MASONRY VENEER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES THIRD ANNUAL “MVMA DESIGN AWARDS” COMPETITION

Calling all Masons - here is your chance to shine - enter your project in this year’s competition and get the credit, notoriety and bragging rights you deserve. Instone the largest distributor of Cultured Stone Veneer in the US supports local masons and encourages their participation in this year’s competition. Good Luck to all area Masons.

Enter today!

MASONRY VENEER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES THIRD ANNUAL “MVMA DESIGN AWARDS” COMPETITION
TO SHOWCASE CREATIVE USE OF MANUFACTURED STONE

With Manufactured Stone fast becoming one of the most requested wall coverings in new construction and renovation projects, contracting and design professionals are looking for innovative ways to incorporate its rugged, authentic, elegant looks and versatility.
Today, the Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association (MVMA) announced its third annual MVMA Design Awards, a program created to recognize the work of industry professionals who are setting trends by featuring manufactured stone veneer in their projects.
“Our goal is to recognize leaders in the Manufactured Stone industry by highlighting their design successes,” said Mike Fischer, MVMA general manager. “This year‟s theme of „Natural Beauty Fashioned in Stone‟ aims to showcase the beauty and authenticity of Manufactured Stone.”
MVMA Design Awards Facts
All entries will be submitted online at www.MasonryVeneerDesignAwards.com by December 31, 2011
An independent judging panel will announce winners at the MVMA Design Awards in Orlando, FL, February 2012
There is no entry fee
Submissions require high-resolution images of the completed project
More information, including rules and entry can be found at www.MasonryVeneerDesignAwards.com.

About the Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association
Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association (MVMA) was organized and officially began operation in April 2006 to represent the Manufactured Stone Veneer industry‟s manufacturing companies and their suppliers. MVMA is the only incorporated trade association organized specifically for the masonry veneer products industry. The mission of the organization is to advance the growth of the manufactured masonry veneer products industry through proactive technical, advocacy and awareness efforts.

Sign up for the Select Installer Program FREE

Mason's : Apply to become a Select Installer, Get benefits & support FREE.

Instone’s Select Installer program benefits 2011
Direct lead referral
Free website
Email marketing service
Marketing Consulting
Sponsorship to shows
Design software
Sales book/presentation
Select Installer kit : Job Signs
Crew hats & T-shirts
Post Card mailers
Door hangers
More….

Looking ahead for 2011 we would like to hear from you and find out what really matters to you, what we can do to improve our Select Installers Program and what you’d like to have to assist you with marketing your business. Contact Instone today for an application.

Selling Stone in 2010

Hey Masons-

Looks like 2010 will be another tough road but you can't hide under a rock till its over. What can we do? Take advantage of every opportunity, relationship, free service, and leave no stone unturned (LOL).

Here are some tips that had been given to me years ago when I started my first business.

I was advise to tell everyone who will listen about my business. That’s because everyone knows at least 6 people that might need your product or services. So the next time you go to a party, little league game, or sit in a waiting room start blabbing about what you do. You never know who is listening.

2. Carry business cards - there is no excuse not to always have them on you. Freely give them out, Business cards are cheap and easy to make on any home computer. The best investment you will make.

3. Collect contact information from everyone you meet- This is a great way to build a marketing list. Reach out to them again via phone , email or mail. Think future! When they or someone they know is ready you will be fresh in their minds because you stayed in front of them with your message and sales pitch.

4. Give referrals to get referrals: Like many of the organized business networking associations promote, you can do the same thing among the people that you already give/do business: like your landscaper, plumber, electrician, web designer, car mechanic, hair dresser, and others. Let them know that you are happy to refer them to others and you'd appreciate them doing the same even. It shouldn't matter if you did not actually provide a service or product to them. I'm sure they would gladly accommodate. Make sure that they have your business card or a flyer to give out too.

5. There is no better new customer than a previous one. The easiest way to get new business is to revisit happy customers. Give them a call, see if you can be of service; ask if they know anyone one that they can refer. Offer a referal gift for every closed lead.

Please visit the Instone website to learn about our product lines, request Catalogs, or to find out how to become a dealer or select installer.

http://www.instoneco.com/

Select Installer program- Good for everyone

Select Installer program benefits all

In a continuing effort to increase participation in the Owens Corning Select Installers program, Instone has created an informative brochure that provides all the benefits, details and information needed to become a Select Installer.

Why should Dealers sign up masons? When you sponsor a mason you create a loyal customer, and now have qualified masons to refer to home owners and General Contractors.

Why use a Select Installer?Each mason is checked out by Owens Corning Cultures Stone for credit worthiness, quality of work going back 3 years, is instructed by Owens Corning on installation guidelines and is certified to install. You create

Whats in it for the mason? You have the backing of Owens Corning. You will receive a certificate that lets home owners know that you have meet the high standards set by an industry leader.You are now eligible for job referrals and free marketing support and co-op dollars.

To received a supply of the new Select Installer brochure please contact Instone and we will mail them on your request. Please be sure to give these out and keep them easily available to your customers. We hope that you will encourage participation and support the Select Installer program.

Thank you.

Sincerely Cathy Williams

Marketing Manager

888-467-8250

mailto:c.williams@instoneco.com

Outdoor fireplaces have exploded in popularity because they bring so much enjoyment to the backyard and can extend your use from early spring to late fall.The popularity can also be contributed to the beauty a fireplace can add to a home.

With all of the color, textures and styles of manufactured and natural stone veneer to choose from, you can create a one of a kind showpiece.

Fires mesmerize, give warmth and create ambiance with sounds and smells of crackling wood. There is nothing like sitting around a fire when entertaining family and friends.

Your backyard will become an extension of your living and entertainment space, giving your home a laidback feeling of comfort.

If you are thinking of taking advantage of the low interest rates by taking out a home improvement loan, think about an outdoor fireplace. It's one home improvement that will add value that you can enjoy right now for this summer. Just add the Smores! Allow one of our "Select Installer" masons provide a quote on an outdoor fireplace for your home. Contact Instone today.
Tip:
Outdoor fireplaces come in a variety of sizes, styles and price points. There is an outdoor fireplace of one type or another for every person. The first thing to check is your local codes and laws as some municipalities have real concerns about outdoor air quality. Traditional wood-burning fires can create air pollution problems when certain weather conditions create an inversion which traps smoke particles in the air. If local laws prohibit wood-burning fireplaces, look for approved models that may be fueled with natural gas or propane.

For the do-it-yourselfer, Instone can assist you with a Cultured Stone dealer in your area. Call today, 888-467-8250. Our dealers can supply you with a complete outdoor fireplace package. Contact us for a dealer near you.
Attention All Remodelers!


Master Distributor of exceptional manufactured and natural stone veneer products
Contact us Phone: (888) 467-8250 Email: info@instoneco.com .