The Natural Stone Institute is a trade association representing every aspect of the natural stone industry. The current membership exceeds 2,000 members in over 50 countries. The association offers a wide array of technical and training resources, professional development opportunities, regulatory advocacy, and networking events. Two prominent publications—the Dimension Stone Design Manual and Building Stone Magazine—raise awareness within the natural stone industry and in the design community for best practices and uses of natural stone. The association serves as the authoritative source for safety and technical standards and information regarding the use of natural stone. It operates an industry accreditation program and two prestigious awards programs, as well as a continuing education program for architects and designers.