FALL 2014 In looking out upon our industry, traveling to conventions and meeting the people the EGA does business with I am comforted by what I see, families still in business. Even among the members of the EGA, I am amazed at the number of families still fighting for a piece of the American dream. That indomitable spirit that is truly American is, in my opinion, still alive and fighting. Now don’t get me wrong, it is not always easy, and in reality it is a fight every day. From new regulations that affect our industry to workers compensation and health care insurance, to employee issues to competition in the marketplace it is an everyday fight, but we are still fighting. This makes me believe that there must still be something worth fighting for, either that or we are too stubborn to know when to quit, but I don’t believe that. When I look out upon the granite industry, I see a natural resource that is in demand everyday in every part of the world. This is what keeps the families in our industry fighting everyday, and this is what is being passed along from generation to generation, the knowledge that the granite industry has value and worth. There is still an American dream available to those who want carve it out of the preverbal stone. Now is the time to look at the present, and into the future, taking into consideration the value and worth of our resource. Where do we go from here, and how do we get there? How do we continue to entice the younger generation that there is an American dream available to them, if they will just put in the hard work required to obtain it. We need to start laying the foundation for the next generation to continue on, preserving the granite industry, its traditions, its heritage, and its beliefs. Advance and innovate, adapt and overcome…or die. However you care to view it, our industry cannot just be set in stone, we have to continually search out new ways and ideas to use our resource. If we are to continue fighting onward for this American dream, using the granite industry as the platform to reach it, we must search out new ways and technology to help us get there. In doing so, we can create new opportunities for the next generations to come. Helping them to understand and want the American dream as well. Elberton and EGA Icon Passes Away William Augustus “Bill” Kelly passed away Friday, July 11, 2014 at his home in Rome. He lived in Elberton from 1951 through 2010 and moved to Rome in 2010, residing at Renaissance Marquis Retirement Center. Born in Athens on February 3, 1926, Bill was the son of the late Dr. George Washington Kelly Sr. and Annie Sue Griffin Kelly of Carlton. He was married for 67 years to Frances Harris Kelly, who survives him. He is also survived by two daughters and their husbands, Janet Kelly Wiley and Hayden of Elberton, and Fran Kelly Preiss and Lindsay of Rome; two grandsons and their wives, LCDR William Hayden Wiley and Cathy of Arlington, Virginia, and Walter Harris Wiley and Shea of Duluth; and three great-grandchildren, Grace Elizabeth Wiley and Claire Madelyn Wiley of Arlington, Virginia, and Noah Fisher Wiley of Duluth. His sister, Mary Kelly Derby of Beavercreek, Ohio, five nephews, and two nieces also survive. In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brothers George W. Kelly Jr. and Wade H. Kelly Sr., and half-brother Sam H. Kelly. Bill grew up in Carlton and graduated from Elberton High School in 1942. He attended Emory University from 1942-1944, was drafted and served in the U.S. Army during World War II and with the U.S. Occupation Forces in Japan for several years following the war. Bill married Frances Harris, his high school sweetheart, on September 24, 1947, and continued work in Japan. He returned to the States and entered the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he completed the B.S. degree in Political Science in 1950 and Master of Arts degree in Public Administration in 1951. