Artisan Group™ Holds Industry Showcase

AUSTIN – The Artisan Group’s Third Annual Industry Showcase again featured new products, plenty of sharing … and plenty of Texas music and down-home barbecue.

Click photo to enlargeArchitectural Granite & Marble played host to 32 Artisan Group member companieson on April 9-10 at its Spicewood, Texas, headquarters, and offered an agenda that included a mini-trade show with 17 industry exhibitors.

“Creating this trade show in conjunction with our annual meeting has expanded awareness of the Artisan Group throughout our industry,” says Chad Seiders, Artisan Group executive director. “It allows us to form alliances with vendors for group purchasing, as well as treat our customers to a lot of fun, while taking care of group business.”

Exhibitors making a return trip to the Artisan Group confab included Kohler, Craft-Art Wood Countertops, Fabricator’s Choice, Granite City Tool, Laser Products, and the Marble Institute of America. New companies included LG Viatera, Breton, CMS Brembana, Northwood, Piedrafina, QuartzSource and Elkay.

“The trade show is a great value to me,” says John Hansen, Kohler Business development – strategic markets. “In one trip, I can see my biggest customers in a casual setting, get direct feedback on new programs and products, and share best practices/successes within the group. All this, in addition to visiting a great city with great hosts.”

Show attendees also heard a keynote speech by Dave Mitchell, author of The Power of Understanding People, who teaches powerful team building and sales techniques with laughter. Following the speaker, Django Walker and award-winning singer/songwriter Drew Womack provided Texas-style entertainment.

Artisan Group is a premier network of North American stone fabricators, offering granite sourced worldwide by its extensive network and fabrication by highly skilled craftsmen at technically advanced and automated shops with highly skilled craftsmen.