Natural Stone Institute Announces Scholarship Recipients
Contact:
Natural Stone Institute
(440) 250-9222
networking@naturalstoneinstitute.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oberlin, OH, January 18, 2024 — The Natural Stone Institute has announced the recipients of the 2023 Natural Stone Scholarship and Women in Stone Empowerment Scholarship. All recipients will be celebrated during the association’s annual Awards Ceremony at StonExpo in Las Vegas on January 24.
Three individuals have received 2023 Natural Stone Scholarships. This scholarship provides a trip to StonExpo and an opportunity to gain valuable technical and practical knowledge regarding the natural stone industry while meeting and networking with leading stone professionals.
Francee Alderson, General Manager for American Stone in Vancouver, Washington, credits her company colleagues and the experienced local quarriers for teaching her the ins and outs of the stone they offer to contractors and retail clients. She intends to continuously drive sales, open new locations, and raise knowledgeable team members to be dynamic salespeople and leaders in the industry.
Tiffany Biagi, office manager for Advanced Granite Solutions (AGS), is currently studying towards a bachelor’s degree in environmental management with a minor in natural sciences. She hopes to continue using the resources offered through her employment and through the Natural Stone Institute to further incite her passion and solidify her educational and career direction.
Robert McCoy, inside sales for Dwyer Marble & Stone, believes that expanding his resources will serve him well when local fabricators reach out to him for solutions to their problems. He gratefully realizes this opportunity to network and make new contacts in the industry.
The Women in Stone Empowerment Scholarship provides a trip to one of three major industry events: StonExpo, Coverings, or the Natural Stone Institute study tour. The recipient is given the opportunity to shadow industry professionals within different sectors of the stone industry and explore her potential for leadership and her commitment to a career in the stone industry.
Joanne Bish, marketing for DuBois Granite & Quartz, is the recipient of the 2023 Women in Stone Empowerment Scholarship. Joanne has utilized the webinars, training resources, and success stories from both NSI and Women in Stone to further her education and motivations toward future company and committee leadership roles. Joanne will use her scholarship to attend NSI’s Utah Study Tour this August.
Industry members are invited to attend the Natural Stone Institute’s annual awards ceremony at StonExpo on Wednesday, January 24 at 5:15pm PT in South Seas F at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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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.
