OSHA Issues New “Instance-by-Instance” Enforcement Guidance

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued new enforcement guidance to make its penalties more effective in stopping employers from repeatedly exposing workers to life-threatening hazards or failing to comply with certain workplace safety and health requirements. OSHA Regional Administrators and … Read more

Coverings 2023 Commemorates National Tile Day with Annual Top 10 Tile Trends

Coverings (coverings.com), North America’s largest international tile and stone exhibition and conference, has announced the top 10 ceramic tile trends for 2023. The tile trends were gathered and forecasted by the three leading international tile associations and sponsors of Coverings 2023 – Ceramics of Italy, Tile Council of North America … Read more

Fabricator Profile: AMC Countertops

By Katherine Gifford of Moraware When it comes to sustainable growth and managing scalability, Carmina Mendez and her team at AMC Countertops in Wisconsin are hard to beat. Their skills in organization and a willingness to keep learning are top qualities in an often fast-paced, time-constrictive industry. So, it seemed like a … Read more

Coverings 2023 Announces Special Programming & Activations

Coverings (coverings.com), North America’s largest international tile and stone exhibition and conference, has announced an extensive lineup of new and returning activations for Coverings 2023, which will take place April 18-21, 2023, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Coverings 2023 will include four action-packed days of breathtaking … Read more

Business Sense: What is EOS, and why should countertop fabricators care?

By Katherine Gifford of Moraware It turns out that I was very wrong when I assumed that EOS was a type of lip balm. So, if you have been hearing references to “EOS” buzzing around and don’t know what it means…you are not alone, my friend. I’m here today to give … Read more

Business Sense: 7 Valuable Things We’ve Learned From Visiting Successful Countertop Shops

By Katherine Gifford of Moraware Over the last 18+ years, we’ve had many amazing opportunities to visit countertop shops. Whether it’s through a tour associated with an industry event or visiting our own awesome customers, we’re always happy to see just how creative fabricators are getting with the way they … Read more

NKBA Releases Q3 2022 Kitchen & Bath Market Index

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has released its Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) for Q3 2022. The overall market index of 63.2 is the lowest it has been since Q3 2020 and the future conditions rating of 55.4 is at its lowest level since Q1 2020. Both are … Read more

Business Sense: The Perfect Way to Use Software in a Countertop Shop

By Katherine Gifford of Moraware Okay, I’m sorry for the clickbait title. That was rude of me because the answer is – there isn’t one perfect way to use software in any business. For over 20 years, we’ve worked alongside fabricators running businesses of all shapes and sizes. If there’s one thing … Read more

Natural Stone Institute Completes 45th Home with Gary Sinise Foundation

The Natural Stone Institute has provided natural stone and fabrication services for its 45th home with the Gary Sinise Foundation through its R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program. The Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program builds 100 percent mortgage-free specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. Natural stone and … Read more

Business Sense: Anyone Can Grow Their Career at a Countertop Shop

You, my friend, are full of potential. There are many inspiring industry stories of folks starting in one role and evolving into another role that helps them reach their goals, whatever that may be. All you need is a foot in the door and the right mindset. Let’s discuss some … Read more