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society at UT. Bill and Frances moved to Elberton in 1951, where he went to work as a Power Specialist for the U.S. Department of Interior, Southeastern Power Administration. Bill Kelly began his legendary career with the Elberton Granite Association in 1954, when he was named EGA’s General Manager. He served as EGA’s chief executive for 36 years, retiring as Executive Vice President in 1991. After his retirement, Bill remained with EGA as a Consultant for ten additional years. Under his leadership, EGA membership increased from 29 to 126 member firms; the EGA headquarters building was constructed and later expanded; the staff increased from one employee to 13; the Elberton Graniteer magazine was founded and published quarterly with a national circulation of over 13,000; the downtown Elberton Monument Display was established; the Bicentennial Fountain was erected in downtown Elberton; and the Elberton Granite Museum and Exhibit was built to document the Elberton Granite story for thousands of visitors annually. Bill and Frances represented Elberton at hundreds of state, regional, and national Memorial Industry conventions, averaging 100,000 miles per year, and always effectively promoting Elberton as the “Granite Capital of the World.” Bill became well known in the Association Management field at both state and national levels, and earned the professional designation of Certified Association Executive in 1972. He served as President of the Georgia Society of Association Executives in 1987-88, and he received the 1982 Cliff Clarke Award as Outstanding Association Executive in Georgia. On the national level, Bill served on the Board of Directors of the 20,000 member American Society of Association Executives from 1986-89 and as ASAE Vice Chairman in 1989-90. He received ASAE’s “Key Award” in 1982, the highest national honor attainable for an association executive. In addition to his numerous professional activities, Bill Kelly also volunteered his time and talents in a variety of civic and community projects, working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all Elbert County citizens. He was an active member of the Rotary Club of Elberton for 50 years, where he served as Club President, PolioPlus chairman, member of the Scholarship Committee, and Historian/Archivist, and he was named a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. Bill was one of a small group of citizens who formulated plans for construction of the Elberton Civic Center, and he served as volunteer treasurer for the Civic Center for more than 30 years. He served as a member of the Elberton-Elbert County Hospital Authority for nine years, and was president of the Elberton Country Club for three years. Bill helped organize efforts to promote passage of bond issues and SPLOST projects, serving as treasurer for several SPLOST committees. Mr. Kelly worked with Joe Fendley Sr. and Tom Evans Sr. to establish the Elberton Sister City Program with Mure-Cho, Japan. This program has been recognized as one of the most successful Sister City programs by Sister Cities International. Bill was a member of Elberton First United Methodist Church. He served as a member of the church’s Administrative Board and was pianist for the Manning Coed Sunday School Class for many years. Bill was recognized by the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce as 1967 Booster of the Year; Distinguished Service Award recipient for 1976-77; 1982 Achievement Award recipient; and Elbert County Ambassador Award recipient in 2002. Bill was a long-time member of the Elbert County Historical Society and supported their work to preserve Elbert County’s heritage. He spent many hours documenting his own family history and genealogy, writing his personal Memoirs, and corresponding with his numerous cousins throughout the country. Bill and Frances enjoyed traveling and traveled worldwide for both business and pleasure as long as they were physically able. In 1987, they achieved some notoriety as they researched and visited the gravesites of all 39 signers of the U.S. Constitution. They instilled an appreciation and love for travel in their children and grandsons, arranging numerous educational sightseeing trips throughout the U.S. and abroad. Grandson Will Wiley accompanied them to conventions in several major U.S. cities, and over a period of several years, they took grandson Walt Wiley to visit every one of the fifty state capitol buildings in the U.S. Memorial services honoring the life of Bill Kelly were held Sunday, July 27, 2014 at the Elberton First United Methodist Church. A private entombment will be held at the family mausoleum in Elberton’s Elmhurst Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial gifts be made to The Kelly Endowment of Elbert Memorial Hospital Foundation, 4 Medical Drive, Elberton, GA 30635; or to the donor’s favorite charity. Daniel’s Funeral Home of Rome and Hicks Funeral Home of Elberton are in charge of arrangements for William A. “Bill” Kelly. Bill Kelly receives the keys to the EGA’s new vehicle from George Gaines. Jimmy V. Hall Specialty Stone Services, Inc. Mr. James “Jimmy” Vernon Hall, 86, of Elberton, Georgia passed away Friday, January 3, 2014 at Elbert Memorial Hospital. Mr. Hall was the son of the late Joel Spurgeon and Nannie Martin Hall. He celebrated over 62 years of marriage with his wife, Bobbie Sue McMullan Hall. Mr. Hall was a veteran, having served in the United States Navy, and was retired from the granite industry. Mr. Hall also contributed his time and granite knowledge to the Elberton Granite Association as a granite inspector and EGA curator. