Newton, MA (April 29, 2004) - First Act Inc., a pioneering musical products company, announced today that it has been awarded The Music Trades magazine's esteemed "Company of the Year" Award. The Music Trades awarded First Act the impressive honor for its positive, significant influence on the musical products industry. "[First Act's] foray into school music products has demonstrably altered the competitive landscape," said Brian Majeski, The Music Trades editor. "For that fact alone, First Act has clearly separated itself from the pack."
The Music Trades awards are given annually to recognize companies that have achieved dramatic sales performance and that have had a disproportionate impact on the industry. "We're tremendously proud to be publicly recognized by our colleagues," said Bernard Chiu, First Act chairman of the board. "Many companies in our industry have been around for a hundred years-to be signaled out for the major impact we're making in the industry after only a few short years in business is an extreme accomplishment."
The "Company of the Year" awards were announced in the April edition of The Music Trades magazine and the competition was considerable. "After evaluating scores of worthy companies, we concluded that First Act was clearly the most deserving recipient," added Majeski.
Chiu credits First Act's industry success to its broad-minded approach to fine instrument craftsmanship, its continuing support of the professional, mainstream artists who demand quality, and its groundswell of consumers who appreciate the value First Act's instruments represent. "We're not only making substantial contributions to the industry, we're beneficially changing consumer's buying and selling patterns," adds Chiu. "And we're proud of the respect and notoriety we're garnering as First Act grows."
And indeed, professional musicians, music educators, and business experts are increasingly taking notice of First Act as its instruments continue to generate excitement in the industry and the company gains noticeable market share through successful, strategic partnerships and by continuing to keep a consumer-focused approach to doing business.
By offering consumers a better overall value and by applying the creative process used in crafting its high-end, custom-made studio guitars to the production of its consumer lines, First Act encourages more people to choose music as a means of expression. The company's exclusive Studio for Artists makes one-of-a-kind guitars for professional musicians and has created pieces for nationally known musicians such as Maya Ford from the Donnas, Nick Zenner from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Nathaniel Cox from Revis. The result is a synergistic product offering of stylish, great-sounding instruments that both musician artists and general consumers appreciate.
"We come to work every day energized. We're having fun, we're motivated, and we're making music happen for more people," adds Chiu. "As the 'new kid on the block' in our industry, it's noteworthy that First Act is The Music Trade's 'Company of the Year,' and proof that we're more than just a great, consumer-focused company, but a significant, respected leader in our industry as well."
About First Act:
First Act Inc., based in Boston, MA, is a premier musical products Company. First Act's entrepreneurs, musicians, and artisans develop superior musical instruments that are made to be heard and crafted to last.
First Act's Studio for Artists designs and builds custom guitars for professional musicians in a progressive, sophisticated in-house studio. First Act's Concert Series(tm) offers band students a comprehensive range of instrument choices while First Act's line for teens and adults includes a wide range of guitars, drums, hand percussion, and accessories. First Act's Discovery(tm) line of instruments gives young children a musical head start.