The Minneapolis Home and Garden show was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center and ran February 24th through February 28th.

Following are a few photos I wanted to share from the show:

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Come see what this year’s show has to offer including, granite countertops.

Please make sure you visit us at:

Booth 3054

For more information and discount tickets, visit www.homeandgardenshow.com

Thanks for reading!

Barb

The survey also revealed that, “Last year saw an increased interest in a neutral color palette (perhaps because of the challenging economy), and the same should also hold true for 2010,” when it comes to kitchens in general. At PGC, neutral colored granites have always been popular, although we sell a variety of colors, and patterns. When it comes to color, it seems to be a personal preference.

Whether you are looking for a neutral tone, or something more dramatic, we are here to help. Please make sure to stop by our showroom. We are happy to help you with your selections.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

The Minneapolis Home & Garden Show will be held February 24-28, 2010 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Come see what this year’s show has to offer including, granite countertops. See the latest color trends, and products offerings. We are happy to answer any of your questions, and provide a bid for your prospective project.

Please make sure you visit us at:

Booth 3054

For more information and discount tickets, visit www.homeandgardenshow.com

You’ll  save $3 off adult admission tickets!

Thanks for reading and hope to see you at the show!

Barb

At PGC, when we receive slabs in from a supplier that contain a mesh backing, we inspect them and look for veins, or fill areas where they may be more fragile. We also typically “rod” mesh-backed stones in areas where there are sinks, or cook-top cut outs, meaning we add a steel rod for re-enforcement under the stone to avoid breakage during shipping and the installation process.

Depending on what we find during the stone inspection process, we may notify the customer that they have selected a fragile stone. We will also send a Fragile Stone Notification Form that lets the customer know that the material they selected may have geological flaws such as veins, voids, and fissures/cracks, which may make the stone susceptible to breaking and more difficult to fabricate. We also let them know that it is a common and acceptable practice to repair the stone, and that the repair may be noticeable.

If you have any questions about fragile stones, please give us a call. We are happy to answer your questions.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

The fact that the economy is starting to improve and that people are starting to spend money again, are positive indicators for growth this year and beyond. Many homeowners who put off doing renovations, or improvements, are now ready to move ahead with their projects. With many kitchen and bathroom renovations, come granite countertops, or granite vanities, “Good News” for us fabricators!

According to the article, “The outlook of fabricators over the next five to 10 years was even more positive. According to the Stone World survey, more than four out of five fabricators (83%) feel that the market for stone in the U.S. will grow over the next five to 10 years.” This is great to hear and at PGC, we are preparing and gearing up for it.

Here’s to some much needed optimism for the stone industry and a great 2010!

Thanks for reading!

Barb

In “Sustainability Through Natural Stone,” an article found in the December 2009 issue of  The Cutting Edge newsletter produced by the MIA, some updates on the industry’s efforts were discussed and referenced from an interview done by Masonry Magazine. According to John Mattke, Former NSC Co-Chairman and Chair of the NSC’s Sustainability Committee, “The NSC was committed to substainiating the industry’s environmental footprint through scientific means using a credible third party.” When Mattke was asked if it was safe to say that stone is green, he said, “In a word, Yes!” Genuine stone is a natural product that is durable and easy to maintain, and lasts more than 100 years.”

If you are interested in more information in regards to natural stone, or  sustainability of natural stone, you can also visit the Marble Institute of America, MIA.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

According to Gary Distelhorst, Executive Vice President of the MIA, “The HIRE Act can provide a strong stimulus for the remodeling industry nationwide.” Those people that would otherwise forgo spending in 2009, would be more apt to spend money for home improvements with the passage of the bill.

According to the MIA Press Release on the subject, The HIRE Act of 2009 would provide the following for the next 3 years (2009-2011):

• A  tax deduction of up to $2,000 per family ($1,000 per individual) for purchasing qualifying furnishing or building products for families making up to $300,000 a year ($150,000 for individuals).
• A tax credit of up to $500 per family ($250 for individual) for purchase of qualifying product and/or installation of home furnishings or building products for low income families.
• A tax credit of up to $10,000 for contractors and retailers for the purchase of qualifying home furnishings or building products for resale.
• A doubling of applicable tax deduction or credit for the purchase and/or installation of qualifying home furnishings or building products, which meet environmental standards.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

The other day, I read, “The ‘cleansing’ of the granite industry?”  an article found in August 5, 2009 issue of Stone World Fabricator eNews, by Michael Reis, that addressed how during tough times, some fabricators have cut back on their fabricating practices, and customer service to make a fast buck, and how it is hurting the industry. While some of these “hack” fabricators have gone out of business, not all have, and probably never will. When you hear someone out there offering granite countertops at $39/SF or lower, you better do your homework.  Most likely, the cheaper price is too good to be true, and you’d be better off spending a little more .

Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a fabricator:

• How long has the fabricator been in business?
• Does the fabricator have references?
• Does the fabricator have a showroom and fabrication facility?
• Does the fabricator have a website?
• Does the fabricator have proof of insurance?
• Are they members of any trade organizations such as the MIA, etc.?
• Does the fabricator have samples of their work for you to look at?

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Eager to have fun, participants gave the hula hoop a whirl, trying to hang on for ten seconds, or more in order to win a prize. All in all, we had 8 winners, and lots of laughs.

Following are a few photos I wanted to share:

Thanks for reading!

Barb