Greg Osterhout Receives 2019 Person of the Year Award

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Natural Stone Institute
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oberlin, OH, February 18, 2020—Greg Osterhout (Northern Stone Supply) has been named the Natural Stone Institute’s 2019 Person of the Year. Natural Stone Institute CEO Jim Hieb explains why Greg was this year’s choice. “He is really good at representing our industry and always a true advocate. His passion for the industry is second to none.”

Greg served as the association’s board president in 2019, earning accolades from many of his peers. He has been described as a natural leader, a great problem solver, a good listener, and a dedicated advocate. Greg cares about every segment of the industry and constantly looks for ways to bring the industry together for one common goal.

Greg has been a tireless advocate of legislation in Washington DC to further advance the industry’s check-off efforts. He has been outspoken about the need for companies to subscribe to sustainable business practices and has donated stone to several Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program homes for severely wounded veterans. He has attended membership outreach meetings and industry meetings at both domestic and industry trade shows.

Natural Stone Institute Executive Vice President Jane Bennett commented: “His sacrifice in service is admirable—not only to the industry, but to his neighbors and his church. What has impressed me most about Greg over these past few years is his personal and professional growth. He has eagerly volunteered to learn about aspects of the industry that previously weren’t part of his daily vocabulary. He is now truly a global leader.”

Greg described his past year of leadership this way. “The thing I can take the most pride in as president and in a leadership role is the synthesizing of so many different parts of our industry—the promoted collaboration and having people work together that didn’t work together before. I choose to volunteer with the Natural Stone Institute because I believe it’s important that we give back. This industry gives me, my family, and my employees their livelihoods. I believe it’s important to give back for the future of the industry.”

Greg isn’t done contributing. In 2020, he will lead multiple committees and increase his involvement with the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program.

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About the Natural Stone Institute

The Natural Stone Institute is a trade association representing every aspect of the natural stone industry. The current membership exceeds 2,000 members in over 50 nations. The association offers a wide array of technical and training resources, professional development opportunities, regulatory advocacy, and networking events. Two prominent publications—the Dimension Stone Design Manual and Building Stone Magazine—raise awareness within the natural stone industry and in the design community for best practices and uses of natural stone. Learn more at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org.