Company Briefs – April 2006

• FinishPro Tools LLC of Lenexa, Kan., acquired the Goldblatt and Pacesetter masonry-tool brands from The Stanley Works in early March. Stanley originally acquired Goldblatt in 1992; FinishPro will incorporate the line through the new Goldblatt Tool Company LLC.
• ETemplate Systems joins forces again with the International Solid Surfaces Fabrication Association (ISSFA) as a 2006 educational program sponsor. The software-publishing division of Raleigh, N.C.-based Tri-Tech Solution Inc. also sponsored the industry group’s Job Management and Installation (JMI) and Shop Process Optimization (SPO) seminar series in 2004-2005. ETemplate Systems has been an ISSFA Training and Education Center (ITEC) sponsor since 2001, and was the association’s 2005 Associate of the Year.
• STONEXPRESS is the exclusive North American and Central American source for Laura Ashley Home stone, porcelain and ceramic tiles. Kennesaw, Ga.-based STONEXPRESS announced the deal in mid-March.
• Entries are being accepted until July 31 for the Second Annual Marble Institute of America Advertising Awards Competition for member companies. The contest honors print advertising, sales collateral and Websites this year, as the radio and television award categories go on hiatus. Awards will be presented on Nov. 10 during StonExpo 2006 in Las Vegas; Salem Stone is sponsoring the ad awards competition for the second consecutive year.