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Elberton. In addition to his wife, Bobbie Sue, Jimmy is survived by two daughters: Gail Hall Grimes and her husband, Gene, of McDonough, and Judy Hall of Elberton; grandchildren: Chris Grimes, Marc Grimes, Lauren Ross, Carey-Lynn McIlvaine, and James Hall; and 15 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind one sister-in-law, Jane Hall, of Knoxville, TN. Mr. Hall was preceded in death by a brother, Donald M. Hall, and two sisters, Joel Norman and Sara Ann Alewine. A service to celebrate Mr. Hall’s life was on Monday, January 6, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Elberton with Rev. Raymond Scott and Rev. Gary Purvis officiating. A time of visitation was at 2:00 p.m. in The Fellowship Hall just prior to the service. The EGA Elects New Board of Trustees for the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year Back: Mike Baston, Baston Monuments, Inc., Trudy King, King’s Monument Company, Inc., John Campbell, Dixie Granite Company, Inc., Bill Simmons, Sweet City Quarries, Inc. Center: Tom Oglesby, President, Keystone Memorials, Inc., Roger Wallace, Wallace Granite Sales, Front: Stanley Mills, L&M Granite Company, LLC, Marty Walker, Vice President, Walker Granite Company, Inc., Bob Paul, Treasurer, Eagle Granite Company, Inc., Chris Kubas, Executive Vice President of the EGA. Elberton Granite Association Holds Annual Meeting The annual Elberton Granite Association meeting was held in June at the Elberton Civic Center. Former President Jerry King and incoming Executive Vice President, Chris Kubas both gave reports on the state of the association. Attendance was a better than expected which made for lively discussions on the upcoming year. Three new board members were voted in as EGA trustees while three others stepped down. We would like to thank former President Jerry King of King’s Monument Co. Inc., Keith Harper of Harper’s Quarry, Inc., and Greg Ruff of River Edge Granite Co. Inc., for their three years of unwavering dedication to the Board. The newest members of the Board are; Trudy King of King’s Monument Co. Inc., Mike Baston of Baston Monuments, Inc., and John Campbell of Dixie Granite Co. Inc. Top Left: Frankie Dove, Elizabeth Slay, Lisa Bucksot & Susan Dixon of the Elberton Granite Association. Top Right: Chris Kubas presents a plaque to former President, Jerry King for his dedication to all of the EGA members. Below: Doy Johnson & Lori Roberts of Old South Granite Co. Shirley & Walter McNeely. Top Left: Matthew Pruitt of the EGA, Elaine & Tom Ogelsby of Keystone Memorials, Inc., Bijan Amini of Blue Sky Quarries, Inc., Top Right: Louis Beri of the EGA and Mike Beri of Bicknell Supply Co., Middle Left: Chris Kubas & Susan Dixon of the EGA Middle Right: Kent King & George Arnold of Glass Art Imaging LLC, Matthew Pruitt and Chris Kubas of the EGA Bottom Left: Bo & Mike Rutherford of Pyramid Stone Industries, Inc., Roger Wallace of Wallace Granite Sales, Trudy King of King’s Monument Co. Inc. Retirement Celebration! It is virtually impossible to look at Shirley Mc- Neely’s career as anything short of incredible! In 1953, Coggins Granite, Inc., hired Shirley as “Third Girl, a very strange sounding position in this day and age. However, this position took all the dictation, typed all correspondence, and made the necessary telephone calls and filing, as well as keeping up with schedules for all the managers. Today, that would be called ‘Lean Office Best Practices’! From that point forward, Shirley McNeely continued to break down barriers in the predominately male granite industry. When Coggins Granite, Inc. started selling product within the building industry, it was Frank Coggins Jr. that suggested she learn estimating, bookkeeping and take correspondence courses in architectural drawings. This “on the job training” helped Shirley to understand all the pieces that made up a whole project. It was during this same time period, Coggins Granite, Inc. became the largest independently owned granite company in the U.S. and Canada, employing more than 500 people in six states. Shirley McNeely’s vast experience in the various departments