NEWS RELEASE

Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association
750 National Press Building
529 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20045
tel: 202 / 785-3232; fax: 202 /331-2714

CONTACT
Michael Fischer, General Manager
Direct Line -- (315) 420-8208

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2006

New Manufacturers Association Formed for Masonry Veneer Products Industry: “Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association [MVMA]”

[Washington, DC]  -- The Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association (MVMA) was recently formed and officially began operation April 1, 2006.  MVMA is organized to represent manufacturers and suppliers of manufactured stone and brick veneer products.  The mission of the organization is “To advance the growth of the manufactured masonry veneer products industry through proactive technical, advocacy, and awareness efforts.”

Five common objectives have been identified for the MVMA

  • Support the development of ASTM Product and Installation standards specific to the manufactured stone and brick veneer industry.
  • Codes and standards efforts with ICC-ES, the International Building and Residential Codes and local building codes in strategic states.
  • Develop technical product performance and market information for the industry
  • Raise the awareness of manufactured stone and brick veneer products in the building industry.
  • Establish relationships with national organizations such as the NAHB, the Green Building Council, LEED, AIA, ASLA and CSI.

The charter members have formed a Codes and Standards Committee which will begin actively working on:

  • Development of a consensus standard or guidance document for the installation of masonry veneer products.
  • Drafting performance based standards for manufactured stone and brick veneer products with the appropriate criteria that will be presented to a consensus based standards organization for adoption
  • Working with code development organizations and product acceptance groups such as ICC-ES to provide the best technical information on the masonry veneer products to the marketplace.

 “The formation of the MVMA in April will effectively provide the manufactured stone and brick manufacturers with dynamic representation in the major codes and standards organizations,” commented Executive Director, Russell K. Snyder. “As an industry, manufactured stone and veneer brick producers will be able to speak with a unified “voice” to the regulators, code officials and in the standards bodies to help advance this rapidly growing industry in the commercial, new home and remodeling markets.”

MVMA is the North American trade association that represents the manufactured stone and brick veneer manufacturing companies and their suppliers.  MVMA is headquartered in Washington, D.C.  The charter member companies of MVMA include:  Boulder Creek Stone Products, Coronado Products, Cultured Stone®, Dutch Quality Stone, Inc. and Eldorado Stone LLC.