Optimism Seen In The Stone Industry!
For many people in the building industry, 2009 was a difficult year. For many stone fabricators, the story is the same. According to “Fabricators Predict Improvement For 2010,” an article, by Michael Reis, found in the January 6, 2010, issue of Stone World, “For the most part, fabricators feel that the worst is behind, and they are relatively optimistic for 2010 and beyond. These are the results of a survey conducted by the Market Research Department at BNP Media (Stone World’s parent company), and it polled a cross-section of fabricators across the U.S., including large and small firms, as well as relatively new and well-established companies.”
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
Posted in Company, Granite, Industry News on January 13th, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Natural Stone—Smart, Green & Sustainable!
The Natural Stone Council, NSC, has been working hard over the last three years to gather data to establish natural stone as a preferred, and sustainable building material of choice. The NSC has been working in partnership with the University of Tennesse’s Center for Clean Products and together have come up with a library of information regarding Genuine Stone and the environmental impacts.
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
Posted in Granite, Industry News on January 12th, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
MIA Joins Coalition For HIRE Act of 2009 For Home Furnishings & Building Products
The MIA, Marble Institute of America, has joined forces with the building products and home furnishings coalition to support the passage of the 2009 HIRE Act, H.R. 3382, introduced by Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia. The HIRE Act would provide consumers tax deductions and credits for the purchase of home furnishings and building products used for home improvements for qualified income families.
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
Posted in Granite, Industry News on September 1st, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Too Good To Be True…
Many consumers these days are looking for a good price no matter what they are buying. While a cheap price may draw consumers in, and appeal to their pocket book, cheaper is definitely not always better, especially when it comes to granite countertops.
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
Posted in Granite, Industry News on August 17th, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Great Fun At 2009 NARI Golf Outing!
Fun was had by all at the 2009 NARI Golf Outing, held once again at the Prestwick Golf Course in Woodbury, MN. Thankfully the weather cooperated, and so did the golfers! I was able to coerce most golfers into trying our hula hoop contest, which was set up by the #2 green that PGC sponsored.
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
Posted in Company, Granite, Industry News on July 10th, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
