of America, has talked with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to facilitate new scientific standards for testing granite countertops for radon and is also working with the scientific community, etc.
If you have any questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact us. You can also research the topic further by investigating following links.
For information from an independent website, please click on the link below:
http://www.radon.com/radon/granite.html
For more information from the MIA, Marble Institute of America, please click on the link below:
http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/granite_radoninfo.cfm
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on August 21st, 2008 by Barb | | 3 Comments
When It Comes To Granite Countertops—Should I Go With The Flow?
I recently wrote about flowing issues in our Summer 2008, Paramount Peeks quarterly newsletter, but since not everyone receives it, I thought I’d address it here as well.
When our customers select a flowing granite for their countertops, we often times get asked the question, “Will your installers be able to match the flow where my countertops needs to be seamed?”
The answer to that question is, “We will do our best.” While some granite’s are consistent in their overall look and feel, there are a lot of colors available that are not. Many granite’s have flow, and movement, which make them unique and truly beautiful, but these characteristics can sometimes pose some issues when it comes to seaming.
At PGC, we always strive to match the flow on pieces, but it just isn’t always possible. Our pricing structure is calculated and based on the total square footage needed for a job. Slabs are then ordered based on this square footage to accommodate all pieces being cut from the pre-determined number of slabs. The lay-out process for flowing granite’s can sometimes be a bit tricky for several reasons. First of all, there might not be enough material available to get a piece to flow a certain way. Secondly, depending on the color selected, there might not be another area of the slab that even matches. A third reason laying out a flowing granite might be tricky and cause mis-match is the slab length itself. If the slab is not long enough to accommodate a piece, another one would have to seam up to it that might not match.
If you select a flowing granite for your countertops, please make sure that you realize that a consistent, picture perfect seam is not always possible. If you are concerned about flow match, you might want to consider a granite that is more consistent.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company on August 14th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
There’s Nothing Like The Aesthetic Appeal Of Genuine Stone!
When it comes to building, remodeling, and decorating, there’s nothing like the aesthetic appeal of genuine stone for countertops, flooring, backspashes, etc. With its unique material composition, granite provides an unmatched beauty. Granite makes up approximately 75% of the earth’s crust and contains various natural occuring minerals such as feldspar, quartz, mica, etc., which make each color distinct with a look all its own.
Many consumers are attracted to granite because of its natural occuring quartz. Some granite colors contain large areas of quartz that actually give you the visual appeal of looking down into the stone. Other granite colors may contain smaller areas of quartz throughout. Other consumers are drawn to the reflective, mirror-like mica, which is prominent in some colors. Still others are drawn to the veining and movement of some stones, and some are drawn to those granite colors consistent in their overall look.
Marble, slate, soapstone, travertine, and onyx are some other popular stones used in building and remodeling. They are often used in combination with granite countertops to compliment a room.
Whatever your stone preference, you can’t go wrong the lasting visual appeal of genuine stone! To learn more about genuine stone, please feel free to visit the MIA, Marble Institute of America website.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Following are a few photo’s I wanted to share:
Granite: Black Polar Russian (Large areas of mica and quartz)
Granite: Black Polar Russian; Slate backsplash
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on August 7th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
EPA Confirms The Safety Of Granite Countertops!
Some of you may have heard the false claims regarding radon and granite countertops that have been circulated recently throughout the media that have created consumer confusion and a scare. The claims were made by an independent group, which were in fact, funded by two companies that manufacture engineered stone. Fortunately, consumers can rest at ease because the EPA has confirmed the safety of granite countertops.
It is really sad when a competing product/company has to rely on lies to help sell their product. I don’t know about you, but I would sure question a company that promotes themself with the use of lies. It tells you something about their character and how they run their overall business.
Granite has been used for building for centuries. Its strength, durability, and beauty speak for itself, and the stone industry doesn’t need to make up lies to consumers to get people to buy it.
While this isn’t the first time there have been lies spread regarding granite and radon, it probably won’t be the last either. As a consumer, it is important to know your facts and do your research, especially when it comes to product safety.
Following are some links for you to read and help with your research on the topic from the MIA, Marble Institute of America:
- http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/granite_radoninfo.cfm
- http://www.marble-institute.com/pressroom/pr072908.cfm
- http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/talkingpoints-072908.cfm
- http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/radontesting_u-akron2008.pdf
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on July 31st, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
The Natural Beauty of Granite…
There are literally hundreds and hundreds of granite colors available for countertops. Since some granites can be very consistent looking, and others having great variation in flow, and color, we encourage our customers to come to our showroom to narrow their choices down. Customers can make their selections from both our samples, and stock slabs, or we can direct them to a local supplier to select their slabs.
Some customers are also interested in laying out their material prior to fabrication. To accomodate them, we usually encourage them to make an appointment, after the field measure has been completed. We will do the best to accommodate a customer’s requests, however due to those natural variations, it may be difficult to get exactly what they want out of each slab.