and divisions of Coggins Granite, Inc., coupled with her undeniable professionalism, garnered her many firsts as a woman. Her time line in the granite industry starts with the many positions described earlier, culminating to Head of Accounting, Vice President of Operations in 1965, and eventually becoming President of Coggins Granite, Inc. in 1984. Soon after, Shirley McNeely became the first woman elected to the Board of Trustees for the Elberton Granite Association. And in 1987, Mrs. McNeely became the first woman to be elected President of the Elberton Granite Association, which she describes as being her, “Crown jewel”. To date, Shirley McNeely remains the only woman elected President of the EGA not just once, but twice! Mrs. McNeely’s two term Presidency of the EGA speaks volumes of her leadership, and business acumen. Mrs. McNeely sights her family’s patience and support over the years for her success noting, “There were a few vacations missed, birthdays celebrated on ‘non-birthdays’, and some hot meals missed because “Mom” was working.” Mrs. McNeely also points to Judy Carroll for her support over the last 36 years and more importantly, her friendship. And although this is a retirement article, Shirley McNeely will continue to work four or five days a month, just to advise as needed. But you know what? Someone with that sort of drive and determination is hard to slow down! Majestic Granite Co., Hires Granite Veteran! Shelli Rosewaren started working at Majestic Granite Co., LLC in September of 2013 in Sales, Order Processing as well as Special Project Quoting and Invoicing. Shelli comes back into the granite industry after an 8 year absence from Elberton. And, it wasn’t really an absence so to speak, Shelli was serving in the Army as a Mortuary Affairs Specialist. Prior to her military service, Shelli had worked locally in customer service within the Elberton granite industry. Shelli enjoys the close knit family feel of the Majestic Granite’s office and enjoys every opportunity she has to spend time with her three kids here in Elberton, Georgia. We at the EGA wish you all the luck in the world in your new position. A.Q. Stone Design Company Increases Stencil Production A.Q. Stone Design recently added a third stenciling machine due to an increase in custom design work. The new 30 inch Monu-CAD Turbo Cutter is the latest unit to be added to two 25 inch Monu-Cad Turbo units and a full size Canon plotter that can print drawings up to 44 inches wide and just about any size in length. A.Q. Stone Design Company has been creating customized projects since 1989, their latest custom designs have been for the Atlanta Zoo and the University of North Georgia. Whether you’re looking for pre-cut stencil work, or you’re looking for a design that has been specifically designed for your customer, Quinn Floyd or Kathie Bell are more than capable of handling your project! EGA announces our 2014 Training Institute featuring the EGA announces our 2014 Training Institute featuring the Monument Retailers Basic Course on October 27-30, 2014 The class is geared towards those new to the monument industry, however the class will benefit anyone looking to expand their knowledge in our industry. The three-day course will feature tours around Elberton and seminars on industry terminology, pricing, selling and so much more. This year’s guest speaker is Paul Dimatteo, owner of Maine Memorial Co., and Past President of MBNA and the New England Momument Builders Association. He has been in the monument industry since 1988, and has taught numerous educational seminars within the business. We are thrilled to have him as part of this course! The EGA is thrilled to welcome Paul DiMatteo as this year’s guest speaker! Paul is the owner of Maine Memorial Company in South Portland, ME., and is part of a family with a rich history in the monument industry. Started in 1919, Paul purchased Maine Memorial Company from his father in 1988. Growing up in the monument business provided him with knowledge in every aspect of monument manufacturing, sales and administration. He graduated from the University of Southern Maine, with a B.S. Degree in Economics and, an A.B.S. Degree in Business Administration. Paul’s past involvements include being a Board Member of the Monument Builders of North America, and the New England Monument Dealers Association. Paul is also the Past President for Monument Builders of North America and, the New England Monument Builders Association. In 2004, Paul became a Certified Memorialist. In 1998 and 1999, Paul won the Aspire Award for Marketing