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Illuminating Concrete Countertops with Fiber Optics

The Concrete Countertop Institute teams with Coastal Concrete Counters to teach the use of fiber optics in concrete countertops.

Robert Sapp of Coastal Concrete Counters and Jeff Girard, P.E., of The Concrete Countertop Institute will offer the first ever class on using fiber optic lighting effects in concrete countertops, to be held June 16, 2006 in Raleigh, NC. The class is designed to help concrete countertop fabricators add fiber optics to their repertoire, expanding their businesses with an exciting technique that is possible only with concrete.

Robert Sapp is a nationally recognized expert in the use of fiber optics in concrete countertops. He invented the Illumistone^TM line of premium concrete surfaces. Robert says, "When I first invented the processes, I thought that bars and restaurants would be the main application. I have found that clients often want fiber optics in bathroom vanities, and there are even applications for visually impaired clients."

Students wishing to enroll are required to have previous experience with precast concrete countertops. The class will cover design considerations and constraints, placement and finishing techniques, and power and ventilation considerations. Robert explains, "A separate illuminator provides the light - there is no electricity in the counter itself, so it is safe for outdoor and damp environments."

Jeff Girard says, "The Concrete Countertop Institute is constantly trying to provide innovative new learning opportunities for concrete countertop fabricators. This class is a way for us to provide established fabricators with a new way to wow their customers."

About Coastal Concrete Counters:
Robert Sapp is a former Navy nuclear submariner and the president of Coastal Concrete Counters in Pensacola, Florida. Coastal Concrete Counters offers countertops of all shapes and sizes, concrete surfaces such as fireplace hearths and surrounds, custom crafted concrete and metal furniture and table tops and Illumistone™, an exclusive line of concrete surfaces incorporating fiber optic lighting. Contact Robert Sapp at 850-944-6050 or visit www.coastalconcretecounters.com.

About The Concrete Countertop Institute:
The Concrete Countertop Institute offers the most comprehensive, engineering-based education in concrete countertops in the industry. Its mission is to raise the standard for concrete countertops by helping contractors succeed in the business of making concrete countertops. Jeffrey D. Girard, P.E., the founder of The Concrete Countertop Institute, is a licensed professional civil engineer. He was the first person to approach concrete countertops from a structural engineering perspective. Jeff is a nationally recognized expert who has been making concrete countertops since 1999. For more information, contact Lane Mangum at 888-386-7711 or visit www.concretecountertopinstitute.com.

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