Our fabricators take a lot of pride in making sure the seam matches and flow come together. Keep in mind, the more variance in the slab, the more obvious the seams will be. Fortunately, the beauty of granite is that it does have those natural variations, which make it unique and beautiful.
Granite is a natural product of nature, how much more beautiful can you get?!
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Granite, Company, Business on July 15th, 2008 by Angie | | 5 Comments
2008 NARI Golf Outing—A Bit Rainy, But A Success
This years NARI Golf Outing, started out a bit slow with some rain showers delaying the start, but in the end it was a fun and successful event. The outing was held Thursday, July 10th, at the Prestwick Golf Club in Woodbury, MN.
The event included a day of golf, dinner, and a silent auction. PGC once again, sponsored the beer cart, which was driven by Brad Lein, PGC Sales Rep.
Following are some photos from the event:
Thanks fro reading!
Barb
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Company on July 14th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Open Your Eyes To Natural Stone!
The other day I wrote a blog about a walking program we started at work, and also mentioned that I belong to a health club (Life Time Fitness). I don’t know how many of you out there belong to Life Time, but for those of you that do, you probably have noticed all of the remodeling going on at the clubs. Over the past several months, members have been able to see some of the changes being made including the addition of lots of natural stone! While another fabricator did the work, I was happy to see so much stone going in, as it is beautiful and promotes the industry.
Last weekend, was the grand re-opening of their Moore Lake location. I wasn’t able to attend the re-opening, but was anxious to see it this week. When I went to work out on Monday, I made sure to tour the new club, to see all of the changes, especially the stone.
Some of the changes include:
- St. Cecilia Classic Granite Countertops Throughout The Facility
- Verde Butterfly Granite Vanities
- Multi-Colored Slate Waines Coating And Wall Coverings
- Jura Beige Limestone Flooring Along With Various Granite flooring
- Etc.
The clubs look great, and I’m not surprised they incorporated so much stone into their new design. Afterall, granite and other natural stones have been used throughout the ages for building because of their durability, and beauty. In fact, many commercial buildings including banks, government centers, etc., built today use granite, and other natural stones for this very reason. Just look around, and you’ll begin to notice all of the stone! Who knows, you may get some ideas for an upcoming remodeling, or building project.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on June 26th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Walk This Way!
I don’t know about you, but I am avid walker. I enjoy walking outside, no matter what the season, and also enjoy walking inside on a treadmill. While I walk to get some exercise, it also is a form of meditation for me. It allows me to clear my mind, relieve the stresses of the day, and gives me some time alone to think about things. While I also have the privilege of belonging to a health club to exercise, I know that not everyone does. That is why walking is so great. It requires no equipment, no membership fee, and can be done in many places.
Last week, we kicked off our “Walk For Wellness At Work” program. We purchased pedometers for all of our team members to track their daily steps. The idea behind the program was to encourage everyone to get out and walk—both on breaks and lunches, as well as on their own. The goal is to reach 504,000 steps before anyone else, and the one who does is able to claim a grand prize.
The program and pedometers already have everyone comparing steps, various activities, and is getting our team members interested in their health.
Have you considered purchasing a pedometer? It’s a great way to get on track to health.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized, Company on June 25th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Building a Successful Team
I was paging though the May 2008 issue of Kitchen & Bath Design News and came across an article titled, Suggestions for Inspiring Motivated Teamwork. I found it very interesting and a good reminder. Whether you are in a corporate, non-profit, small business, or service environment, teamwork is essential to the success of the organization.
In the article, Hank Darlington, points out the many advantages to building a successful team within your organization:
- Employees working together are generally more successful at solving problems.
- Being a member of a team helps people to feel more energized.
- Teams can make constructive use of differences in expertise, experience and personalities.
- Team members can work together to improve processes and reduce mistakes, waste and costs.
- Teams give employees a sense of belonging and security.
- Since most work requires the cooperation of employees, teams simply make good sense.
Successful managers set the tone for the success of a team through their actions and attitudes. Following are 10 ways to prepare your team for success:
- Give them a clearly defined set of goals and purposes.
- Let the team make its own rules.
- Encourage fun and a sense of humor on the job.
- Give employees the authority to make decisions and act on them.
- Be supportive. Do what you say you’ll do!
- Let the team find solutions to its problems without intervening.
- Allow team members to make financial decisions and create their own budgets.
- Expect ups and downs. Some projects will run more smoothly than others.
- Let the team set up a rewards and recognition system.
- Create and nourish team spirit and pride.
Building a successful team will take time and open communication. The longer teams work together, the more effective and comfortable they will become. Print off the lists above and use them as daily reminders of the importance of, and the goals to promoting a healthy team in your workplace.
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Company, Business on June 24th, 2008 by Angie | | 4 Comments
