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Register Now for our Design Webinar with Monica Johns, CM, AICA - August 11, 2026 at 3pm (EST)

Join nationally recognized memorial designer Monica Johns, CM, AICA, for an webinar focused on the purpose of memorial design. Drawing from her experience in the monument industry, Monica will explore how thoughtful composition and storytelling can transform a memorial from stone into a lasting tribute. Whether you are a designer, salesperson, or memorial professional, you'll leave with practical ideas and renewed inspiration to better serve families through meaningful design.

Register NoW

Up Coming Events

August 11, 2026: Design Webinar with Monica Johns, CM, AICA

August 11, 2026: Design Webinar with Monica Johns, CM, AICA

August 11, 2026: Design Webinar with Monica Johns, CM, AICA

 Join nationally recognized memorial designer Monica Johns, CM, AICA, for an webinar focused on the purpose of memorial design. Drawing from her experience in the monument industry, Monica will explore how thoughtful composition and storytelling can transform a memorial from stone into a lasting tribute. Whether you are a designer, salesperson, or memorial professional, you'll leave with practical ideas and renewed inspiration to better serve families through meaningful design.

September 2026: Hiring Panel with various MBGL Members

August 11, 2026: Design Webinar with Monica Johns, CM, AICA

August 11, 2026: Design Webinar with Monica Johns, CM, AICA

  Finding and developing great people is one of the monument industry's greatest challenges. Join a panel of experienced MBGL member firms as they share what's working in recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, training, and retaining exceptional employees. This interactive discussion will provide real-world strategies, lessons learned, and practical ideas you can immediately apply to strengthen your own team.

October 2026: Every Dollar Seminar with Ramsey Team

October 2026: Every Dollar Seminar with Ramsey Team

October 2026: Every Dollar Seminar with Ramsey Team

Strong businesses are built on intentional financial stewardship. In partnership with the Ramsey Team, this seminar will explore how the EveryDollar budgeting philosophy can help business owners and their employees gain greater clarity in their personal finances and make more confident financial decisions. This is a great company benefit that each business should consider.

January 2026:Hands on Shop Demonstration

October 2026: Every Dollar Seminar with Ramsey Team

October 2026: Every Dollar Seminar with Ramsey Team

There's no substitute for learning alongside fellow craftsmen. This hands-on workshop will take participants into the shop for live demonstrations of monument production techniques, equipment, and best practices. Many of the stone techniques can be done in our shops with minimum effort.  Which will add value for your customers and your business.  Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn directly from experienced professionals in a collaborative environment.

Second Annual Meeting Recap

A special thank-you goes to U.S. Metalcraft for being such fantastic hosts. Their tour gave us a greater appreciation not only for the quality and integrity of their products, but also for the opportunities they provide our firms to better serve families and create meaningful add-on sales. We even learned a valuable way to add onto final date lettering sales by helping families think about additional ways to complete and personalize the memorial space. Members who are interested are encouraged to reach out to U.S. Metalcraft to learn how they can increase revenue during this common customer interaction.

Meeting Highlights

  • Financial Update: MBGL remains in a      strong financial position, with expenses below income. The Board voted to      extend all 2025 memberships through 2026, with dues resuming in 2027.
  • Membership Growth: Membership has grown      from 14 retail firms (30 total members) in 2025 to 20 retail firms (41      total members) in 2026. Our goal is to reach 50 retail firms by year-end.
  • Advocacy Efforts: MBGL is strengthening      its partnership with MBNA’s advocacy committee while exploring ways to      support members on regional cemetery-related issues and education.
  • Education: Upcoming opportunities      include webinars on design, hiring, and SmartDollar by EntreLeadership,      along with a hands-on shop seminar planned for January.
  • Ohio District Trustee: David Van Stone was      nominated for Ohio District Trustee. Additional nominations will be      accepted during the 30-day nomination period.

The roundtable discussion focused on member needs, recent successes, industry challenges, and supplier relationships. The Board recognizes the importance of protecting the interests of monument builders and retail firms while thoughtfully engaging industry partners.  There were too many conversations that took place before, during, and after the meeting to recount here.  

Thank you again to U.S. Metalcraft, Delphos Granite Works, our sponsors, and everyone who participated. MBGL continues to grow because of the investment and involvement of its members.  We look forward to building on this momentum together.  This fall is going to be a great and we are excited to add value to your businesses.  

Sincerely,


Adam Longstreth

President of MBGL

The Monument Builders of the Great Lakes

Copyright © 2026  The Monument Builders of the Great Lakes - All Rights Reserved.

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