and Public Relations. Paul says that his seminars are not only lively and entertaining, he promises that, “Whether you have been working in the industry for 50 years or just 50 days, you will learn something new by attending this seminar.” With presentations by Paul DiMatteo, C.M. Owner of Maine Memorial Company Bicknell Supply Company Business of the Month From Left to Right: Phillis Brooks & Pam Brooks of the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce, Michael Hughes, Sheba Carey, Elliot Dye, Scarlet Yeargin, Mike Beri, Allen Wilson, John Jenkins, John Altman & Ryan Wright of Bicknell Supply Co., Bill Brown & Val Evans of the Elberton County Chamber of Commerce, Leslie Turpin of Bicknell Supply co. The Elberton Granite Association Industry of the Month From Left to Right: Mike Gordon of the Elberton Granite Association, Phyllis Brooks of the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce, Frankie Dove, Matthew Pruitt, Susan Dixon & Christopher Kubas of the Elberton Granite Association, Pam Brown of the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Bucksot & Elizabeth Slay of the Elberton Granite Association, Bill Brown & Val Evans of the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce Sister City Students Another summer has come and gone, and the Elberton Granite Association had the distinct pleasure of hosting seven exchange students from our sister city, Mure-Cho, Japan. Mure-Cho’s granite industry is similar to ours here in Elberton. Our very own Matthew Pruitt took our guests on a fantastic tour of quarry operations, manufacturing plants and the always popular and mystical Georgia Guidstones. Matthew took the students, as well as their host families, to tour Keystone Blue Quarry to learn the numerous ways Elberton Granite is pulled from the earth. The students were then taken to Keystone Memorials, Inc. where owner Tom Oglesby guided the group through the entire manufacturing process from start to finish. The exchange students, along with their host families, were amazed at how much time and effort went into the production of each project. Everyone was then taken to the Elberton Granite Museum where they were stunned to learn the rich history of Elberton Granite. Following the tours, the group moved to the Elberton Civic Center where everyone enjoyed a good ol’ southern BBQ, and gifts between the groups were exchanged. Matthew was so tickled to guide the tour that he is already looking forward to the next time our sister city friends visit Elberton! Old South Granite Company Supplies Gragg Monument Company with Blank Canvas “Operation Eagle” Air Defense Artillery Memorial I sometimes think the word ‘HERO’ gets thrown around too lightly. However, in the case of a group of men called ‘Dusters, Quads and Searchlights’, retired Colonel Vincent Tedesko II said they displayed “bravery so commonplace, it was amazing!” Colonel Tedesko was on hand this past fall at Fort Sill, in Oklahoma for the Vietnam Memorial dedication to those that served in the Air Defense Artillery (ADA). Like me, some of you might be asking what are Duster’s and Quads? The ‘Searchlight’ part of the name is self explanatory, but their descriptions are far from ordinary. A “Quad” is a .50-caliber machine gun that was either vehicle mounted, or placed in a fortified position. A “Duster” is similar to a small tank (M42A1) that fired 40mm rounds from twin guns for air defense. When the Vietnam War started, the M42A1 was used for air defense however; with North Vietnam having little to no air force it was soon used for the defense of fire bases, becoming a close combat asset. Finally, there were those that manned the searchlights. In the case of the man firing a .50-caliber machine, life expectancy was two and half minutes after he fired the initial shot. Can you imagine what that would be for a man, alone, running the searchlights? As soon as that light was turned on, you instantly became a target! It was your searchlight that lit up the jungle showing the whereabouts of the enemy that allowed the Dusters and Quads to defend the fire base that housed your fellow soldiers and supplies. In 2011, the National Dusters, Quads & Searchlights Association sponsored a trip for three Gold Star Mothers for a trip to where their sons were killed in Vietnam. It was on a side trip to Marble Mountain and sculptor’s shop where the eagle was purchased. Marble Mountain was considered one of the most dangerous Viet Cong holdouts, and the thousands of rounds expended by the Quads and Dusters saved countless American troops while “mowing down the