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There's Still Time! Submit a Project for the ISFA Awards!
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Calling all fabricators and surfacing professionals! Showcase your exceptional work by submitting your projects for the ISFA Awards. This is your chance to gain recognition, boost your credibility and inspire others in the industry.
Winning an ISFA Award not only celebrates your craftsmanship but also opens doors to new opportunities and partnerships. Don't miss out on the prestige and exposure that comes with being an award-winning fabricator.
🌟 Submit your project now and let your brilliance shine! 🌟
Five awards are project-based:
- Commercial Excellence in Projects Under $100K
- Commercial Excellence in Projects Over $100K
- Residential Excellence in Projects Under $20K
- Residential Excellence in Projects Over $20K
- Sustainable Project of the Year
Two awards are given to individuals or companies:
- The Fabricator of the Year Award recognizes an individual or a fabricator member organization that best exemplifies excellence in business using the ISFA ideals of quality, innovation, character and service to the association and the surfacing industry. Self-nominations are accepted, or members can nominate a deserving fabricator.
- The ISFA Hall of Fame Award recognizes an individual who has, during their career, made significant contributions to the surfacing industry and demonstrated leadership and a commitment to the association’s ideals. Self-nominations are accepted, or members can nominate a deserving fabricator.
Deadline Approaching: July 31, 2024
Submit Here: www.isfanow.org/isfa-awards
There is no cost to enter, and submissions across multiple categories are accepted and encouraged, given they meet the criteria.
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Stay Ahead of the Curve: Upskill at ISFA's Porcelain Fabrication Training Event
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Porcelain is here to stay, and it's still rapidly rising in status as consumers seek alternatives to quartz and granite. It is projected to be the fastest-growing countertop material in the United States through 2026.
Conducted by porcelain fabrication experts from Daltile, this two-day course is designed to arm fabricators with the knowledge and fabrication skills they need to embrace sintered materials and meet the demands and desires of customers.
The training will help alleviate any fabrication challenges by learning best practices for perfect results.
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Our fabrication training programs not only equip individuals with the technical skills required for success in the trade but also cultivate a mindset of competence, adaptability and pride in one's work.
Register for the next event:
September 26-27, 2024
Austin, Texas |
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California Assemblywoman Luz Rivas Holds AB 3043, the Silicosis Prevention Act |
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Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley) held Assembly Bill (AB) 3043, the Silicosis Prevention Act, last week. This legislation was introduced to protect workers in the fabrication and countertop industry from contracting silicosis, a fatal lung disease caused by inhalation in silica dust from cutting, drilling, grinding and polishing these engineered stone slabs.
AB 3043 would have required the state to create a public website of fabrication shops operating in California to track their compliance with recently developed state regulations.
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This bill sought to create a statewide industry standard to prohibit dry cutting, establish a licensure system for fabrication shops and require workers to undergo silica safety training.
“I have decided to hold AB 3043, which I introduced to protect workers from contracting silicosis," stated Rivas. "When I introduced AB 3043 in February, 95 silicosis cases had been reported in California, and 60% of these cases were in my district. Between 2019 and 2022, 52 stone workers were diagnosed with silicosis, 51 of whom were Latino immigrants. Twenty of these patients had advanced stages of silicosis, ten individuals died, four workers received lung transplants and five were under evaluation."
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Rivas goes on to say that the roadblock is in creating the tracking system to identify licensed fabrication shops. "While community outreach to educate employees on their rights is important, it is insufficient as the sole mechanism to safeguard workers. My legislation would have guaranteed compliance by only providing manufactured stone to licensed fabrication shops that train workers on safe cutting methods and enforce worker protections. Therefore, I have made the tough decision to pull my bill so that future legislators can continue to monitor the effectiveness of these regulations."
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“Preventing silicosis and protecting workers is a high priority of the stone manufacturing, distribution and fabrication industry," stated the Silica Safety Coalition. "Our industry is strong and economically thriving when our workers are valued and protected. While AB 3043 will fall short of the finish line this year, the efforts, partnership and collaboration won’t be lost as we collectively continue to look for opportunities to support the industry in a way that protects our valued workers. There is simply too much at stake to not re-double these efforts in the coming months.”
READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE ...
