SUNY Awards Innovative Stone with Training Grant

HAUPPAUGE, NY - October 19, 2006 - Innovative Stone® announced today that it received a $30,400 Workforce Development Training Grant from the State University of New York to fund English training classes for its workers. The grant enables qualifying Innovative Stone employees to participate in English-As-A-Second-Language classes provided by Suffolk Community College.

The award was presented by John Lombardo, Suffolk Community College's Director of Corporate Training. "The Corporate Training Center at Suffolk County Community College partners with local businesses to provide training solutions, tailored to meet today's workplace needs," said Maureen David Arma, Suffolk Community College's Corporate Training Account Executive.

This initiative is one of many from the Long Island-based company that is getting a reputation for community outreach, charity and providing valuable educational opportunities for its workers. As part of its Social Responsibility program, Innovative Stone also donates a percentage of every countertop purchase to charity.

"We are honored to receive this award from the State University of New York," said Allen Gruenhut, Director of Human Resources for Innovative Stone. "As a company that prides itself in supporting our employees, we are committed to investing in programs that enhance their skills, proficiencies and quality of life."

The grant comes in the midst of Suffolk County's observation of Hispanic Heritage Month. "As the suburban county with the largest Hispanic population in New York State, it is gratifying to be able to provide greater developmental opportunities to many of our workers," said Gruenhut.

This is not the first time that the State of New York has taken notice of this fast-growing Long Island enterprise. In 2004, the Office of the New York State Comptroller Alan G. Hevesi invested $3 million of the State's pension fund in Innovative Stone for its fiscal worthiness and excellence in business practices.

About Innovative Stone®:
Innovative Stone is the world's leading fabricator, supplier and distributor of branded natural stone products for commercial and residential markets. Founded in 1981 by Karen Pearse, its various brands include Stonemark™, Bellavana™, PermaShield™ and Proliner™, among others. Over the years, the company has won various international awards and it designed the cornerstone monument for the new Freedom Tower in New York City. For additional information regarding Innovative Stone, call 631-273-4445, visit http://www.innovativestone.com, or e-mail info@innovativestone.com.