brush”, where the enemy lay in wait. Originally, the eagle was to be a water feature in a backyard however, Lynette Clark suggested her husband Luke ask the Association if they could use the eagle as part of a memorial for all of his Air Defense Artillery brothers that died in Vietnam. With the acceptance of the eagle by the Association president, Colonel Vincent Tedesko, “Operation Eagle” had begun. The memorial includes the three ton Flash Black Granite pedestal holding the eagle, making the entire piece over eleven feet tall. Six, four foot benches and a 8-0 X 0-6 X 3-6 Flash Black granite slab that holds the names of 209 American soldiers that lost their lives doing their duty as air defenders. One side of the 2-0 X 3-0 X 5-0 pedestal describes the units the Air Defense Artillery group served, while the other side lists the numerous ‘Campaign Participation Credits’. Gragg Monument Company of Lawton, Oklahoma took the Flash Black Granite from Old South Granite Company in Elberton, Georgia and carved over ten thousand letters for the entire project. When you take into account the bravery it took to remain at your post and light up the night, the meddle needed to continue to fire your 50 cal. while barely having the ability to see the enemy, or staying on top of your M42A1 while taking direct fire shows that the word “hero” should be used more wisely. Hillcrest Granite Co., Inc. Creates Beautiful Three-Piece Tribute Known for being influential and controversial at the same time, Mr. Ray Blanton served as Tennessee’s 44th Governor from 1975 to 1979. Longtime friend and supporter, O.H. “Shorty” Freeland erected a monument in Mr. Blanton’s hometown of Adamsville, TN., in remembrance of his friend and former boss. Although Governor Blanton created controversy in his decisions over pardons and liquor licenses, it was his ability to bring foreign businesses and investments from the British Isles, Germany and Japan that he is more known for during his term in office. Using Everlasting Blue Granite, Hillcrest Granite Co., Inc. worked closely with Classic Monuments out of Crump, TN., to create an extremely well built monument for Mr. Blanton. The three-piece monument has a DIE that measures 7-0 X 0-4 X 4-8 sitting between two obelisks that measure 1-8 X 1-8 X 5-0. Eagle Granite Co., Inc. Creates Perfect Replica John Williams of Williams Funeral Homes in Parksley, Virginia made a call to his longtime salesman, Sanford Butler at Eagle Granite Company with a heartfelt request to create a smaller version of an older memorial. Miss Marguerite Louise Hopkins passed away at the age of 98 and had been known as the daughter of one of the most philanthropic families in the area. The Hopkins family brought electricity to the town of Parksley, and donated the original infrastructure of Parksley so the town would have running water! Both John and Sanford took their time on this project to make sure that Ms. Hopkins memorial looked identical to her parents memorial. For John, part of it may have been that Ms. Hopkins never married, but he also wanted to make sure that he created a memorial that someone so vital to the town’s history would be pleased with having their name placed. After the drawings were approved, Eagle Granite Company created a base that measures out at 5-6 X 1-10 X 0-8 and a die that is 4-0 X 1-0 X 2-10. Century-Harmony Company Dallas Monument Design Build Texas Sized Beauty Taking a page from the McNeil Design book, Mark Peterson of Dallas Monument Design worked closely with Mr. Hall and his son to create an enormous family memorial. Although the original base design was more simplistic, Mr. Hall and Mark Peterson worked through several revisions of that original design and wound up with a final piece that moves from a slightly pointed apex and sweeps easily from the die (10-0 X 1-6 X 3-0) into the sub base (11-0 X 2-6 X 0-8 and finally onto the massive base (12-6 X 4-0 X 1-2). Redesigning the base and sub base to be asthentically pleasing was the most challenging portion of this project. However, it is the highly detailed band across the top of the memorial that accentuates the understated beauty of the piece. During each revision, Mark Peterson relied on the expertise given to him by Louis Tyler of Century-Harmony Company. Mark and Louis have worked on projects in the past and Mark knew if there were any engineering concerns, Louis and the staff at Century-Harmony would point them out before construction began. Mark does not believe this memorial would have turned out as well as it did without the patience and understanding of the build