The Marble Institute of America, inc. (MIA) is pleased to announce Michael Schumacher, a LEED AP, Sales, Business Development Specialist at Valders Stone & Marble, Inc. of Valders, Wisconsin, as the 2009 recipient of the MIA Natural Stone Scholarship Award.
The scholarship was established by the MIA to provide educational opportunities for aspiring fabricators, installers, or administrative apprentices interested in furthering their careers in the stone industry. Schumacher's selection was based on a 500-word essay explaining why he desires a career in the industry. "This scholarship would allow me to contribute to the natural stone industry as a whole. People will be using stone long after I'm gone. Stone has such a rich legacy, that I cannot let it stop with my generation. I'm fortunate to work where I do, and I will be taking advantage of every chance I can to perpetuate the natural stone movement. We all carry a message...I say, "Let's Rock!"
Shortly after joining Valders Stone and Marble, Schumacher became a LEED Accredited Professional and he is one of only a few stone representatives with this credential. Since passing the LEED exam, he has been busy carving a niche for natural stone in the LEED process.
In a letter of recommendation from Bryan Frankovis, sales manager, Valders Stone & Marble said, "Mr. Schumacher's decision to apply for the MIA Natural Stone scholarship MIA President Guido Gliori (r) presents the Natural Stone Scholarship Award to Michael Schumacher. doesn't come as a surprise. He has constantly shown his initiative and willingness to learn product knowledge, applications, and awareness of the marketplace. He has the drive and energy necessary to make sure any project he is working on is complete, and done to the best of his ability."
"The Marble Institute of America is excited to recognize Mr. Schumacher's commitment to the natural stone industry," stated Gary Distelhorst, executive vice president of MIA. "The intent of the MIA Natural Stone Scholarship Award is to provide educational opportunities for aspiring natural stone professionals, and the opportunity to expand one's knowledge."
The award was presented to Schumacher at the MIA annual Awards Luncheon at StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas in Las Vegas on October 23, 2009.
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