FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 20, 2005

Perlite Institute Votes on Board of Directors at Annual Conference

HARRISBURG- The Perlite Institute elected the 2005-2006 Board of Directors at the annual conference held in Athens , Greece .  New members elected to the board for a two-year term are Mick Stanley, Cornerstone Industrial Minerals Corporation of Lakeview , OR ; and Jeffrey Sheehy, Whittemore Company of Lawrence , MA .  Re-elected for a second two-year term is Bill Michalopoulas of S & B North America from Berwyn , PA.   The members of the board of directors have responsibility for policies, financial reporting, and overall management of the Perlite Institute.

The Perlite Institute's annual meeting, held in Athens, Greece included speakers Hagen Knafla of Horticon speaking on Perlite's Use in Highway Plantings; Mel Mirliss who addressed the group about Health, Environmental and Regulatory information affecting the industry; Fernando Freytes of Perfiltra who spoke about Perlite and Filtration Systems; Dr. Michael Stefanakis from Silver & Baryte who discussed Sustainable Development and how it is practiced at S & B; Makis Koufetzis from Silver & Baryte who talked about Mines Reclamation on Milos Island; and several committee reports and updates from members of the Institute.  Many sightseeing trips throughout Athens and the neighboring islands were included, along with a visit to S & B, the host plant.

The Perlite Institute serves to increase the public's awareness and knowledge of perlite. It acts as headquarters for the industry by dispensing appropriate information, technical advice and guidance, as well as fostering a strong liaison with allied industries and associations. Expanded perlite is used in many applications, particularly in the construction, horticulture, and industrial fields. The 2006 annual meeting will be held May 6 - 10 in Buenos Aires , Argentina .    For more information about perlite and the Perlite Institute, please visit www.perlite.org .

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(Ed. Note: Photos of board of directors, events and company logos are available upon request.  Please contact: Bethany Dennis, 717.238.9723 or communications@perlite.org)

CONTACT: Bethany Dennis, 717.238.9723, communications@perlite.org

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