process that he received from the Hall family. Walker Granite Company, Inc. Utilizes Dakota Mahogany Granite for Amazing Tribute Memorial In June of 2011, Heath Wyrosdick, owner of Horizon Vault & Monument Company in Elba, Alabama was faced with having to memorialize his mother, Benita Harmon. Heath turned to Marty and Rose Walker of Walker Granite Company, Inc., to help in the design, and suggest the type of granite that would best memorialize his mother. Together they created a memorial to honor the life of a special lady. The design centers around her faith that includes a favorite passage of scripture, II Timothy 4: 7-8. The back of the die has engraved butterflies with a Latin verse “Alis Grave Nil” which translates “Nothing is heavy to those who have wings”. The butterfly and the Latin inscription have been symbolic in the few occasions where Mrs. Harmon’s two young granddaughters have asked about their grandmothers passing. Using the symbolism of the butterfly, Mr. Wyrosdick explains to his daughters that a caterpillar must go into a restful state before emerging as a beautifully winged butterfly. The ledger incorporates a colored oval 8 x 10 porcelain photograph, which will allow the memory of their loved one to remain unchanged. Surrounding both the photograph and Mrs. Harmon’s name are some old world carvings that are just stunning. Walker Granite Company and Horizon Vault and Monument Company worked wonderfully together to create a die that is 2-10 x 0-10 x 3-6, a sub base that is 4-8 x 1-6 x 0-4, a base that is 5-8 x 2-6 x 0-8, and a ledger that measures 7-0 x 3-0 x 0-6. Keystone Memorials, Inc. TEAMS WITH Van Vickle Monuments To Create A Gorgeous Family Memorial Sometimes, things just happen for a reason. Roger Van Vickle of Van Vickle Monuments in St. Joseph, Missouri is experienced enough to know that when a customer decides to back out of a design process that he should not get upset. On the contrary, you hold onto the design because of the creative effort you put into the original design idea. So when Mrs. Rebecca Robb came into his store with her daughter looking for a unique family memorial, something that no one else had, Roger had just the design she was looking for. Roger showed Mrs. Robb a design he had worked on previously, and when she found out the previous client backed out of the project, Mrs. Robb knew it would be perfect. What is truly impressive about this project is the amount of collaboration between the Robb family, Van Vickle Monuments and Keystone Memorials, Inc., for the final design. American Black was the color of choice for the Robb family due to its unique waves and beauty after polishing. Family members also suggested that the center piece be made more pronounced, while the owner of Keystone Memorials, Inc., Tom Oglesby, suggested a new cap design. Roger created drawings for the family to show what each element of design change would do to the finished piece, including changes to column carvings and font choices. But it wasn’t until Roger received architectural drawings, that included landscapes, from Ross and Amy Oglesby of Keystone Memorials, Inc., that the Robb family could get a clear look at what would be the final product. Three families worked on this project. The entire Robb family became a part of the design process that inspired Roger Van Vickle to create something spectacular. Members of the Keystone Memorials, Inc. family offered up numerous ideas, as well as personal touches, to help Van Vickle Monuments give the Robb family what they wanted, “a unique memorial that was big, but not too big.” Roger says the Robb family is extremely pleased with their memorial and says, “How well we all worked together on this project, maybe things do happen for a reason.” Southern Monument Builders Association June 19-21, 2014 Marksville, LA Once again the Southern Monument Builders Association Convention did not disappoint. The show was well attended by retailers and vendors alike. The ‘Schedule of Events’ were well organized with classes ranging from laser etching to customer service and how to approach the concerns of each customer. And where else could you see a live alligator feeding than the lobby of a casino in Louisiana? Overall the convention had an outstanding mix of networking and education while also providing family oriented entertainment. So much information in such a short time has us looking forward to next year! Teresa & Ricky Robinson of Henry & Henry, Inc. Perry Giles, Waxahachie, TX., Mike Eason & LC Starr of Elkhart, TX., Duff Morrow, Waxahachie, TX., Ronnie Brown, Miles Supply