Ceramic Tile And Stone Consultants, LLC (CTaSC)

San Diego, CA, May 1, 2006

Ceramic Tile And Stone Consultants, LLC (CTaSC) announced that Vince Pompo has joined the company as New Business Development Manager and will be focusing on promoting the University of Ceramic Tile and Stone (UofCTS) training programs.

Pompo began his career in the ceramic tile industry in 1949 at Gladding McBean & Company in Glendale, CA working for the famous manufacturer of Franciscan Tile. He remained with the firm for 26 years, rising to the position of Sales Manager. In 1975 he founded Southwestern Ceramic Tile & Marble Co., a wholesale importer, distributor and retail operation serving the greater San Diego, CA region. Foreign products were growing in popularity during that time and Vince teamed up with other key importers to form a co-op importing company in 1980 called Certico. Southwestern Ceramic Tile & Marble enjoyed a successful reputation among members of the design community, the construction trade, distributors, suppliers and consumers for 25 years. Vince embarked on another venture in 2000 with the opening of Tile Depot, a retail store offering a wide selection of tile and stone for residential and commercial applications. He recently sold the Tile Depot business which enabled him to take on his latest assignment as part of the CTaSC Team.

Over the years, Vince has had many accomplishments in the field of ceramic tile and stone. In 1977, he became a Certified Ceramic Tile Consultant (CTC), a credential granted by the Ceramic Tile Institute of America (CTIOA). Vince was a charter member of the Ceramic Tile Distributors of America (CTDA) and served as its president from 1982 to 1983. For several years he represented CTDA on the Tile Council of America’s committee for the “Handbook of Ceramic Tile Installation.� During his CTDA tenure he was also instrumental in establishing the Ceramic Tile Promotion Fund. Other organizations in which Vince was a participating member include the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), American Institute of Architects (AIA), Producer’s Council, USC’s Architectural Guild, Building Institute Association (BIA) and Construction Specification Institute (CSI). Vince was also honored with the prestigious Sales and Marketing “Sammy Award.�

CTaSC specializes in ceramic tile and stone consulting in North America. It is a professional company of expert consultants comprised of accomplished ceramic tile and stone installers, construction scientists, and other industry specialists located throughout North America. CTaSC provides Forensic Failure Investigations (Expert Witness), Quality Control Services for Product and Installation Methods, Training Programs (for Sales and Installation, online and live), Market Research and Outsourcing Services, and Business Planning Consulting to the Ceramic Tile and Stone Industry. Founded and operated by Donato Pompo CTC CSI CDT MBA.

For further information about Vince Pompo and CTaSC Services please visit Ceramic Tile and Stone Consultant's website at www.CTaSC.com .

	Marble MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS This standard includes general information on the characteristics and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems associated with the material. INTRODUCTION Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite (CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed, is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds react differently with marble and produce various by-products, which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration. Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red, yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition. TYPICAL USES Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage to which marble is susceptible.