line a “game changer as far as pricing of large unit panels. They are passing along significant cost savings making it a much more competitive product.” Cosky sees installation as a con- tinuing hurdle. “The larger chal- lenge still remains with the train- ing of qualified installers, but that’s another thing StonePeak seems very aggressively tackling on their own,” he said. “My end of the equation – distribution – requires a differ- ent set of logistical issues than the traditional tile distributor must face to get in the game. We are encoun- tering more and more inquiries for these panels and we see a real future for it as long as we can adapt to handle the opportunity.” “StonePeak’s new gauged por- celain tile equipment at their Tennessee manufacturing plant will be a game changer for the U.S. tile industry,” said Brian Atkinson, president of The Masonry Center, Inc., in Boise, Idaho. “Production of StonePeak’s large-sized porce- lain tile is now closer to their wholesalers, which will shorten transportation time and help us to better serve our customers.” After expressing thanks to employ- ees and state and local support, Minozzi revealed that the deci- sion to hold the ceremony on September 12, a day after the 17th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the U.S., was intentional, as a way to both honor the signifi- cance of the day and to celebrate the resilient, renaissance spirit of the USA to rebuild after that trag- edy. “I love America,” she said. In the evening, guests and hosts gathered for a soiree at LA Jackson, the rooftop bar of the new Thompson Nashville. TECH TALK –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mediterranea’s Michael (l) and Don Mariutto at the StonePeak afterparty atop the Thompson Nashville. e-Learning Program Industry and product information in short, easy segments Train from the comfort of your home or office anytime Fast and easy to access, listen, and complete A-8567-0918 ©2018 LATICRETE International, Inc. All trademarks shown are the intellectual properties of their respective owners. Register today at laticrete.com/university Globally Proven Construction Solutions 88 TileLetter | October 2018