Co., Dee Ann Fitch, John Fitch, Ryan Fitch, & Claire Fitch of Pleasant, TX., Dana & Lee Richard, Sulpher, LA. Garrett Case, Dave Pace, Amber Pace of Brookhaven, MS., Tom Ogelsby, Keystone Memorials, Inc., Lilian Pace & Kevin Laird of Brookhaven, MS., Elaine Oglesby, Keystone Memorials, Inc., Mona, Ronnie & Melissa Rodrigue of Gonzales, LA., Joy & Jason Campbell of Provencal, LA., Kim McComb, Lapeer, MI., Jim McComb, Lapeer, MI. (MBNA President), Dody Campbell, Provencal, MI. Bobby & Barbara Worley, Majestic Granite Co., LLC, Stacy & Jimmy Patin, Pinewood, LA., Lenin Leslie & Curt Turpin, Bicknell Supply Co., Steven & Cindy Frawley, New Iberia, LA., Laurie & Bradley Bergeron, New Iberia, LA. Paul & Dora Broussard of Kaplan, LA., L.J. & Annette Melancon, of Lafayette, LA., Connie & Tony Mills of L&M Granite Co., LLC Kathy Coggins of L&M Granite Co., LLC Brenda, Don & Joe Lalonde of Port Barre, LA. Kathy Coggins of L&M Granite Co., LLC Shawn Clark of Burleson, TX., Matt & Ryan Worthington of Burleson, TX., Michael & Sarah Brenner of Crocket, TX., Tony & Connie Mills of L&M Granite Co., LLC Shelly & Bonnie Roy of Baton Rouge, LA. Charlie & Lauren Eurthman, Houston, TX., Brian Looney, Brownstone Memorials, Inc., Kimberly Schlizberger, Thomas, TX., Maria, Diane & Bobby Schlizberger, Davidson, TX., Lea Woodard, Davidson, TX., Bill “Grandpa” Messamore, Davidson, TX. Mid-America Monument Builders July 18-20, 2014 Oklahoma City, OK The Mid-America Monument Builders pulled out all the stops for this convention. From the centralized location and wonderful accommodations of the venue, to the technological presentations, this convention was not only well organized but well thought out. Retailers had a great deal of time to mingle with vendors to discuss upcoming needs, and to generally network for new opportunities. The Mid-America Convention has shown once again that this event is not to be missed. We’re already looking forward to seeing everyone next year. Jim, Ruth & Josh Bell, Beloit, KS., Debbie & Roger Aholt, Washington, MO., Elaine Oglesby, Keystone Memorials, Inc., Austin Alberston, Keystone Memorials, Inc., Tom Oglesby, Keystone Memorials, Inc. Michael & Angel Ashmore, Elk City, OK., Robert & Janet Clark, Clay Center, KS., Debbie & Charles McKenzie, Batesville, AR., Glen Whitner, Kennett, MO., Brent Holt, Keystone Memorials, Inc. Glen Whitner, Kennett, MO., Matt & Ryan Worthington, Burelson, TX., John Wilcox & Carleen Weisz, Sapula, OK., Bill & Joan Fox of Henry & Henry, Inc., Charles & debbie McKenzie, Batesville, AR., Charlotte & Billy Fox, Marion, KY. Matt & Ryan Worthington, Burelson, TX., Ronnie Brown, Miles Supply of Elberton, Inc., Glenn & Denise Neet, Pawnee, OK., Kim & Phillip Beloncik, Chandler, Ok. Karen Harrison, Granite, OK., Marla Scarborough, Granite, OK., Linda Morris, Granite, OK., Sharon Dodds, Ottawa, KS., Gerald & Dixie Atchison, Clinton, MO., Kenneth Dodds, Ottawa, KS., Anita Nelson, Keystone Memorials, Inc., Sue Tomkus, Clinton, MO., Elaine Oglesby, Keystone Memorials, Inc., Bob Nelson, Keystone Memorials, Inc., Tom Oglesby, Keystone Memorials, Inc. Florida Monument Builders Assoc. August 22-24, 2014 Amelia Island, FL. If you are a retailer in Florida and you missed this event, you missed a convention that had a singular focus on the education of its members. The location was outstanding for family entertainment and lived up to the Florida hype of ‘fun in the sun’! Everyone associated with this organization took the time to meet and greet all of the vendors to see what would benefit their retail business. We are excited to see what Florida has in store for group next year! Terri Reel, Star Granite & Bronze, Jim Tramonte, Orlando, FL. Mike Beri, Bicknell Supply Co., Powell & Ann Helm, Bradenton, FL. wee Alex, Tony & Christine Elrod, Orlando, FL., Susie Schneider, Orlando, FL., Jim Tramonte, Orlando, FL. Lexi, Angie, Branson & Marcus Bond, Quality Monument Sales, Inc., Jamie Hicks, Sabastian, FL., Kay Rhodes, Quality Monument Sales, Inc. Powell & Ann Helm, Bradenton, FL., Jim Tramonte, Susie & Christian Schneider of Orlando, FL., Fred & Ann Menor, Lake Worth, FL., Tony, Alex & Christine Elrod, Orlando, FL., Roger & Tanya Wallace of Wallace Granite Sales, Bryon Stephenson, Leesburg, FL. Barbara Worley & Katie Estep of Majestic Granite Co., LLC, Dwight & Jodi Wilson, Tampa, FL. The EGA is proud to announce our 2014 Training Institute has been set! We will host the popular Monument Retailers Basic Course on October 27-30, 2014. Check page 10 for more information, or visit www.egaonline.com to download the application!