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ISFA UPDATES
ISFA Appoints Laurie Weber as New CEO, Ushering in a New Era of Industry Growth
The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) is pleased to announce the appointment of
Laurie Weber as its new Chief Executive Officer.
A seasoned association executive, Weber brings more than 25 years of experience in workforce
development, strategic planning, and operational leadership. She has worked across nonprofit, trade, and
credentialing organizations, developing nationally recognized certification programs and leading teams
through transformation and growth.
Weber is known for building systems that support both organizational excellence and individual potential.
Her career reflects a deep commitment to ethics, equity, and innovation, qualities that align with ISFA’s
forward-thinking mission to serve and elevate the decorative surface industry.
“ISFA has a strong reputation for connection, quality, and craft,” Weber said. “I’m honored to join this
incredible community and lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact.”
Weber succeeds Marissa Bankert, who led the organization with integrity and dedication. The ISFA
Board expresses its sincere appreciation to Bankert for her outstanding service and leadership during her
tenure.
ISFA is the premier trade association for the surfacing industry, providing education, advocacy, and
connection for professionals and partners across the field.
ISFA EVENTS
Join us for the 2025 ISFA Annual Conference, set against the stunning backdrop of Arizona’s desert landscape. With the theme Renewed Connections. Advancing the Path to Success, this year’s event is all about growth, innovation, and shaping the future of surface fabrication. Connect with industry leaders, peers, and professionals from across the country.
The conference offers engaging sessions and networking opportunities designed to spark ideas, foster collaboration, and drive your business forward. With our three-track system, you and your team can take full advantage of all the educational sessions available, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Whether you're looking to learn, grow, or simply recharge with like-minded professionals, this signature event is your path to fresh insights and meaningful connections.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Dear valued partners,
As you are all aware, recent changes in trade policy have impacted the tariff landscape. At Cosentino, we have been closely monitoring these developments and have taken deliberate steps to minimize the impact on your business.
Silestone® and Dekton® products have been subject to a federal tariff since April 2025. Cosentino has been absorbing this cost, but as of August 13, 2025, it will be reflected in updated pricing. Please refer to the enclosed MSRP document for details.
USA MSRP
Now more than ever, we remain committed to transparency and will continue to assess the situation and adjust our tariff surcharge accordingly in response to future policy changes.
From July 31 - August 8, 2025, you will be eligible to participate in the exclusive Silestone Full Truck Flash Promo. Enjoy an additional 10% discount off the current MSRP and 6-month equal payment terms on all Silestone colors, thicknesses, and finishes. More details will be shared in a separate communication.
We deeply value your partnership and appreciate your continued trust in Cosentino. Our commitment to supporting your business with cutting-edge products and world-class service remains steadfast, even amid challenging global conditions.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact your Cosentino Representative.
Sincerely,
Brandon Calvo COO, Cosentino North America
FEATURED ARTICLES
The Edge keeps you connected with the latest ISFA news, industry trends, safety updates, advocacy efforts, and featured articles from Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine. Stay informed and ahead in the world of surface fabrication.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Philadelphia and Chicago regions and the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) announce the establishment of a regional Alliance under OSHA’s Alliance Program. This voluntary, cooperative partnership pledges to elevate workplace safety, training, and safety culture across the surface fabrication industry.
The Alliance Program enables OSHA and national trade associations, like ISFA, to collaborate on outreach, education, and the national dialogue around safety and health in the workplace.
The new OSHA–ISFA Alliance will focus on:
Joint development of training and educational materials—with an emphasis on silica dust prevention.
Outreach and communication initiatives are designed to advance safety awareness throughout ISFA membership and the broader surfacing community. Promotion of a robust national dialogue on shop safety culture, encouraging leadership commitment, shared best practices, and employee engagement. "Safety is core to ISFA’s mission of promoting professionalism in surface fabrication,” said Board President, Ted Sherritt. The organization already offers comprehensive silica dust and safety compliance resources to members. The Alliance will amplify these efforts through co-branded programming and expanded access. Through the Alliance, OSHA and ISFA will convene a team comprising OSHA officials and ISFA representatives, meeting regularly to ensure progress and coordination. The Alliance will also create annual reports to evaluate outcomes—such as numbers trained, materials distributed, and forums held—and outline goals for subsequent periods.
The Alliance aligns with ISFA’s existing safety focus, including its widely used silica training tools, educational events, and safety related publications and webinars featured for members on its website, isfanow.org.
About OSHA’s Alliance Program OSHA’s Alliance Program is a voluntary partnership framework established in 2004 via Directive CSP-04-01-001 (revised in 2015 and again in 2020). It enables organizations to collaborate with OSHA in delivering training, outreach, and resources to improve workplace safety and health nationwide. The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), in collaboration with the Natural Stone Institute (NSI), is proud to announce the release of Yale Literature Review: Medical Studies, the second installment in a two-part study on silica exposure and health risks within the surface fabrication industry. This latest report offers a deep analysis of peer-reviewed medical research that examines the impacts of respirable crystalline silica, equipping fabricators with actionable insights to improve workplace health and safety.
In 2024, ISFA and NSI released the first part of these reviews focused on exposure studies, which documented real-world data on silica dust levels found in fabrication environments. The newly released medical literature review complements those findings by connecting exposure trends with clinical health outcomes—delivering critical information to guide risk mitigation and long-term workforce protection strategies.
“This comprehensive review provides fabricators and stakeholders with an evidence-based understanding of the health consequences tied to silica exposure,” said Marissa Bankert, ISFA CEO. “ISFA remains committed to arming our members with fact-based tools and knowledge that directly enhance safety in their shops.”
In addition to this important publication, ISFA is also recognizing a significant training milestone: over 1,100 industry employees enrolled in their online silica safety course. These trainings and the continued dedication to research reflect a commitment to the surfacing industry to uphold rigorous safety standards and invest in proactive health education.
“This milestone represents a powerful collective effort among fabricators to protect their teams and their businesses,” Bankert added. “By supporting accessible, high-impact training and research, ISFA is helping raise the bar for health and safety industry-wide.”
This initiative is part of ISFA’s broader dedication to workplace wellness and continuous education. By combining cutting-edge research, practical tools, and professional training, ISFA continues to play a leading role in advancing safety excellence throughout the decorative and architectural surfacing sectors.
To read the full Yale Literature Review: Medical Studies and explore additional silica safety resources, visit https://www.isfanow.org/silica-RESOURCES.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
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