MAPEI Corp. has been named sponsor of the Marble Institute of America's (MIA) 2010 Pinnacle Awards competition. Initiated 10 years ago, the competition honors natural stone companies, architects and designers worldwide for exemplary work in the residential, commercial and renovation arenas, resulting in significant global recognition for winners. “Drawing on MIA members around the world, the Pinnacle Awards competition has emerged as one of the more prestigious competitions of its kind,” the MIA says.

“We believe sponsorship of the Pinnacle Awards is an outstanding opportunity to recognize the architects, contractors and artisans in the stone industry for projects that show all the impressive beauty of natural stone,” said Michael Micalizzi, head of Technical Services for MAPEI Corp. USA. “I am delighted that MAPEI has agreed to sponsor the MIA Pinnacle Awards,” said Brett Rugo of Rugo Stone Co. and president of MIA for 2010. “It is only fitting that this premier supplier has agreed to sponsor these prestigious awards. Our firm has won many Pinnacle Awards and MAPEI’s product line has played a major role in our success.”

In the Pinnacle Awards competition, a panel of architects selects the best entries and presents Pinnacle Awards and merit awards to the best in each of four categories. The judges then pick the “best of show,” which is presented the Grande Pinnacle Award, sponsored by Marmomacc, one of the world’s largest stone shows, held each fall in Verona, Italy.

Call for entries for the 2010 Pinnacle Awards will be issued in March, with entries due in mid-summer.