Check out the latest issue of ISFA's Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine |
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You can receive this newsletter every quarter |
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ISFA On-Site Training
ISFA can train your people with your own equipment at your own shop. Solid surface as well as quartz/ granite training are available. Contact us to find out more email info@isfanow.org or call (412) 487-3207. |
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Check out the Latest Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Buyers' Guide issue |
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INTERESTED IN ISFA MEMBERSHIP? |
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ISFA's mission is to help members become more profitable in their businesses by promoting ISFA members and their products, educating ISFA members to help them become better craftsmen and business people, and improving the industry through professionalism and honesty. For more information contact info@isfanow.org.
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ISFA 2018 Annual Conference Promises Education, Networking & Fun
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ISFA's Annual Conference will once again return to the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun Oct. 23-26.
Join us to network, participate in forward-thinking learning opportunities, hear about
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new products, processes and techniques, and celebrate the growth and success of the surfacing industry!
Attendees will enjoy speakers such as Aaron Crowley, of Crowley's Granite Concepts and author of
Less Chaos More Cash, and Ted Janusz, reknowned professional keynote speaker. In addition, attendees will be the first to view new products and services in our “New Product Round-Up” competition, and conference specials will be offered. Suppliers will present 7 minute timed presentations, and attendees will vote on “Best New Product” and “Best Presentation.” Roundtable style dialog and chances to gain insight from some of the best in the industry are also on the menu in the beautiful warm location of Cancun.
Attendee fees include all hotel accommodations, all food and beverage (including alcohol), all education and networking sessions, and the annual awards ceremony. Each day of the event provides equal parts education and enjoyment. Attendee registration is $1599, and guest (spouse or significant other) registration is $799. To learn more or to register CLICK HERE. |
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Thanks to Our Presenting Sponsor: |
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And All of our Conference Sponsors: |
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Preliminaery Countervailing Duties on Chinese Quartz Announced, Tariffs To Also Take Effect Concurrently
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On Sept. 17, the U.S. government affirmed the preliminary determination in the countervailing duty investigation on imports of quartz surfacing products from China initiated by petition from U.S. quartz producer Cambria. The preliminary costs will be 34.38 percent on most quartz products entering the United States from China and 178.45 percent on two particular companies – Fasa Industrial Corp. Ltd. and Foshan Hero Stone Co. Ltd. This means U.S. importers will be required to pay cash deposits in those percentages to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
According to information gathered by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), in 2017 more than 5.6 million sq. meters of quartz surfacing was imported from China valued at almost $460 million. The USITC believes evidence shows that Chinese quartz products were unfairly subsidized by the Chinese government, resulting in damage to U.S. producers.
Additionally, tariffs on numerous Chinese goods have also been put in place as a separate action. These tariffs compound the quartz countervailing duties as well as will be put in place on some tile, stone and stoneworking equipment. The intial tariff is 10 percent, with the percentage slated to rise to 25 percent on Jan. 1, 2019.
A release by the U.S. Commerce Department stated, “The strict enforcement of U.S. trade law is a primary focus of the Trump Administration. Since the beginning of the current Administration, Commerce has initiated 122 new antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – this is 221 percent increase from the comparable period in the previous administration.”
Regarding the countervailing duties the Commerce Department is scheduled to issue its final determination on Jan. 28, 2019. If it makes an affirmative final determination, the USITC will be scheduled to make its final injury determination around March 14, 2019.
A fact sheet with additional information is available HERE.
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Park Industries Recent Digital Stoneworking Expo in Maine Is a Big Success For Fabricators
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Park Industries’ Digital Stoneworking Expo™ in Portland, Maine attracted countertop fabricators and professionals from across North America. This event provided education through a shop tour, real stories from fabricators, and dynamic discussion on the digital fabrication process.
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Fabricators soaked up the wealth of information on maximizing profitability and increasing efficiency. The event kicked off with an networking reception in the evening. The next morning, presentations included one by Park Industries Co-President, Mike Schlough, laying out the objectives of the day; Park National Sales ManagerTony Herbst, who presented on countertop industry trends and how countertop fabrication shops can take advantage of the industry evolution; Mark Lindell, Park Sales Representative, who opened up the discussion on shop metrics, measuring shop productivity and processes and the digital fabrication process, including hands-on demonstrations with Moraware, and Laser Products and Hyperthem. Then, Blake Wamstad, 5thGeneration owner of Hatton Granite Countertops, discussed how his shop's fully digital operation has made a difference on the business.It was followed by a showroom and shop tour and explanations and testimonials by various show owners. CLICK HERE to learn more about the event.
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Annual ISFA Awards Voting Now Open To All Members
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Voting is now open for ISFA's 2018 Awards!
Each year at The ISFA Annual Conference, we recognize members who are outstanding in their field. Nominations were received from ISFA members. All current ISFA Members are able to vote (1 per company). Five awards will be presented:
- Fabricator of the Year
- Associate of the Year
- ISFA Innovator Award
- ISFA Envision Award
- ISFA Hall of Fame
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Voting Deadline is October 12 |
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KOHLER Offers Neoroc Cairn® Sinks
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With soft French curves, the Cairn sink offers transitional style to suit contemporary and traditional kitchens alike.
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The Cairn sink is made of KOHLER Neoroc® a matte-finish composite material designed for extreme durability and unmatched beauty. Richly colored to complement any countertop, Neoroc resists scratches, stains, and fading and is highly heat- and impact-resistant. This sink includes a rack for the large basin to keep the surface looking new. It a is 33-1/2 x 18-5/16 x 9-1/2 in. undermount kitchen sink with a large/medium double-blow and sink rack. It's available in Matte Black, Matte Brown, Matte Taupe and Matte Gray. Click Here for more information.
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Livingstone Launches Dozens of Solid Surface Colors
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US Surfaces has released more than three dozen new colors of Livingstone Solid Surface for 2018. The colors are part of the company's SmartPalette™ |
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The LAPISYSTEM Offered By Salem Stone Can Be Integrated with Existing Systems |
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Fabricators can bring automation to their facilities with the T&D ROBOTICS LAPISYSTEM, from SALEM Stone. The LAPISYSTEM is a fully automated production system for stone fabrication – from start to finish. It is able to process all types of natural |
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and engineered stone and, with 6 operating axes, can perform complex 3-D machining, as well as edge profiling, drilling, sawing, mitering, beveling and automated material handling. Fast, flexible and easy to use, the LAPISYSTEM's compact design has a large operating envelope of 3.5 meters high and 7 meters in radius. It is a combination of the traditional bridge saw, the waterjet and advanced CNC. It can be used in the production of sculptures, kitchen worktops, shower trays, solid sinks, bathtubs, fountains, fireplace surrounds and architectural stonework. SALEM can integrate it with your existing cutting systems and CNC work centers. For more information CLICK HERE. |
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