Rock Stars program honours young professionals

The Coverings tile and stone exhibition held in Chicago, Ill., inaugurated its second class of “Rock Stars” — the show’s emerging leaders program.

Selected in recognition of individual achievements towards the continued betterment of the tile and stone industry, the 2016 honourees were announced during the Coverings CID & Opening Night Celebration.

Coverings show management says that the future and continued success of the tile and stone industry is dependent on the many talents represented by a diverse group of young professionals.

A panel comprised of industry professionals reviewed more than 54 candidates, and selected the following 10 inductees for this second class.

Representing more than six industry specialties, the 2016 honourees are: Sean Cilona, Lexington, Ky.-based Florida Tile, Manufacturer; Andrea Contri, Confindustria Ceramica of Sassuolo, Italy, Trade Association; Cameron DeMille, Easy Stone Care of Huntington Beach, Calif., Fabricator; Bradford Denny, Nichols Tile & Terrazzo Co. of Joelton, Tenn., Contractor/Installer; Bill Griese, Tile Council of North America of Anderson, S.C., Trade Association; Julian Hernandez, San Juan, Puerto Rico-based JR Design and Contractor, Contractor/Installer; Jason Holman, The Source Stone of Martinez, Calif., Fabricator; Joseph Procida, Procida Tile of Deer Park, N.Y., Distributor; Paul Reiss, Artaic of Boston, Mass., Architecture & Design; and, Kate Sterling, New York, N.Y.-based AKDO, Manufacturer.

The selected Rock Stars each received a one-night hotel stay in Chicago to attend Coverings.