PRS Guitars, a Maryland-born company that has become one of the world’s leading instrument makers, is receiving a new kind of recognition this year. Governor Wes Moore has officially declared August 22, 2025, as Paul Reed Smith Day across the state, honoring the company’s founder and his four decades of contributions to music, manufacturing, and the local community.
The date carries special meaning. On August 22, 1985, the very first PRS guitar was completed and placed in its case at the company’s original Annapolis factory. From those early beginnings, Paul Reed Smith Guitars has grown into the largest private, full-time employer in Queen Anne’s County, with more than 500 employees, and has become a trusted name for renowned musicians around the world.
Governor Moore presented Paul Reed Smith with the official proclamation at the Maryland State House in Annapolis. A statement from the governor discloses that, “Declaring Paul Reed Smith Day is about more than honoring a business, it’s also about honoring a Maryland legacy that continues to inspire. For forty 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 outlines PRS’s impact over the years, noting its role in creating jobs, fostering innovation in the music industry, and supporting nonprofit, environmental, health, and education initiatives locally and globally. It describes Paul Reed Smith’s leadership as “a shining example of excellence and a dedication that all Marylanders can be incredibly proud of.”
The recognition was also celebrated within the company. A statement from Bev Fowler, PRS Guitars’ Director of Artist and Community Relations, discloses that, “We are thrilled to see Paul Reed Smith once again honored for his impactful work in building PRS Guitars. 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.”
From its modest start in Annapolis to its present home in Stevensville on Kent Island, PRS Guitars has become a fixture not only in Maryland’s economy but also in music history. Now, with an official day named in honor of its founder, the company’s legacy is etched even deeper into the state’s story.
Learn more about Paul Reed Smith and PRS Guitars at prsguitars.com
