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International Surface Fabricators Association Refreshes Leadership Team To Spearhead Growth Initiatives
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Previously the executive director of Independent Electrical Contractors of Pennsylvania, Bankert has been an innovator in continuing education, apprenticeship and workforce development.
She is passionate about driving organizational growth and building momentum by enabling financial solvency through dynamic partnerships while increasing member engagement, developing resources and creating new training programs.
Bankert is the immediate past president of the central Pennsylvania chapter of The National Association of Women in Construction. She serves on the boards of Partnership for Career Development and Big Brothers Big Sisters of York & Adams Counties, in addition to working on committees for various workforce development organizations.
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“Marissa comes to ISFA with a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will drive growth and opportunity for the association and its membership,” said Austin Maxwell, 2023 ISFA board president. “In just a short time, she has proven to be an adept leader and strategist, and there is no doubt that she will advance ISFA to achieve great things in the coming years."
In addition, ISFA welcomes three new members to its board of directors in 2024. Fabricators Todd Scott, Smokey Mountain Tops, and Troy Ellsoos, The Countertop Factory Midwest, will serve as directors, while Meagan Hegland, Park Industries, will serve as associate member representative.
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“Todd, Troy and Meagan are excellent additions to ISFA’s board of directors,” said Bankert. “With strong backgrounds in fabrication and proven track records with successful business growth and development, they are well positioned to lead our association and the membership in 2024.”
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Eco-Friendly Fabrication: Sustainable Products for Your Shop |
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By Sarah Peiper
Sustainability is at the forefront of nearly every conversation around design and remodeling, and you’re behind the times if you aren’t considering integrating sustainability in your business.
The betterment of our communities and the health of our environment depend on every business, no matter how big or how small, taking responsibility for how they work and contributing to a better planet.
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There are all kinds of materials, tools and solutions for the decorative surfacing industry that can help you embrace sustainable products and practices. Here are 15 innovations to consider for your shop.
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Cal/OSHA Adopts Emergency Temporary Standard on Respirable Crystalline Silica |
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On December 14, 2023, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board approved Cal/OSHA's Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS). This ETS affects employees working in general industry under California Code of Regulation, Title 8, section 5204.
It includes important revisions to protect workers engaged in high-exposure trigger tasks (cutting, grinding, polishing, clean up, etc.) involving artificial stone and natural stone containing more than 10% crystalline silica. The ETS went into effect on December 29, 2023.
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Are You Heading to TISE?
Join NSI for a LIVE Silica & Slab Safety Certificate Session at StonExpo
The Natural Stone Institute will present a live version of their new Silica & Slab Safety Certificate on Tuesday, January 23 from 1:00pm-5:00pm at StonExpo at TISE in Las Vegas.
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During this session, attendees will learn the key components of a stone fabrication safety program and gain insights into safe slab handling and reducing exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Fabrication shop owners, safety managers, and other key employees will leave with the tools needed to improve workplace safety, maintain OSHA compliance, and train employees to ensure a safe and secure work environment for the entire team.
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KBDN Poll: 2024 Outlook Dampened by Market Headwinds |
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According to a survey conducted by Kitchen & Bath Design News, dealers and designers say that they have concerns about economic conditions impacting sales revenue, business operations and profit margins in the coming year, despite forecasting revenue gains in 2024.
Respondents say they're guardedly optimistic about the prospects for upward trajectory in 2024, although they are weary of rising costs, labor constraints, consumer uncertainty and other market fluctuations.
When asked about economic conditions impacting their business in 2024, 93% of those surveyed said that they are either “somewhat concerned,” “very concerned,” or “extremely concerned.”
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SCHOOL IS IN SESSION!
This ISFA Certified Professional Solid Surface Fabrication Training program is the gold standard course for fabricating solid surface. The program is recognized by all major manufacturers and their network of certified fabricator partners.
This hands-on, two-day session provides attendees with the skills and knowledge in all facets of the fabrication process, including layout, templating, seaming, support, sanding, edges, cutouts, backsplashes, thermoforming, finishing and installation. Participants will complete a vanity application which includes an integral bowl sink, built-up edge profile, edge inlay and examples of coved as well as set-on style backsplash.
The next session is March 26-27, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
Learn more about the coursework, view all the 2024 training dates and find information about other training opportunities at www.ISFAnow.org.
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SolidSurface.com Expands Quartz Offerings in 2024 |
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New for 2024, the online decorative surface marketplace, SolidSurface.com, announces the addition of Viatera quartz surfaces from LX Hausys. This partnership with LX Hausys will help to expand the current channels available to market a limited design offering of Viatera overstock material in both 2 cm and 3 cm sizes.
The partnership will provide qualified customers access to premium discounted quartz material through the online marketplace. For more information on availability in your area and how to qualify to purchase quartz material, contact sales@solidsurface.com.
SolidSurface.com is also host to ProFinder, a resource for specifiers to locate local professional certified fabricators. All ISFA members are automatically included in the ProFinder directory and receive discounts on upgraded listings. ISFA members can register for program discounts.
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Antolini Installs New Photovoltaic System at HQ in Italy |
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Antolini's main roof at its Verona headquarters houses a new photovoltaic system, a testament to the company's focus on environmental sustainability.
"We have embraced the challenge of a sustainable future," claims CEO Alberto Antolini. "The photovoltaic panels are just the beginning. Our constant dedication to respecting Mother Nature encourages us to move toward more innovative and green solutions. We are convinced that, together, we can help safeguard our planet's resources."
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The photovoltaic system, developed by Alperia and distributed on the roof of Antolini's main plant, covers a total area of about 17,525 square yards. The expected output is 3,399,165 electric kWh per year (about 3,400 MWh per year) and will cover most of the company's energy needs.
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ISFA is pleased to announce a new webinar series brought to you by your friends at Corian Solid Surface.
BENEATH THE SURFACE is a live 3-part webinar series that will include various fabrication techniques for solid surface. Join Corian Technical Service Consultant Jeffrey Hutchins who will present for tips, tricks and best practices for solid surface fabrication. The first webinar was held in December, and a recording is available to ISFA members in ISFA's webinar library.
The second webinar, Interior Cladding with Corian Solid Surface, will be on January 30, 2023, at 1 PM ET.
See a live wall installation demo and learn the basics of vertical cladding with Corian Solid Surface.
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