The National Building Granite Quarries Association (NBGQA) has voted to merge with the Natural Stone Institute (NSI) to further advance industry efforts to support quarry advocacy, sustainability, outreach to architects and designers and continued efforts to promote the use of natural stone.
The NBGQA was founded more than a century ago with approximately 12 original member granite companies. Today the membership is comprised of five companies: Coldspring, Dakota Granite, New England Stone, North Carolina Granite and Polycor. All are existing Natural Stone Institute members.
Through this merger, the NSI will acquire ownership of the NBGQA granite specification, as well as resources to further advance quarry safety initiatives, sustainability, natural stone promotion and advocacy. NBGQA financial assets will be earmarked to assist with several initiatives being directed by the newly formed North American Quarry Advocacy Group, which is the first of several industry advocacy groups being formed by the Natural Stone Institute. The NBGQA will remain incorporated for two years as the transition takes shape and work begins on key initiatives through the North American Quarry Advocacy Group.
Natural Stone Institute board president Michael Picco (PICCO Engineering) commented, “We are excited to see this merger occur as it will strengthen the industry’s ability to further advance several key industry initiatives. We’ve been working alongside the NBGQA and its members for several years which makes this merger a natural transition. The quarrying sector will benefit from the initiatives underway.”
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