A milestone moment for Maryland’s music and manufacturing community, Governor Wes Moore has officially proclaimed August 22, 2025 as Paul Reed Smith Day across the state.
The declaration of Paul Reed Smith Day celebrates the 40th anniversary of PRS Guitars, founded in Annapolis in 1985 by Paul Reed Smith, and now the largest private employer in Queen Anne’s County. With more than 500 employees and a global reputation for excellence, PRS Guitars has become both a hometown success story and an international icon in the world of music.
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A celebration of craftsmanship and community
The proclamation was formally presented to Paul Reed Smith at the Maryland State House in Annapolis. Governor Moore praised Smith not only for his company’s world-class guitars, but also for its legacy of creativity, resilience, and community impact. He emphasized that Paul Reed Smith’s work has made PRS a pillar of manufacturing excellence in Maryland, while inspiring musicians and makers around the world.
From one guitar to a global brand
On this date in 1985, the very first PRS guitar was completed and cased in the original Annapolis factory. Four decades later, PRS instruments are played by some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Carlos Santana, John Mayer, and Mark Tremonti. The company’s growth has been matched by its commitment to social good, contributing to nonprofit, environmental, health, and music education efforts across Maryland and beyond.
Honouring a Maryland legacy
PRS Director of Artist and Community Relations, Bev Fowler, noted that while the company’s mission is to craft the finest instruments possible, its heart lies in the wider community of employees, dealers, and musicians dedicated to keeping music alive. With the proclamation of Paul Reed Smith Day, Maryland formally recognises not only a thriving business, but a lasting cultural legacy.
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