OOLITIC, IND., – 11/17/14 – The revitalized and expanded line of products and services offered by Indiana Limestone Company was featured in the firm’s presence at the 2014 Higher Ed Facilities Forum, held recently in La Quinta, Calif. Natural limestone is a favorite for campus construction, and the ILCO presence sparked substantial interest from college and university officials in attendance.

A select group of manufacturers invited by the event organizer, Influence Group, took part in intensive conferences with top influencers and decision-makers for campus construction, renovation and maintenance. More than 60 university managers and executives were in attendance, representing a range of private, state and religious institutions nationwide.

“It benefits both the university officials and the companies who take part,” said Craig Alwine, Eastern Territory Manager for ILCO. “We learned about upcoming projects and long-term campus planning. Some schools in growth mode are looking at numerous new projects. Others are facing more renovation and repair work.”

“In either case, we find out how they do business – and who with. They benefit from direct contact from some of the nation’s best providers of construction materials and services. This helps them get the caliber of buildings that belong at their schools.”

Bart Becker, Vice President of Facilities at the University of Calgary, sees the program as a worthwhile gateway for conversations between university officials and business. “There’s extreme value in the leaders of institutions meeting with leaders in industry to explore opportunities and learn about new products,” he said.

Michael Owens, Executive Producer of the Event for Influence Group added that  the intimate setting of the program makes it unusual and effective. “There’s a dialogue here between providers and decision makers with regard to facilities, something that’s missing from traditional trade shows,” he said.

Jeff Chitwood of Bybee Stone Co., Ellettville, Ind., which participated with Indiana Limestone in the forum, said, “It’s been a terrific opportunity to be with end users and potential end users. We want to get people who have been using limestone to keep using it, and get those who’ve worked with lesser quality materials to try limestone. Many of them don’t realize how cost competitive it can be.”