The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) presented the Joe A. Tarver Cornerstone Award for Lifetime Achievement to Giorgio Squinzi, Ph.D., of MAPEI during Coverings 2010. A video shown during the award ceremonies traced Squinzi’s involvement in shaping the global face of the tile and stone industry. It highlighted events from the time of his birth into a family that owned a small flooring and coating business in Milan, Italy, to his current role as owner and CEO of MAPEI.

As the head of MAPEI R&D during the 1970s, Squinzi led the development of the Kerabond™/Keralastic™ mortar system, a polymer-rich cementitious mortar that could be used to bond tile and stone over plywood substrates. This innovation accelerated the growth of the tile and stone market throughout much of North America. Today, under his direction, MAPEI continues to produce innovative new products that serve the needs of tile installers around the world.

“I feel very privileged to receive this award from the tile contractors of North America, who play such an important role in our business,” Squinzi said upon receiving the award. “They have made me a part of their family, and I hope they will all continue to share our future as a part of the MAPEI family.”

For more information, call (800) 42-MAPEI or visit www.mapei.com.