Paul Reed Smith Day Declared by Maryland Governor Wes Moore

PRS Guitars has announced that Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared August 22, 2025, as Paul Reed Smith Day across the state. Smith founded his company PRS Guitars in Annapolis 40 years ago, and it has since grown to be the largest private, full-time employer in Queen Anne’s County and provides some of the world’s most renowned musicians with instruments. On this day in 1985, the first PRS guitar was officially completed and put in a case in PRS Guitars’ original Annapolis factory. In Annapolis this afternoon, Gov. Moore presented an official proclamation to Paul Reed Smith at the Maryland State House.

“Declaring Paul Reed Smith Day is about more than honoring a business, it’s also about honoring a Maryland legacy that continues to inspire,” Gov. Moore said. “For 40 years, Paul and his team have shown us what it means to build with vision and creativity — leading PRS to become a pillar of both manufacturing excellence and heart-led service in our state. I am proud to call Paul Reed Smith a friend and a partner in our work to make this Maryland’s Decade.”

The proclamation states:

WHEREAS, Paul Reed Smith, founder and managing general partner for Paul Reed Smith Guitars, has run a Maryland-based business now in its 40th year, first established in Annapolis in 1985, and since 1996 in Stevensville on Kent Island; and

WHEREAS, Paul Reed Smith Guitars now employs more than 500 people in Maryland; and

WHEREAS, Paul Reed Smith and his company contribute to local, statewide, national, and global community impact efforts across nonprofit, environmental, health, and music education efforts; and

WHEREAS, Paul Reed Smith Guitars is the largest private, full-time employer in Queen Anne’s County; and

WHEREAS, Paul Reed Smith’s achievements, work ethic, strength, and leadership in the manufacturing industry, on the stage, and in the community are a shining example of excellence and a dedication that all Marylanders can all be incredibly proud of.

Now, therefore, I, Wes Moore, governor of the state of Maryland, do hereby proclaim August 22, 2025, as Paul Reed Smith Day in Maryland, and do commend this observation to all of our citizens.

“We are thrilled to see Paul Reed Smith once again honored for his impactful work in building PRS Guitars,” said Bev Fowler, PRS Guitars director of artist and community relations. “While our core mission is to craft the finest musical instruments possible, PRS is far more than a manufacturing company. We are part of a passionate and close-knit community — made up of employees, dealers, fellow manufacturers, and artists — all united in our commitment to keeping music alive in the world. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Governor Moore and his team for recognizing our contributions to both Maryland and the global music and business industries.”

prsguitars.com