All,
One of my good friends manages an association in the manufacturing industry --- many similarities with the stone industry (lots of family businesses / most industry leadership roles are held by men / trade oriented). They recently launched a "Women in Manufacturing" initiative and the educational programming and networking has been outstanding. I asked, "could this be duplicated in the stone industry?"
When many of us (MIA, SFA, etc) were together with Hanley Wood last month to discuss programming for StonExpo East (Miami Beach) and how to differentiate it from StonExpo West (Vegas), I asked ----"could we pilot a 1/2 day leadership event for Women in the Stone Industry." We decided to give it a try and so we are now focused on building some momentum for a nice fall event.
While at Coverings, we are going to have a kick-off event (hosted by Polycor and others) on May 1st. Many stone companies have outstanding women on staff, in leadership roles, ownership, etc. Please share this note with them and encourage them to get involved with this initiative.
Below is the announcement that was sent out last week. Also learn more at: http://www.marble-institute.com/womeninstone
Best, Jim
_______________________________________________
The MIA is pleased to announce a new initiative dedicated to the retention and advancement of women who have chosen a career in the stone industry.
This program is intended to:
- Increase the number of networking opportunities available to women
- Expand on existing educational offerings
- Create opportunities to serve on key industry committees
And much more.
A kick-off event is planned for May 1st.
Please identify women on your team who may be interested. Simply, log onto the Women in Stone webpage (http://www.marble-institute.com/womeninstone) and learn how to become involved. Sign up to:
1) Receive information about upcoming events
2) RSVP for the May 1st Kickoff Event at Coverings
3) Submit your name for consideration to be on the 9 person Steering Committee
4) Recruit 5 women to the initiative
5) Assist the WIS Education Committee
Thank you once again for your interest in the Women In Stone initiative. We look forward to working with you as we move forward with this program.
Sincerely,
Brenda Edwards
TexaStone Quarries
MIA Board Member