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Cosentino Reports Achievements in Circular Economy |
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Cosentino published its Sustainability Report for the 2023 fiscal year that reinforces its commitment to its stakeholders by reporting on the evolution of its strategic objectives based on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.
The report is based on the Non-Financial Information Statement (NFS) reporting model, using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. The data shown, verified externally by KPMG, showcases Cosentino’s progress in three areas: carbon footprint reduction, circular economy and low-impact product design.
Sustainability management continues to be one of the areas with the greatest investment in Cosentino. In 2023, the company invested nearly €30 million (29.4M) in environmental, health and safety assets, and €13.5 million in environmental control and improvement.
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This commitment translates into a further reduction of its carbon footprint by 1.3% as compared to 2022.
Other initiatives include water recycling, job creation, training, scholarship programs and contributions to society like collaborations and sponsorships that support architecture, design, sports and more.
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SolidSurface.com Launches New Online Tool for Custom Vanity Tops |
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SolidSurface.com is launching a new online Vanity Top Configurator experience for customers. This tool will ease the process for customers choosing colors and designs from manufacturers of Corian Solid Surface and HIMACS. Follow the easy steps in creating a custom vanity top right to checkout.
SolidSurface.com, is an online marketplace where all major manufacturers of solid surface material can be found and viewed, with focus offerings on both Corian, HIMACS and Wilsonart outlets, and current highlighted manufacturer Avonite Surfaces. The website filtering tools allow visitors to refine the viewing page to their own desired design preferences.
SolidSurface.com is also host to ProFinder, a resource tool for specifiers and homeowners to locate ISFA fabricators in their area.
Learn more at SolidSurface.com.
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Say Aloha to Innovation at the Digital Stoneworking Expo in Hawaii!
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Park Industries announced that for the first time ever, they will be hosting a Digital Stoneworking Expo (DSE) in Hawaii. The event will take place in Honolulu on October 4, 2024. This highly anticipated event will provide countertop fabricators with an unforgettable island experience filled with education, machine demos, and exclusive tours of local fabrication shops.
For over 15 years, Park Industries has been hosting Digital Stoneworking Expos across the country,
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bringing together industry experts and fabricators to share knowledge, network, and experience live demonstrations of cutting-edge CNC machinery. The upcoming DSE in Honolulu promises to continue this tradition, offering valuable insights and educational sessions tailored to help fabricators grow their businesses and stay competitive in an evolving market.
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"We are thrilled to bring the Digital Stoneworking Expo to Honolulu," says Meagan Hegland, national sales director at Park Industries. "DSEs have always been about providing fabricators with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, and we look forward to engaging with fabricators in such a vibrant setting."
There is no charge to attend the Digital Stoneworking Expo, but space is limited and expected to fill up quickly.
For the event agenda, the latest updates and to pre-register, visit www.parkindustries.com/dse.
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OSHA Proposes Regulation to Protect Workers from Heat
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. This is a significant step toward a federal heat standard, which would apply to all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime and agriculture sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction.
The standard would require employers to create a plan to evaluate and control heat hazards and it would clarify employer obligations and the steps necessary to effectively protect employees.
According to OSHA, heat is the leading cause of death among all hazardous weather conditions in the United States. Excessive heat in the workplace can cause a number of adverse health effects, including heat stroke and even death, if not treated properly.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 479 workers in the U.S. died from exposure to environmental heat from 2011-2022, an average of 40 fatalities per year in that time period. Additionally, there were 33,890 estimated work-related heat injuries and illnesses that resulted in days away from work from 2011-2020, an average of 3,389 per year in that time period. However, these statistics are likely underestimates.
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Next event: August 6-7, 2024 | Gecko Solid Surface Solutions, San Antonio, Texas
This ISFA 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.
A Spanish language translator is available!
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BACA Systems kicked off its Digital Fabrication Seminar series in June. The series is designed to provide attendees with more than just theoretical knowledge. It promises hands-on experience, actionable insights, and live machine demonstrations aimed at transforming businesses within the stone industry.
With a focus on enhancing profitability and staying ahead of the curve, this event is a must-attend for fabricators at all levels of expertise.
Upcoming seminar dates:
- August 15, 2024: Accent Countertops, Murray, Utah
- August 22, 2024: Zsolt Granite Corp., Longwood, Florida
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Planning your next industry event or fundraiser? Let us know and we'll help you get the word out! |
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